Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood Rewatch – The Law of Equivalent Exchange

This is a review blog of Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the top rated anime of all time. In accordance with the law of equivalent exchange, I gave my time and passion in order to create this review.

Information ahead might be considered spoilers for you. Read at your own risk.

Full Metal Alchemist is a manga created by Hiromu Arakawa. Its first anime adaptation with the same name released on October 2003 which ended with a film Full Metal Alchemist The Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa. The story shifts into an original plot from the middle of the manga’s storyline. Arakawa requested the change of an ending since the manga hasn’t completed yet. The first adaptation seemed to be a commercial purpose for the franchise. Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood, however, is created on 2009 after the end release of the manga. It is a faithful adaptation of the manga. The anime is considered a shounen type but people also weighed it as seinen since both its plot and drama seemed to target the adult men generation minus the fan services.

Brotherhood isn’t perfect as others may think. There are noticeable awkward scenes that I do feel confused. One of which is the episode where Winry suggests to act as a hostage of Scar. I find Edward’s reactions too lame. Scar has threatened his life many times before so handing out your girl to a crazy guy should be extremely scary. The scene also has a pinch of humor which makes it even more confusing and cringy. The original animation seemed better compared to the second one. Some said that the first few episodes feel rushed if you already read the manga while others think the element of surprise gone from the first few episodes because the events are similar to the original animation. Although, these are few of the flaws which I think does not hold back the quality of the series. The rating proves it anyway. In any case, the franchise still holds the top spot on review ratings which I think it deserves after I finished rewatching the series.

It is undoubtedly the most loved by the plurality (since I think “majority” is a bit of a stretch) for most watchers. It’s not a perfect piece but the whole series consistently delivers its excellence throughout the show. One of the shounen’s core attribute is its battle system which a popular appeal to youth’s viewership. However, there are no clear power rankings within the series except to the main antagonist which obviously a stronger one. The battle scene still sticks to a realistic viewpoint despite the existence of fancy power system. The alchemy power system presents a rare concept of pseudo-science using any matter around and a fictional scientific law they called “The Law of Equivalent Exchange”. Basically, the law simply governs the use of alchemy that every desired creation has an equal payment of sacrifice. The regular alchemy requires a transmutation circle traced on the surface as a magic device to invoke the power. Related to that is the focal point of the plot called the philosopher’s stone. It is a powerful object that ignores the law of equivalent exchange which means an alchemist has the freedom to create without sacrificing anything around them. While there’s a vast potential for the alchemy system to develop into something great, the series only took up few of its creative variation such as flame, metal spikes, huge trap dome, explosions or pipe-shape metals. Nonetheless, the power system presented is the foundation of the franchise’s whole story. It has lateral connection to the entire development of the story.

The story starts unclear at first but it slowly takes its momentum later on. The power of philosopher stone in connection with their goal to redeem their bodies is the primary objective. Steadily, the plot develops into a larger scale as the antagonists’ malevolence unfolded one by one throughout the story progress. The phases of important incidents are organized properly which brings excitement and curiosity to the viewers at every end of the episodes. The couple death of certain characters or death backstories fervently develop the main characters and other supporting casts into a resilient personality which gives strength to the solemnity of the plot. The good thing about it is in every episode the mysteries mentioned becomes more interesting as new discoveries of antagonists’ wicked plan revealed. In addition, new characters and their backgrounds are timely introduced as the progression continues towards the major climax of the series. Every detail adds up to the complete revelation of the entire antagonist’s scheme.

Unquestionably, Elric brothers are well delivered throughout the show. However, the supporting casts have even more noticeable growth especially the female characters. Winry has more relevance compared to the original animation. Her desire to help the Elric’s accentuates even more with her frequent appearances plus the bonus subtle romance between her and Edward. The marvelous fight scenes of the Xing characters especially princess Mei Chang are splendid as well. The awesomeness of Brigadier General Armstrong and Colonel Hawkeye which lead the whole feministic participation into another new level. I also consider Mustang and Scar as semi-main characters of the series due to their compelling development that contributes well to the climactic point of the show. Most of the characters are persistent and decisive to their objectives. Individual back story contributes to their defined conviction. Whether you may think it is too mechanical, it will depend on everyone’s own taste but for me, the characters are well written despite the issue. Based on my viewing experience, I believe persistent characters means no drifting out of the plot and more immersion for the viewers.

In regards to the animation, the art style isn’t special but they aren’t pushover too. The smoothness of the movements is as same as other shounen anime. Some shapes are too pointy but they don’t affect its beauty. The action scenes are one of its main attractions. There are no repetitive points. Originality of movements and the details of every strike are above average. As I said earlier, the battle scenes stick to reality despite the existence of alchemy. Most of fight scenes are gracefully executed. Edward’s fights don’t only limits to alchemy but also include close quarters combat. Good example is Mei Chang’s showcase of martial arts stunts. In 51^st episode, you will witness the fluid motion of her jumps and kicks while juggling the jar and her panda against the zombies or immortal dolls in a span of seconds. It was artfully detailed on every frame if you try to watch it in slow motion.

The soundtracks are so beautiful. The first opening is stimulating enough to start every episode with utmost interest. That 26^th episode last minute really gets me every time I hear Edward shouts “Wait for me. Wait for me!” while the music intro is in the background, the same with the next episode about the back story of Hohenheim, which is a very emotional one. “Let it all out” sang by Miho Fukara is my favorite one. I even include it into my playlist.

All in all, I consider Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood as one of my favorites. It still lives up with my expectation as a top rated anime. It is a golden story train full of passion and mysteries. There’s no waste of any puzzle pieces nor the appearance of plot holes. Every detail fits into their right places. Although the anime is not my most favorite of all, in my opinion, Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood still deserves the top chart.

Violet Evergarden – An Overload of Heartfelt Scenes and Emotions

Hello fellow anime lovers, for everyone who loves to watch drama anime. Violet Evergarden is a must watch. I will write my review/recap of this anime.

Spoilers are present ahead. Read at your own risk.

The initial episode starts with an injured girl waiting for her master to arrive to fetch her. She believes she’s a dog of him. Lt. Col. Hodgins, a friend of her master, pick her from the hospital. She thinks she is going to her master but, unfortunately, Hodgins brought her into a rich family who wants to adopt her. He claims that it is an order from her master. Yet she refuses to stay there and ask him to just throw her away somewhere. Hodgins bring her instead to his postal company and let Violet work there. Violet gets introduced to Auto Memory Doll Service during this time. It’s a service to write letters for people who have been having difficulty to express their feelings. As she remembers, the last order of his master is:

“Live and be free from the bottom of my heart, I love you”.

She can’t comprehend the last three words. So Violet thought she needs to become an Auto Memory Doll to understand them.

Her journey tackles the life of different people in every episode. Violet helps them to overcome their worries and move on forward. Overload of emotions will burst out from you on every heartfelt story. Unless you’re a cold one, you will surely love this show.

Episode 3 illustrates the guilt of the death of a soldier’s parents.

In this episode, Violet wrote a simple yet moving letter of gratitude from Luculia to her brother.

To my brother “I am very happy you came back alive” – Luculia

It’s too simple but it’s so moving and meaningful. The episode shows you Luculia’s frustration to talk to her brother. She has difficulty on expressing her feelings but what pains her is her brother is in deep agony. She knows she’s the only person that could help him free from that pain of guilt but she can’t even say the words she wanted to say. Violet letter moves his heart and gives him hope in life. For a person like Luculia who have been missing her family, just simply seeing a single one of them by her side still alive makes her extremely happy.

Episode 4 illustrates daughter’s gratitude to her parents.

Violet wrote an apology letter to everyone especially to Iris’ parents after Iris ruined her birthday party.

The letter is just an apology letter to her parents but it still meaningful especially the last part. Every parent knows the time comes when their children are not “children” anymore. Iris letter express the love of a loving daughter to her parents. Her most heartfelt message: “I am sorry for always making you worry. But, please watch over me a little bit longer”. For a parent gradually seeing their child grows, suffers, and struggle in their life is so frustrating. They know that sooner or later their child will separate from them and live with their own family. Reading this message will definitely move your heart as a parent.

Episode 5 depicts the love of royalty, their restraint circumstance.

At this part, Violet wrote series of letters for the princess of Drossel – exchanges of replies between them.

At first, the exchanges are made by the Doll for optimal use of words since it’s a national concern. But in order to have genuine conversation, spoken words should be by the person involved, not through their representatives. Violet convinced both parties to exchange letters without using their optimal Dolls. For royalties like them, hearing compliments from people are just platitude of counterfeit words. They think those words tend to be suspicious and insincere. They assume all are just forced because they’re royals. Marriage isn’t a joke, both the prince and the princess knows that. They want their relationship to be real and not because they are bind to do so.

Episode 6 showed the inspiration to move on and disregard your past.

Episode 7 is one of my favorite episode of the series. This act tells the story of a father missing his only remaining family, his daughter. It has the most alluring scene of the show. It’s so enthralling to see the beauty of Violet’s mid-air pose as she tries to cross the pond by landing on the floating leaves.

Episodes 8 to 9 are special since it is about the story of the most beautiful character of the series.

She is an unnamed girl who grows in the battlefield, with corrupted knowledge, only trained to kill. Killing is the only thing she learned. A navy captain captured her and been brought as a weapon for his brother, a soldier. It is a sort of automatic weapon that protects its master at its own will. The captain believes she is nothing but a tool. The brother adapts her with open arms. He felt pity for the child. He’s the first one who treats her as a human, teaches her to read, write, talk and gives her a name. Violet, a wildflower that symbolizes survival and honesty, she accepts everything her master gives. Her innocence is too much. She doesn’t realize that her master loves her very much. She assumes everything given to her is part of his duty as a soldier. As she said his order is her everything.

Yes, the picture above is her. The two episodes are about Violet’s past and her only love. I’m pretty invested in her character and development. Seeing her crying in these episodes tears me apart.

Episode 10 is the most heartfelt in my opinion. Violet was hired for 1-week of writing letters by a sick mother. She prohibits her only daughter to enter the room where they work. The episode shows you that love is still around even after death. It is an eternal love of a parent to her child. While, Episode 11 is about a dying soldier’s last message to her love ones. It is also worth mentioning about the bonus glimpse of fluid action sequence in this episode. KyoAni always amaze me of their fluid animation.

The remaining episodes will conclude Violet conviction and outlook in her life. The significance of her character development is so gratifying. For viewers like me who’ve invested their fondness to her, watching Violet having her occasional smiles feels like in seventh heaven.

The show starts subtly then gradually captivates audiences with their meaningful dialogues. Followed by much alluring animation visual effects, it will trap you within the magical world of Violet Evergarden. The musical score adds magic to the scenes. It makes the whole package beautiful. The episode’s character stories are not uncommon. However, the screenplay has been excellently paced throughout the show. It shows that great production can prove its worth regardless of how they’re originally written.

Violet is an interesting main character. My first impression of her is she seemed pure and innocent. Her wooden personality conceals the number of hardships she has been through at an early age. She is so beautifully designed. She seemed like the delicate pretty girl you want to protect until you realize she doesn’t need your protection. More likely, you’ll be the one who needs her protection.

One of the best values of a great show is its consistency to sustain the excellence of its genre. There are times were a non-action oriented anime has better action scenes than the action-oriented shows, which you may find a filthy betrayal for the part of the viewers. Violet Evergarden appears to be a main drama anime throughout the show; notwithstanding, the few action scenes here aren’t poorly executed. Kyoto Animation, a long-standing elite in the animation industry, has already held its reputation on serving high-quality product to their viewers. Every time the characters have held their emotion, their patented artistic eyes quiver like water on its pupil engrossed me with so much awe. Even if some of their anime plots are almost uninteresting or mediocre, their fascinating character designs can easily attract the viewers on any show they’ve made. There are times where I convinced myself to watch a certain show they’ve made since the characters are likable anyway, even though the plot is too uninteresting. However, this isn’t one of them. Violet Evergarden is a Kyoto Animation’s drama masterpiece. Kana Akatsuki, the author of its light novel, creates an excellent literature that brings heartwarming feelings into her fellow readers.

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected Season 2 Rewatch – The Development and His Dilemma

Hello fellow anime otaku, here is my continuation of the recap/review of My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As I Expected.

Spoilers are present ahead. Read at your own risk.

After rewatching the first season there’s no way I ignore to rewatch the sequel. As what I remember, Yahari Ore No Seishun Love Comedy wa Machiagatte Iru Zoku or Oregairu S2 is the real strength of the series; most likely the reason why this show has thousands of diehard fans. Let us continue to recollect again the story lies ahead on our main protagonists especially Hachiman.

Season 2 starts with its brand new art style by Studio Feels. The characters are more mature looking than the previous season. Apparently, its new art seemed to change the mood of the show which I think is an appropriate move from the creators considering the next scenes are bit melodramatic. I have no problem with the previous art style, albeit I still like the new one. As the story continues, the next Service Club problem appears to be more awkward and sensitive for most of the high school students – it’s a love confession. To be specific, it’s Tobecchi decided to confess his love to Ebina. They are both parts of Hayama’s clique which also arise the problem of the situation. What if Ebina rejects Tobecchi? Does their gang still stay the same? Hayama and Miura know that the rejection might fracture their beloved gang. This is the main problem of the situation; a very relatable problem for everyone who has been part of a heterogenous clique. The weight of the problem feels clearer after you hear the conversation between Hayama and Hachiman during the school trip. “You’re the last person I wanted to rely on” are the last words of Hayama to Hachiman before Tobe’s confession.

Hachiman knows the solution without compromising the outcome of the situation. He believes that he is the only one who can do it; a solution that only a percent of people of this world would do, which he really does.

My respect to Hachiman triples during this part. It is also one of the reasons why Hachiman receives some of the Best Male Character Nominees and Awards. He may be pathetic, but his principles really inspired not just me but thousands of fans who’ve watched this show.

After Hachiman’s sacrificial stunt, the story intensifies further. Yukino and Yui completely hate Hachiman’s way of solving problems. A strife surfaces among them especially between Yukino and Hachiman. Followed by events after events, their conflict gets even more difficult. Hachiman’s dilemma is he can’t turn back anymore. Despite his personality, he already cares for Yui and Yukino. It’s his unwanted want.

Yui and Yukino do what Hachiman used to do – sacrificing oneself to solve the problem. Now, the table turns against him. He got the taste of his own medicine. He is scared that the club might disappear. He then decides to prevent them from becoming the Student Council President by convincing Isshiki Iroha (the foxy girl according to him) to become the President instead. Although he prevails, the awkwardness still lingers around them. The episode’s end line described it as – the scent of tea no longer fills the room.

Yukino is not any more motivated to accept the club’s requests. Then, Hachiman personally accepts Isshiki’s request. He chooses to not let the two get involved in Iroha’s problem since he is responsible for the consequence. It is no wonder that Yukino might know what is he doing. This is where Yukino tells him that he doesn’t need to attend the club anymore. Yukino resonating words are the following: “If this is all it takes to tear us apart, then maybe we weren’t all that close, to begin with”.

Later on, Hachiman realizes what is his true responsibility. In Episode 8, Hachiman first time express his true emotion to Yui and Yukino. Even though he showed us only a small change of his character, its impact is so heart-rending to be not considered.

Afterward, the story develops into something more “sinister” as Haruno said. The love triangle becomes clearer. There are several scenes that hint the romantic aspect of the story especially Yukino’s feelings to Hachiman. The best scenes are during their amusement park trip; when Yukino mends Hachiman’s wounds in the clinic and during the Valentines chocolate baking activity. It gets even more exciting to watch, thanks to the amazing plot development presented by the creators. The show is a rare masterpiece. Cliche scenes and dialogues don’t exist in this series. Scenarios are presented neatly. Other factors such as likable characters, animation, musical background, soundtrack and etc. are great too. The story development will give you the excitement and tension. It beautifully supplemented the build-up plot during the previous season.

The series is the most special slice of life anime in my opinion. I’ve never been watched a show as awesome as this. The relatability is superb in my experience. I even adopt Hachiman’s principles and philosophy to fight my depression. This anime unexpectedly inspires me a lot. I know a huge number of Oregairu fans have this kind of sentiment too. All of the youth situations tackled are uncommon but relatable. Watari implicitly showed us the untold stories of youth. This is not about romance cliché plots on how the MC could bed on with his lady or how the MC don’t get busted by the most popular heartthrob or how love at first sight takes place from serendipity. Everything here is new to me. I am very much glad if this anime will not going to be an unfinished story of the past. All of us are waiting for the Season 3.

My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong As I Expected Rewatch – a Masterpiece and a Masterlist of Life Quotes

Hi guys, my fellow anime otaku, let’start to rewatch My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong As I Expected . This is a recap/review of the show. It is my first anime review blog. Hope you like it.

Spoilers are present ahead, read at your own risk.

It feels good when you’ve happened to watch an anime that brings so much joy to your heart. As someone who loves watching different shows from mainstream or popular shows to the most underground indie shows, looking for a masterpiece that really suits your taste is like finding your eye contacts dropped somewhere at your yard. Wataru Watari a Japanese light novel author creates a comedy slice-of-life masterpiece that I’ve never seen before. I’ve been living for 25 years in this world and have watched different films and series from top Hollywood shows to the most local shows, but Oregairu or Yahari Ore No Seishun Wa Machiaggate Iru is so great to compare to them.

The story is about a student Hikigaya Hachiman who decided to live his school life alone. He accepts to spend his school life as a loner, no friends, and an obvious introvert. His teacher Hiratsuka-sensei, who read his ridiculous write-ups about “evil youth life”, counsels him to stop being a loner and suggests him to live his life on how most youth should live it. She immediately forces Hachiman to enter the Service Club as a new member. The Service Club has only one member at that time; she’s Yukino Yukinoshita a Class 2J – International Class student in the same year as Hachiman. Yukino is also a loner and has no friends like Hachiman. Their difference is that Hachiman chose to spend his youth as a loner and disregard the importance of people around him while Yukino advocates changing the people around her and intends to spend her youth happier as possible. In other words, Yukino still hopes for the better while Hikigaya already gives up and embrace his situation. Nonetheless, they are almost similar in so many points that make the club an intellect clash between the same poles of a magnet. Service Club is a club that helps students to solve their problems. It was formed solely by Yukino for whatever reason which not even mentioned anyway. The tale of these two loners began as different characters ask for help about their personal problems and clashes of ideas after ideas presented intellectually throughout the show between our two protagonists.

Oregairu is generally a slice of life anime that offers several scenarios most of us could relate unless you’ve already born as a rockstar or has some tremendous prideful mental tendency. Its title has “comedy” and “romantic” on it but the comedy here are mostly smart jokes which are not for everyone while the romance is almost nothing until the second season.

I feel interested and curious about how artfully written the dialogues of the characters. It’s very mindblowing to hear their dialogue. They’re easy to comprehend and surprisingly brilliant. Hachiman’s monologues have a bunch of awesome smart points and figures of speech that I’ve never heard before. Example of one of his monologue is: “Animals naturally form packs. Carnivores form social hierarchies within their packs. Those that fail to become alphas harbor the burden of failure until they die. I’m sure herbivores feel guilt as they sacrifice their comrades to evade their predators and live on. In this world, forming packs yield to no benefit for the individual. Thus, I chose the way of solitary bear, which does not form packs. The bear finds no anxiety in living alone. He is proud. He is a lone wolf.”

He is referring about his class gathering in groups as the “animal packs”. The alpha is the more influential and charismatic within the group while those who are not part of the group “the herbivores” submit easily to more influential group in the class whenever they want something. The scene shows you the student playing his PSP easily get daunt by Tobecchi – a part of Hayama’s group (the most influential group in his class). He insists that forming groups doesn’t benefit everyone. That’s why he claims he chose to be a loner or “solitary bear”. Yukinoshita also has her pieces of quotes too. When Yuigahama expresses to Yukino that at least she’s not the only one who has no talent in cooking, Yukino then replies: “Could you stop trying to match the people around you? Don’t you feel ashamed trying to blame your own clumsiness, unsightliness, and foolishness to others?” Blunt, it may be but she has a point.

Another thing that feeds my enjoyment of this series is how fun listening to them bickering on each other – especially between Yukino and Hachiman. There are several scenes of Hachiman justifying his outlook according to his past experience, and then Yukino roasts him sarcastically. One of which is in Episode 2 where Yui asks his number.

The three main protagonists from left: Yui Yuigahama, Yukino Yukinoshita and Hikigaya Hachiman

Yui: You sure your fingers aren’t just weak because you don’t have anyone to text.

Hachiman: How rude. I texted girls in middle school too. You see when we changed classes, I took out my phone and ask her number, she said “I guess we should exchange numbers” At the very least, I was that social.

Yukino: “I guess? Sometimes kindness can be cruel.”

Hachiman: “Hey don’t look down on me! I texted her after that, you know.”

Hachiman: “She was a very healthy and reserved girl. I mean I texted her at 7 pm, and she replied the next morning ‘Sorry I was asleep. See you at school.’ She was that healthy.”

Yui: “That’s like…”

Yukino: “She pretended to be sleep and ignored your text. Hikigaya, stop averting your eyes from reality.”

There are plenty of dialogues like this that you could relate to. The musical score also is on point on every mood of the scene. Combined with its subtle animation, the atmosphere of the series seemed beautifully integrated. The first season shows mostly the slice of life, comedy, and few sights of drama. After watching this anime you would feel like the story is just about Volunteers’ Club doing their thing. Well, the second season is where the plot thickens and the characters development gets complicated. My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong as I Expected Too or Oregairu Season 2 is like the climax point of whatever entails from the first season.

To continue the discussion for the next season of our anime Oregairu, wait for the next update of my blog. Thank you for reading my first blog.