Let me start off saying, I did not read the manga except the very last vol after completing both series. With that said, I did watch the original made back in 2003. I was IN LOVE with it. I loved the ending and I just thought it had so much depth. But I was well aware that Brotherhood was the remake to better fit the manga, so I decided to watch it afterwards.
Now, since I really loved the first one, I was very hesitant to watch the remake. And for those who watched the original, the first 12 or so episodes is pretty much the exact same beginning of FMA. And it was a little annoying just trying get past that, but I did watch it just in case there was a plot difference. I will say, the first episode of FMA:B is pretty much irrelevant to the entire plot. It's pretty much just a "get the feel of the characters" episode. But once I hit episode 13, that's where everything got very interesting.
Story: 10- This anime had so much depth and emotion, that I found myself crying so hard in one episode & then laughing my butt off in the next episode. I will say, this is a dark tale of two brothers trying to restore their bodies. The plot twists that take place is just beautiful. The ending will leave you breathless. I think this anime is perfect for anyone. It has humor, action, suspense, tragedy, and a hint of romance(: Only real downfall was the beginning; I feel as if everything went a lil too fast. And in which one of the character dies (won't say which one) it's not as emotional because of the faster pace and the viewer couldn't get as attached. Only complaint about the plot!
Art: 10- I will admit this anime doesn't have 100% outstanding animation compared some anime of their time or newer ones from today. FMA:B was done in 2009. With that being mentioned, it was fairly decent for when it came out and it's better than its original. Everything has a deep tone yet a delightful brightness. It's admirable. This is a somber toned anime and the animation reflect that~!
Sound: 10- Some of my favorite Openings & Endings come from this anime. They tell their own little story based on the storyline itself. Not to mention the animation for the EDs & OPs is head-on with the songs! The music they even play throughout the show is just flawless. You'll find yourself loving everything about the soundtracks that they play.
Characters: 10- The development is just perfect. If you're like me, you'll actually find yourself liking and even growing attached to some the deadly sins(: (They are the bad guys in the anime in case you're new to this anime) They don't over-analyze too much on a particular one, but just enough to make them either relate-able, hated, or lovable. If you've seen the original, you need to just have an open mind with a new take on the characters. Edward's dad would be one of them along with Scar. I also really love how they introduced new characters that weren't in the original. Also, the females in this anime are strong and can hold their own, which as a young women like myself, I can really appreciate. Personally, my fav characters will always by Greed, Alphonse, Roy, & Winry. Who's yours? :3
Enjoyment: 10- This is my favorite anime of all time and nothing has change my mind about that. It's actually funny, my friend even gave me a list of anime to watch and said "this will surely think differently." And y'know? They didn't(: This is one of the few animes where it left me stunned. Brotherhood made me cry, laugh, cry some more, laugh even harder, and left me in suspense. This is an anime that will touch your heart & never leave!
Overall: 10- I enjoyed it 100% Except maybe the beginning, but I promise all of you that it is worth it. The amount of episodes tends to put people off, but it IS WORTH ALL YOUR TIME. This anime is beautiful. And I want all of you to know that this anime isn't just ranked #1 on this site because it's well known. It is because over 100,000 people all over the world rated this anime a perfect 10. ^.^
I do recommend watching the original first just to compare the two!
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a masterpiece.
