pros
+ good concept with interesting characters & development
+ good voice acting, hd design, and well-selected op/ed pieces
+ good story with drama, emotion, psychology, action, comedy
cons
- story differs from the manga alot and the end may just drive you up the wall
- doesn't go into depth concerning e.g. 'the father'
- dialogue isn't quite amazing

conclusion: so you might need a bit of patience on this one as it does differ from the manga. e.g. it spends a lot of time talking about politics rather than on the mc's and their cause. however, it's still good in its own right. interesting characters, good emotion and development, action, and some comedy. the animation and music pieces are good as well. however, seeing as this doesn't go into the original story's full depth, i'd strongly suggest either reading the manga or watching this with brotherhood (golden middle would prolly be to watch this till around ep 20~25 and then switch to fma:b). personally, i still love the manga, and like fma:b more than this, but at least for those who haven't read the manga, this is bound to be interesting.

peace. (show less)

Hearing a lot opinions that 'Fullmetal Alchemist' and 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' are similar but first is not following the manga and that funs were dissapointed I had a hard time thinking- which one first? I couldn't find the answer in reviews so I'm writing a one to help others hestating. :)

FMA is a good story, you can feel the bond between brothers, but since I watched FMAB first, I've felt the lack. It is really different story than FMAB.. Although it starts with an introduction to the presented world and brothers' circumstances and it really makes the meaning of their journey deeper. I'd say that 'the golden middle' would be FMA till ~17ep and then Brotherhood... I guess it's the moment stories start to differ. if you start with FMAB I think it's not necessary to watch the first serie, though it is worth your time (!), but if you strat with FMA - you have to see the second serie! And keep in mind that main characters are the same but everything else not.
I had started with FMAB, then immediately after I watched FMA - and both of them was interesting, full of action and emotion.
As for animation - very good, music wasn't anything special, entertaiment very good. I'd recommend both series to anyone, it's such a great story!

Personally, I like FMA - but I LOVE FMAB; anime are usually better off following the original story. I just can't help feeling that FMA is a bit dissapointing, even though it's also great anime. :) (show less)

This anime simply rocks.... From the bond between Ed and Al, it shows how deep our family emotions can be.... And the way all the other characters support the heroes is well shown.... The comedy mainly revolves around Ed and Al ( not to forget, Winry :P ).... And it especially stressed well on this point "Each and Every thing is not going to have the same price to be paid by all.... But that doesnt mean that we have to stop working hard to reach our goals"........
The part which i don't like in this anime is that, Winry finally becomes alone..... After all, Ed and Al were the only 'family' she had.... it's sad to see her left alone so :(

But as my personal opinion, i felt that i might have enjoyed this anime better if i have watched this before Brotherhood... Because i loved that better than this... It covered the plot-holes that this anime showed... ( PS - it has a happy ending :'( ) Thus, it would be better to watch this first and hence, enjoy both to the max extent :) So, if you guys haven't watched the fulll metal series, make sure you watch this before Brotherhood.... IT's a MUST-Watch guys!!!!!!!!

And i guesss i needn't include a summary, as it is already well-given in Anime-Access, and anything i add might just be a SPOILER :P (show less)

Whenever someone asks me what anime I'd recommend, without any hesitation I say Fullmetal Alchemist. This anime totally captivated me that I watch it in great concentration, not wanting to miss any word or action. The characters are well thought of and are memorable. Each episode is substantial, indispensable, and just makes you want to see the next one- immediately. I wouldn't be embarrassed to say I sacrificed sleep, skipped a few meals and cried several times for this. The dialogues are not always direct but they're always witty. I think it's safe to say this one isn't for young children. To watch FMA just for the sake of entertainment would be a waste. You need to think and feel to fully appreciate this show- and it's well worth it. Moving on to the animation, I would say top notch. The sequences are smooth and fluid, you won't go wondering whether they're out of budget or what. If you want something truly unique and intriguing, something that would play with your emotions and challenge your morals, this is your anime. (show less)