Monday 25 March 2013


Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood Part Three
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 318 Mins
Audio: English & Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: 29/4/2013
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Edward and Alphonse, the Elric brothers find themselves with Izumi, their Alchemy Tutor and Hoenhiem tells Rockbell all about them and how life turned out for them once they decided to dabble in alchemy in order to bring their mother back to life. He tells everything, the whole story, of Bradley, the Philosopher's Stone and what making one entails. The two brothers become ever closer to the Philosopher's Stone, but getting it is another matter when they end up in the hands of the terrible Homunculii, and someone calling them their father.

There are still moments in the anime where the brothers recall past events surrounding their childhood when they made the awful mistake of trying to bring their mother from the dead using the law of equivalent exchange, yet there was nothing to replace the human soul, so there is a great deal about the twins being damned because of what they did. Viewers can only think that had they not entered into the military they would have been made an example of by the people for breaking such a strict law. It is action filled, energetic at times and the animation is fantastic to watch. Humor creeps in now and again, but now without its doom laden moments too.

Full Metal Alchemist can be considered one of the more serious anime series out there at the moment. Not always fast moving or even fast paced, but has meaningful story and characters that count in the whole scheme of things. They are voiced by some of the most well-known stars in voice acting to date; Troy Baker as Greed, who is in many anime, Trinity Blood being one, Todd Habercorn as Ling Yao who is in Ouran High School Host Club, Monica Rial, May Chang who is also in Bamboo Blade.

Other than being a serious series the Elric brothers can be the but of jokes, and fun humor usually directed at Edward, while May sees him and immediately falls head over heels in love with his handsome good looks.

When all the violence and confrontation is over with, fans will enjoy seeing the brothers taking a break from normal life, talking of their woes, and relaxing in the only way they know how. One of these involves a nice bit of female fan service with Edward taking a shower, getting out and taking a stroll. It's a cool interlude, and just as comical as the other moments in the anime.

Bonus Material: Clean Opening and Closing animations plus an English Language Dub Commentary.

Verdict: Powerful, thrill-packed, deep, dark and intensely moving - this continues to be one of the foremost series in anime history.



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