Back to StillSwingin007's Profile StillSwingin007's Profile

This is the last anime that needs another review, but I couldn’t resist. The Fullmetal Alchemist franchise’s significance to anime is rivaled only by shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop. The original version from 2003 stands as one of my favourite series of all time, as it is one of the most well rounded shows that I’ve seen in the anime medium, and I believe it’s a must watch for all anime fans.

Fast forward to 2009, when Bones released Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, a faithful remake to the manga, which was still being written while the 2003 version was being released (which led ... to the overall plot diverging from the manga). Brotherhood has been critically acclaimed, and has often been considered superior to its 2003 counterpart. While I believe that it’s a fantastic show (and believe me – if the million fanboys/girls squealing isn’t enough, let me tell you that Brotherhood is AMAZING), and it does indeed do a few things better than the 2003 version, it does fall short in a few areas.

(Note that comparisons to the 2003 version will be present, because hey, it’s inevitable.)

Plot/Presentation
So Brotherhood follows the source material more faithfully. Does that automatically mean it’s better? Well, yes and no. One of the main criticisms against 2003 is that it diverged from the original plotline of the manga. While the original source material had some magnificent content, the mere fact that Brotherhood is more faithful doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s better.

Let’s start with the flaws first. The first 10 or so episodes are extremely rushed, and, to be frank, shitty. Pivotal moments that build not only the foundation of the entire plot, but also key moments in the development for a few main characters, felt hurried, and I couldn’t feel the dramatic tension of the situations at all.

I honestly hated Brotherhood at that point, but it eventually got better. The director eventually found a consistent pace that worked for the show. It was still fast paced and incredibly engaging, but it slowed down just enough for the show the flow naturally.

The main problem with the entirety of the show is the comedy. The manga had lots of comedy, and though I haven’t read all of the series, the comedy worked decently well to an extent. The show tries to copy the manga’s humour, and it just doesn’t work when brought to life on the screen. A lot of the tender and dramatic moments of the show are completely destroyed by characters suddenly jumping into chibi form for a quick laugh. The transitions between the drama and comedy in Brotherhood is horrendous and above all, inappropriate. Plus, the recurring jokes get way too old way too fast (e.g. people teasing Ed about his height is funny at first, but loses its effect).

The world of FMA can be rather… dark, and it’s beyond me why such inappropriate comedy is placed in the most out of place situations. Luckily, like my issue with the pacing, the humour eventually became a bit tamer, but it still irked me at times.

Remember how I said that the mere fact that the show follows the manga more faithfully doesn’t mean that it’s better?

The 2003 version saw this, and it did its best to tone down the humour just enough for the show to feel more genuine. It still had the wacky FMA slapstick that everyone loves, but unlike Brotherhood, it was saved for when it wouldn’t interrupt with pivotal dramatic/emotional moments.
However, it’s not to say Brotherhood does a bad job with its tender bits either. When it’s done right, it’s done well.

Now before you rage on me and rate my review ‘not helpful’, keep in mind that I still gave this show an 8/10. This show has much redeeming value, hell, plenty of it.

The entirety of the story revolves around the theme of ‘Brotherhood’, like the title suggests. You see this with both the protagonists and the antagonists. You see this bond with the Elric brothers, the military, with Fort Briggs, and even with the homunculi.

The plot itself, while having some issues with its presentation, has the word ‘epic’ written all over it. The world of FMA is a grand one, and so are the rules of alchemy, which is what makes this show special in the fantasy genre. Alchemy is not magic – to obtain, one must give something of equal value (The Law of Equivalent Exchange). There are many rules of alchemy, and as the show progresses, you learn more about alchemy itself and its effect on other people, both positively and negatively.

This is one of the most daring shows I’ve seen in any medium ever, as it goes beyond what the fantasy genre is usually capable of. Brotherhood has a monster of a plot, and somehow it manages to handle its many plot threads with care without seeming convoluted. Each and every subplot receives closure (for the most part) and they all have their impact on the story at large. This is hands down the best part about and so this show deserves praise for that.

Overall, the plot has it all. It’s complex, fascinating, fun, and engaging. Unfortunately, the few but major flaws took a toll on my rating.

Characters
For me, what I love most about the world of FMA is the characters. The story begins with the tragic tale of the Elric brothers, Edward and Alphonse, two of my favourite characters in anime.

Edward is the daring brother, the taker of chances, and the intuitive genius of alchemy for his age. He’s strong, he’s flawed, and he is the famous Fullmetal Alchemist. Alphonse is the one who stops and thinks, and throughout the story, he wishes to prove his worth and be more useful to everyone. He can be considered as the moral compass in the entire cast. What I absolutely adore about their relationship is how much they want to save each other before themselves. Edward has lost an arm and a leg, and Alphonse has lost his entire body and is forced to live in a suit of armour, yet all they care about is each other. You can’t ask for better leads like these two. They develop and flesh out nicely as the story goes on. Few relationships can be so tragic, beautiful, and touching.

Brotherhood has a huge cast of side characters, and somehow manages to give the majority of them enough screentime for each of them to leave an impact on me. All the characters have their own motives, relationships, and place in the story at large, and you get to see it all.

Certain characters’ roles and relationships were enlarged in Brotherhood, making their presence far more significant then in the 2003 version. For example, Winry is not only bigger a character in Brotherhood, but her relationship with Edward in particular is far more fleshed out. Winry keeps him grounded. You see her take care of his injuries, scold him, tease him, and most importantly, fall in love with him.

I could go on and on about the characters, but I’ll let you learn about them yourselves. Overall, Brotherhood has a memorable, fantastic, and well used cast

Art/Animation
Bones, you beast of a studio. It’s a wonder how consistent the animation is from Episode 1 to 64. Most long running anime tend to lose its steam when it comes to production values as the show goes on.
Not Brotherhood.

While the animation is not always perfect, it’s still crisp, clear, and consistent. Considering the show’s length, its consistency is an achievement in itself. Equal time and care is also put in the character designs. All of the characters are definable, vivid, and full of life. The background scenery can be absolutely stunning to boot.

The fight scenes range from boring to extremely mind blowing (particularly fights involving Mustang and the final showdown). However, FMA was never about the action, so I can’t really complain, as I feel that it would’ve let the show down if it were more action-oriented.

The only complaint I have, albeit a minor one, is the use of lighting. It can seem a bit flat at times, but overall, this show is very visually pleasing to the eye.

Music/Voice Acting
When it comes to the music, the openings and endings are where Brotherhood shines. I’ve yet to see OP’s and ED’s so memorable, gripping, and energetic. I loved each and every one of them except for the 3rd OP and ED. Even though I don’t usually listen to Japanese music, I loved the songs. Plus, when the songs are also used as inserts during any given episode, it brings the biggest smile to my face. Standouts go to OP 1 and 4 and ED 2, which is a touching pop ballad called ‘Let it Out’. Even though I couldn’t understand the lyrics without translation, it still brought a few tears to my eyes.

The soundtrack itself is very solid one. There is a wide range in this soundtrack, from upbeat to suspenseful, and the soundtrack is used well. I’ve no complaints.

FMA has been considered to be among the shows that have superior dubs than most in anime, and honestly, I could see why. There isn’t a single miscast here, and every one of the VA’s played their role amazingly well. For example, I was a little hesitant to hear that Alphonse’s VA was replaced, but all that hesitation withered away after I heard Maxey Whitehead’s portrayal of him. Her performance came of just as genuine as Aaron Dismuke’s.

It’s hard to pick out standouts, mainly because every VA went beyond the call of duty with these characters. I loved this dub that much.

Conclusion

After a rather disappointing start, Brotherhood more than makes up for it, as it becomes a huge rollercoaster ride until its epic finale and touching conclusion. With a plot that screams epic, fantastic characters, masterful production values, and an eargasmic dub, I wish I could rate this show higher. I really do. However, the few flaws were unfortunately major ones, and they took a huge toll on the show as a whole. Consistent pacing and tone are two important building blocks that form a solid story, and unfortunately Brotherhood lacks in both areas. Nevertheless, don’t let these flaws stop you from watching this show, as it more than makes up for it. If you haven’t watched anything from the Fullmetal Alchemist franchise, I suggest watching the 2003 version first and then watching Brotherhood.

Now before I close the longest review I’ve ever written, I’d like to address one commonly asked question in the anime community: is Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood worthy enough to be ranked #1 on MAL? While I do not believe Brotherhood is THE BEST ANIME EVER, I will say it’s among the greats, and its universal appeal is undeniable. Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood captures what anime is and the great heights of which this medium is capable of. I couldn’t think of another show that is more worthy than Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood to be the face of anime.

Now, me being a FMA fanboy, this gigantic review only scrapes the surface of all my thoughts and feelings. Am I being overly positive? Am I being unfair? If you want to take this discussion further, feel free to leave feedback/comments on my profile! This is StillSwingin007, and thanks for reading my review!

I’ve always had mixed feelings about the show where the esper, the alien, the time traveler, and the normal highschool student all gathered together to entertain that certain ecstatic girl. However, as time passed by, it ended up being one of my favourite guilty pleasures. How could I forget the super fun misadventures of the SOS Brigade? Kyon’s snarky attitude? Haruhi’s one of a kind personality? And, most of all, Mikuru’s tea?

The series, though arguably mediocre, had some very fun moments. So where does this movie, The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, stand?

Story/Presentation: I’m going to skip over the synopsis, since you can already read ... one with a button away. Due to the hype behind this film, it’s practically common knowledge that this movie has a complete different tone compared to the hyperactive series. It starts off like any other episode from the show, and then slowly transitions into a more solemn tone. Sure, it isn’t dark as something Gen Urobuchi would write, but in contrast to the series, it’s quite the difference. The use of tone is used well, and it helps make the movie feel a lot more believable than the show (assuming you have a suspension of disbelief).

Though the tone was one of the film’s highpoints, I can’t help but feel that it makes it a tad, just a tad, disjointed from the series. People expecting more misadventures from the original show will be sorely disappointed in this movie’s change for a serious plot.

The pacing also deserves mention. The beginning of the film is very slow and deliberate, and though many people may criticize it for being boring, I found it to be good writing. Sure, it may seem a bit dragging at times, and it really doesn’t pick up until a big plot twist ¼ of the movie in, but that’s the writer’s intention. It’s supposed to give the viewer the sense of the dull normal world Kyon’s facing after Haruhi’s disappearance, this being reality.

In terms of the story itself, it turns out to be quite the intricate tale, at least compared to the series. Many plot twists come along the way, and for the most part, the film remains unpredictable. Time travel also has a big role, and it really made me think, which is something I can’t say for the show.

However, my favourite part about the story is how it uses past events from the series, as many subplots and character motivations come back and play their role here. When it comes down to it, the writing here has moments of absolute brilliance.

Its connection to the series can be, to some, a downfall, as this isn’t a standalone. To watch this, the viewer must have knowledge of the first two seasons. Another flaw of this film is its association to the source material. It leaves a few plot threads dangling and a few unanswered questions by the ending (I will refrain from spoilers), and until we get more of the series animated, these plot threads will remain unanswered (unless you consult said source material).

Characters: I loved the eccentric cast from the series. Sure, they mostly followed typical stereotypes, but they did so in a refreshing matter that made them memorable. If there’s one thing that bugged me about the series, it is the lack of characterization. Though one shouldn’t expect much of such from a slice of life show, it was shame that most of the characters weren’t given much depth on their own and in their relationships. In addition, they never really felt like real people.

This is yet another highlight of the movie. Kyon is our point of view in this movie, and after Haruhi disappears, all his motivations and interactions with other characters are completely believable. The best part of his characterization comes to play when he starts to question whether he prefers the supernatural world he always complained about or the normal life he wanted from the beginning. His decision regarding that aspect says a lot about his character.

Another character I’d like to mention is Yuki Nagato. We’ve all known her as the monotone emotionless alien/robot, and now we see her as a quite shy bookworm. How she got that way comes from her motivations from the previous season, and her actions in this movie really strengthens our view of her as a character. Did she really feel nothing throughout all the events of the original show? Is she really the emotionless drone we all thought she was?

Surprisingly, Haruhi herself, despite being part of the driving force, doesn’t get as much screen time as one might expect. That’s not to say she was used poorly, and on that note, all the side characters were used well and they each held their respective purpose in the movie strongly.

Art/Animation: Ah, Kyoto Animation. Feast your eyes, ladies and gentlemen, for this movie is a visual ecstasy when it comes to Japanese animation. The visual quality for the original series was already top notch, so just imagine Kyoto Ani squishing that entire budget on a 2 hour and 40 minute movie. I don’t think I need to say much more than that this film, from a visual standpoint, is absolutely stunning. The colours are vibrant and the animation is smooth.

Speaking of the colours, they compliment the movie very well. In the beginning, the colours are bright to show the spunky life of the SOS Brigade, and when the movie transitions in tone, the colours become subtly darker to really drive home the dullness of an ordinary life. This is just a subtle but noticeable change, and that’s what I love about it.

Music/Voice Acting: This has got to be one of my favourite soundtracks in anime of all time. Each track compliments the movie extremely well and every single one of them is fantastically orchestrated. There is a lot of range in atmosphere in the soundtrack, from upbeat to suspenseful to solemn. It goes without saying the soundtrack is excellent and is used masterfully well.

As far as the English Dub goes, I really have no complaints. It is the same cast as the original series, and so if you had no issues there, then you shouldn’t have any here. Each actor continues to compliment his or her respective role well. As far as standouts go, they would have to be Crispin Freeman as Kyon and Michelle Ruff as Yuki Nagato.

Crispin brings something new to the table as Kyon, going beyond the usual snarky attitude he usually has. Michelle Ruff wasn’t necessarily impressive in the original series (though in her defense, her character didn’t really call for anything special), and when it came to portraying the new side of Yuki Nagoto, she really delivers. She doesn’t go crazy and change her voice drastically. Instead, she subtly adds an indescribable… meekness to her performance.

So yeah. The music and the dub are both fantastic.

Final comments: This movie will give fans of the original series the fangasm they were wishing for, and even those who didn’t like the series might find something to enjoy here. Does this make the original series worth watching? In many ways, yes, it does. It’s a well-written movie with a great use of tone, amazing presentation, and masterful production values. It goes without saying that The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya gets a high recommendation from me.

That’s all for my review, folks! Feedback would be greatly appreciated, whether it be praise or criticism.

Steins;Gate. A sci-fi drama with a smattering romance based on time travel. What an experience that was.

Story: Let’s start with the flaws first. The very slow start may seem very… jarring for some, if not most, people. Yes, there is a point to it, and in my eyes, it serves as a very good set up, as it explains key plot points and characters that later parts of the show won’t have time for. However, slow is slow, and for the most part, the first segment of the series was unmemorable, even though it did have its moments. Also, somewhere in the middle of ... the show, harem elements are pulled out of nowhere, making way for very out of place scenes and interactions. It really wasn’t needed, as the show already had a great romantic subplot, with good development no less. In addition, a few character backgrounds weren’t properly explained, however this is somewhat forgivable because considering the amount of content of the show, adding any more may make the viewer confused.

Now, why did I want to get the flaws out of the way? Well, simply put, despite their existence, this show has one of the most brilliant plots that I have ever seen in any medium.

The first segment, despite being a bit slow, was still intriguing enough for me to not drop the show entirely. And in return, Episode 12 rewards us with fast plot movement. The dramatic tension rises significantly, making way for a lot of goosebump moments.

Speaking of drama, Steins;Gate does a fantastic job at balancing its dramatic elements along with its comedic elements. Unlike shows like Full Metal Alchemist or Fate Stay Night, the two very different genres never seem to clash with each other, and when they come up they never seem out of place, creating a very well rounded tone for the show. It could be a lighthearted comedy between a mad scientist and his lab buddies, and it could also be a darker toned drama about a man battling against time and inevitable consequences.

Another thing I’d like to mention is how well this show does at explaining its key plot points. Steins Gate makes its intricate premise seem so… simple, and it hardly leaves any plot threads dangling. In addition, despite time travel being a very iffy sub genre, this show never feels clichéd or convoluted, and it remains original and a one of a kind.

Characters: I’d go so far to say that Okabe Rintarou, our male lead, has everything that makes, in my opinion, a fantastic and fascinating character. Seriously! He has defining characteristics, great depth and development, and above all, likeability. Our first impression of him is a delusional young man trying to be a world conquering mad scientist. This is already awesome itself, and in addition, later parts of the show prove that he is more than that. He pits against my other favourite male leads.

Next up is Makise Kurisu, our female lead. To label this redheaded budding scientist a textbook tsundere would be a complete and utter lie, as her human and realistic side of her proves otherwise. The best part about Kurisu is not only her character itself, but the chemistry Okabe and Kurisu create throughout the series. I’m not only talking about the romantic side of it, but also how well these two adapt to both their comedic banters to their emotional and fragile encounters. At first sight, they may seem like polar opposites, but by the end of the day, they both share the same intellectual insight and ambitions creating the dynamic duo they are.

As for the rest of the characters, they do their jobs, and they do them well. There isn’t a single character in Steins;Gate’s cast that seems out of place, and each of them has their own respective backgrounds a depth, making way for a very diverse cast. However, though this is more on a personal note, I really only felt myself intrigued by the shows’ main duo. However, when all’s said and done, Steins;Gate does a fantastic job at presenting its characters.

Art/Animation: The art and animation were done by White Fox. To summarize the general gist of the visual quality, it can range from simplistic to simply eye boggling. The character designs were original and done well. My only main complaint would be Okabe, as he looks a LOT older than he really is. My jaw literally dropped when I found out he was only a teenager.

Sound: I’d call the soundtrack for Steins;Gate fitting yet forgettable. It does what it needs to when a certain scene calls for it, but nothing really stood out unfortunately. The OP and ED, however, are a complete different beast. The OP is pure eye candy, and along with the song ‘Hacking to the Gate’ by Itou Kanako, it fits the show to the T. The ED has a very creepy feel to it, and it does a great job. One small thing I would like to mention is at the end of Episode 9, it has this fantastic transition to the ED song, and along with the glossy art and animation, it does a fantastic job at raising the drama.

The English dub is an interesting thing to talk about. While I have no right to judge an anime’s Japanese dub (as I am not bilingual in any shape or form), I do find it very easy on the ears. In fact, the Japanese dub was so well received by most fans that they find it jarring that this show even has an English dub, despite how amazing it is. Steins;Gate has one of the best dub cast that I have ever seen thus far, and this is where I shake my head at the fanboys when I say I prefer this dub over sub.

J Michael Tatum brings a very bombastic performance as Okabe, while Trina Nishimura does a fantastic job at capturing Kurisu’s tsundere-ish yet down to earth personality. The entire cast does a brilliant job at portraying their respective characters, and each and every actor is a standout in their own special way. Props to Funimation for bringing, yet again, another fantastic dub.

Final Comments: The flaws are few, but noticeable, and to call this perfect would be a lie. However, this show is a one of a kind, and it’s so engrossing that the flaws hardly matter. In a world where overhyped shows such as Sword art Online exists, there are also shows like Steins;Gate that actually deserve the hype it receives. A brilliant plot, a diverse cast of characters, and an intriguing romance; how can you go wrong?

El. Psy. Congroo.