Scar and Winry’s stand-off is one of my favorite scenes in the show. Scar isn’t a hypocrite he sees Winry pulling a gun on him and is like “Go ahead I killed your parents and you have every right to shoot me but if you pull the trigger I will consider you an enemy.” Then later on when she tends to his wounds she still hasn’t forgiven him but like she says “it’s what my parents would’ve wanted.” That is a powerful scene to me. You don’t have to forgive a person who wronged you but if you try to invoke an eye for an eye you’ll end up blind. Vengeance isn’t the only option, you can still move on. Acknowledge what has happened get some sort of healthy closure and move on. That’s what Winry showed by not pulling the trigger. And that made Scar realize that there is another way then continuing the bloodshed.
@@Reality-Distortion He already had way before for me. But that scene cements Scar as a well written character to me and it cements Winry as an actual character instead of the token waifu bait that I thought she was gonna be.
@@Grt_Sge That scene was so powerful! This combined with later on when she tends his wounds, but hasn't forgiven him is actually what solidified Winry as my favorite character in the series. Which was a hard decision to make, because I actually love most of the characters to death.
Armstrong's reaction to his actions in the war always hit hard because of his introduction in the story as this caring soul who has a smile on his face at all times. FMA will always be my absolute favorite story.
I like all three versions. Yet I'm sad that the 2003 anime took out Armstrong's entire character arc (even though he was a soldier in the war in that version, too) without replacing it with anything else. For the later half he had almost no expression and felt like he's just there to be there.
@@samlerf On the other hand though other characters got more focus, such as Edd and Al's teacher and her son as well as their mom turning out to have become homunculi adds more personal connections between them.
I read the manga as it was ongoing and OMG IT BROKE ME to see a big tough looking dude like Armstrong absolutely devastated and sobbing at what he’d done during the Ishval flashback scenes. Makes his present personality as a caring, fatherly type to the brothers even more meaningful.
@@BlueAmpharos - I agree that Izumi had a GREAT arc and development in the 2003 series. Both series have their good points. I really like that 2003 was able to focus more on the early parts of the manga and gave the viewer a lot of insight into Ed and Al’s childhood story - something that is sadly rushed over in Brotherhood in order to get to the rest of the manga plot.
I don’t like what FMA03 did with Armstrong. They wanted to make Hughes a flawless saint who chides Mustang for not taking a desk job, thereby making Hughes less morally complex and deep and interesting; while showing Armstrong in flashbacks mercilessly killing civilians, yet still being the big buff lovable comic relief is a heaping helping of tonal shift for a comic relief. Especially since 03 Armstrong wasn’t that shaken about his actions is nutty.
"I was just following orders..." This can sound hollow to us as the audience, however as seen in the Milgram Experiment not many can just disobey. Real average everyday people complied to continuosly shock someone with up to at least 300 volts or more, simply because they were told to do so by someone of seemingly higher authority. We all would like to think if we were put into those situations we would do better, be better people, but it's more complicated than that. I want to say I wouldn't just follow orders but I honestly don't know, I've never been put into such a situation.
Vsauce did that type of experiment in a video (I think it was trying to mimic/recreate the very flawed Stanford Prison experiment) and it turns out the people in that experiment were operating on their morals and thus made the choice not to participate in following commands if it means harming somebody, even with repeated orders in a group setting.
@@islandboy9381 I haven't watched Vsauce before but the Milgram experiment and the Stanford Prison experiment aren't really synonymous. The Milgram one is more about following orders and obedience, and the Stanford one is more about being in a position of power and authority, so like almost the opposite but not quite. Plus in the Milgram experiment the participants were in a more detatched setting from the "victim" and had less agency, as compared to the Stanford one where they were physically and emotionally interacting with the prisoners. It's the difference between pushing a button resulting in someone getting hurt and hurting them in person yourself.
@@bridgettelair370 ok my bad it was the milgram experiment he did: ua-cam.com/video/1sl5KJ69qiA/v-deo.html and it turns out the people would still follow their ethics before following orders.
@@islandboy9381 Ummm that's the Trolley Problem. Which is not even close to the Milgram Experiment at all, it has nothing to do with authority. The only reason Vsauce seemed to bring it up at all was because the Milgram Experiment was considered unethical afterwards and he compares it to his own wondering if his would also be unethical. He only compares ethics of the experiments not the experiments themselves.
One thing I always wish had been brought up was the reveal that Kimbley was ordered to kill Winry's parents, meaning even if Scar hadn't killed them they'd have died regardless. Would've been a little more interesting to see how she deals with the revelation that the government she lived under ordered her parents deaths and the only thing that stopped that was they were instead killed by someone else. Once more, Scar atleast has the excuse of being delirious from Anger and Blood loss, thus wasn't in his right mind at the time, while Kimbley and the government were.
You can probably watch the first series for that. But as far as Brotherhood goes, I think the problem is that it would be hard for that reveal to happen, Kimblee has no reason to talk about it given that he eventually didn't do the deed and nobody ever interacted with the bugged-out-eyes colonel who ordered the hit in the first place.
Scar has an amazing character arc. As his whole life was destroyed, for him, it was truly the end. And he is not to blame for reacting to it, reacting initially by thinking that the only justice is the end for others who ended his world. He is not to blame for these feelings inside of him. His actions became blinded by the idea that everything is over now. And so Scar became someone with faults, but they weren't his fault. And to prove this, he unlearns them, and is able to break that cycle with the others that were learning too. In the end it does not erase what he did, but it changes everything he will do.
@@reelheck Same! The themes are so poignant, the characters interesting and complex. It's no wonder it's my #1 favorite anime series. Helps that it's only 60-something episodes long, so it never overstays its welcome.
So true! Scar's redemption arc is very powerful and what he managed to do, in spite of all his trauma, is beautiful! People say Zuko has the best redemption arc in all animated fiction but Scar's right up there with him for me.
The scene of Dr Knox crying with the coffee cups of his wife and son when they visit him gets me every time I rewatch the show. It's so fucking real it hurts.
I have a different approach on the scene where Scar kills Winry's parents, actually. It's already been established in this universe that people that suffer from trauma (Dr. Knox) react according to symptoms of PTSD- specifically, suffering from night terrors, flashbacks, and fits of rage where one doesn't recognise the people around him. Dr. Knox, luckily, does not end up harming anybody he loves, but is cut away from his family to keep them away from his wounded condition. Scar, on the other hand, is much fresher out of a traumatic, near-death situation, to the hands of a blue-eyed Amestrian. I didn't read this scene as him seeing Amestrians and being blinded by rage because he assumes they are all the same, per se. I read it as their eyes being a 'trigger' of sorts- triggering his fight response- which, while tragic, I think is a totally 'reasonable' response to such a deeply damaged brain. If you saw someone who looked similar to your assailant, right after waking up from an assault, it makes sense you would panic and go into fight-flight-freeze. I think it's only after he wanders out into the desert, when he has time to reflect, that he internalises his hatred.
A lesson without pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A fullmetal heart -Edward Elric
This is basically an exploration of the cycle of war. “I was just following orders” is a very common excuse for German soldiers in concentration camps etc. It saddens us all that not enough people are willing to distance themselves from corrupt orders. I love Fullmetal Alchemist so much, thank you for enlarging that love with these videos.
While that is true, let's not forget that not all people are able to distance themselves from corrupt orders. Not even counting those brainwashed by propaganda (and that can happen to anyone), the army/government easily had an opportunity to kill you and/or your family. Making people choose between that and serving an evil regime is a cruel and heinous crime, and regular soldiers are but victims of it.
If the Germans were as cruel as people claim them to be, what good is a soldier denying an order to execute someone? What good is the defiance of one person among a terrified crowd? Those people weren't itching for payback against a government that would execute people without a second thought because they knew they could very well be part of these people the moment they decided to show that defiance: stand up, die, be replaced and the order gets carried out anyway, except the world loses one good person and a child loses a father.
@@maxwellsterling Pretty much the main issue. If you don't carry out an evil order, you will die and someone else will do it. Reminds me of how many Taliban fighters are just normal civilians threatened/blackmailed into fighting.
@@maxwellsterling While i don't disagree with you, this way of thinking is how evil prospers so easily. Sometimes just one person standing up *can* make a difference. It isn't about simply defying one order to be slain yourself it's about making a stand and defending your beliefs. It encourages others to do so too
@@AlmarWinfield The problem is the gamble of it: do you want to die so that people around *maybe* remember you, or do you want to come home and hug someone you love?
the fact that FMA is talked even till this day just speaks volume on how beautiful the story and meaning within in truly is I dont know why, maybe it's the sensitive side of me but thinking of innocent lives... killed in wars for whatever reasons... and seeing scenes of women and men and children killed by soldiers I just felt sad how easy it is nowadays for people online and mostly in peaceful and not war striken countries to just say the people deserve death or soldiers deserve death... It's more complicated than that but I guess everyone just wants to think of an easy black and white method of understanding. Their own kind are in the right while everyone else are in the wrong. And while debates and so on are happening it isnt stopping a bullet from penetrating the body of a man trying to protect his family or soldiers who are just doing what they think is right. FMA is honestly too good of a show and one of the rare cases where i would watch it again just to feel those emotions again
Again, why is it surprising? It's been the highest rated series for a decade now, it's not simething like school rumble or Chobits that resonated in the middle stages of anime fandom, but fell once the culture started to change
The FMA manga is more or less perfection in my eyes. The themes, the characters... I wish the anime would have followed it a lot more closely, since the story barely could be better than it already is. The cycle of hatred is something I didn't even reflect on, but as soon as you mentioned it, I went "Oh yes...that's it!". You put it into words of how I have felt about this manga. Thank you for making this video.
@@Jurra-x It follows it a lot better than the first anime, yes, but it still misses a lot that is in the manga. That doesn't mean that I think it's bad or anything - it's still a good and entertaining anime.
The only problem I had was that Winry isn't part of the final battle in any shape or form. She at least repaired his automail in qonquerer of Shamballa and had an (though rushed) bond with Wrath. Even so: i disliked the pointless mystery plot she got in the 2003 version even more.
I swear Scar’s redemption arc mirrors that of Zuko (from AtLA) in a beautiful way. Scar comes from the victim, and learns that not all on the other side are destroyers and only by working together can the cycle be broken. Zuko comes from the side of the attackers, but learns to question the mentality he grew with and unites with the victims to reshape the world. All fiction could learn a thing or two from AtLA and FMA.
This is a very important message to understand, especially with how our political climate is going in the U.S. Very opportune moment to post it. Great video.
@@bindukopparapu2795 how do you break the cycle when the others want you and your way of life dead? Don't get me wrong I want nothing more than peace and prosperity for me and my family but I don't see how a peaceful solution is possible
@@shoelessbandit1581 that's because none of the two sides really wants peace. They want to damage each other, and both have arguments and propaganda to back up their claims.
The focus on the cycle of hatred is my favorite aspect of the manga and Brotherhood. My favorite scene is when Winry treats Scar. He is astounded by this, confused that she is forgiving him. She corrects him, saying it’s not forgiveness but a step towards moving on. Scar in the manga has my favorite character development. He commuted many crimes however approaching him correctly resulted in positive change.
The one who got shot by his own men reminds me somewhat of the Swedish king Karl XII/Charles XII who didn't seem to know anything but war. After oh so many years he decided to attack Norway and died quite quickly there. Historians still argue about if he was killed by one of his own soldiers or by the enemy. I think it was one of his soldiers who shot him; they just got tired of always traveling around, fighting meaningless wars.I honestly can see his soldiers behave in the same way as those in the manga: "Yeah, it was a stray bullet. Yep, a stray bullet."
correction Charles XII is seen as a great tactician that fell short a mini Napoleon he defeated norway poland and denmark instead of accepting peace with russia he continued the war winning many but one defeat was enough to lose everything in the battle of Poltava he got wounded and lost the battle. The peace deal was brutal he then decided to Attack Norway. He got shot in the head. friendly or foe we still don't know.
@@rexgamer8201 Don't know if he was truly seen as a great tactician. Maybe the first few years. Only know that his wars were costly for the country he was king of. But apparently never cared about. Sadly, him being shot (no matter who shot him) is probably the best thing that could have happened to his country.
Nathan Higgins Just seeing the world as a damned place and making no effort to better it was the exact thing this video was against. It would be the same philosophy as Scar, and it didn't work out well for him.
FMA:B is one of my favorite animes of all times, exactly because of the level of depth it gives you with this subject. It doesn't just drop everything on you, you first get to learn who the characters are while the Isvalan war is anything more than some background fluff. Then they introduce Scar, and gradually start peeling back layers, showing you more and more as the Anime goes on. They are able to go deep into a sensitive subject because they approach it the right way
Interesting. This cycle of hatred is clearly one of the major themes of Mangahood. I'm curious what you think about the major themes of 03 (I'm sure you'll get into it in a later video)-- something about equivalence or sacrifice? Great video btw, keep up the good work!
First - The fact that FMA’s Manga and the Brotherhood adaptation still to this day offers so much discussion on its themes, characters and overall story just makes me appreciate it more as my top 3 favorite anime/manga. Second - a huge thing I greatly appreciate about this series is how both the manga and Brotherhood handle these themes with grace. It’s accessible, not overly complex, not too heavy handed nor alienating, and it doesn’t get too wrapped up in its themes and message and lose itself to become some pretentious piece of art. A lot of themes are so apparent but the articulation of what they mean or how they’re conveyed are always eye opening. These videos really make me want to watch it for the 100th time. So yeah, great video man!
I watched FMA:B when I was younger, so I loved the series and understood generally some of the thematic elements of the interplay of faith and science, but videos like this make me see how much I really missed in the series. I need to go back and give it another go. I loved the editing in this as well, adding motion to the manga panels was excellent, I may steal that to talk about manga in the future! 😅 Overall, a great video, thank you for it!
Scar is one of my favorite anime characters ever. His story arc is so good. He went from a character I hated to a character i genuinely wanted to see win
I just want to add to the point about Scar accepting both sides of alchemy. Scar accepting both sides of alchemy doesn't go against his beliefs. Science and God complement one another. But more importantly, God put His creativity and wisdom in us, and the most important thing we are called to create is positive change. Scar accepting both sides of alchemy is using both books of God, (the Bible and science) to reconstruct a better tomorrow. And that takes wisdom, forgiveness, and love, and those are gifts of God. Him using both sides of alchemy, is him using what God gave him.
I'm glad you referenced the manga panels from FMA volume 15 which had some haunting imagery of the Ishvalan genocide that was toned down in the anime. I would add that Scar & Alphonse also share similarities & contradictions. Both are younger brothers who had self sacrificing scholarly older brothers who literally gave their right arms for them. The difference is that Scar's losses deeply affected his worldview and led him on his quest for vengeance. Alphonse could have had a similar fate as Scar if he had lost Edward & everyone he loved.
I truly appreciate how after 19 years (since the manga was created), this masterpiece is still actively being discussed and new generations are discovering the impact and influence of Fullmetal Alchemist in our lives. This is forever a classic. I'm amazed that after all these years, we still see and uncover little details that are truly mind-blowing. Ahh Arakawa is a genius!! Thanks for this video, Lowart!!!
FMAB has some of the best opportunities for insightful in-depth analysis videos like this one. This show/manga is so amazing and executes its themes and philosophies so well.
20:00 I think you may have missed a step in that analysis - that in joining together in a collective effort to fight against the inertia of Father's collected will and control, they reject the importance of the individual in order to save their ability to be individuals.
I think the series has a focus on the fact that the individual needs to recognize their place in the "all," but they still need to recognize that their individual strengths and perspectives are an important part of that whole. Kind of along the lines of how I said every action, no matter how small, is important. I was trying to get at the idea there that Father, in consuming everyone, would have wiped out individuality and also destroyed the "all" in that process. The "one is all and all is one" thing is something I have trouble putting into words sometimes, so I hope that makes some sense haha
@@Lowart I think so, yeah. I definitely would have phrased it more along the lines of "in order to stop the one (Father) from consuming the all, they allow their individuality to be subsumed into the grand task of defeating him." The idea being that all-consuming individuality is just as perverse as the destruction of the individual in creating a collective (and completely involuntary) power, the philosopher's stone.
They don't reject it though, but rather stand up to the cycle that is Father's Hubris and his attempt to collectivize all individuals into what he perceives is the universal perfect being, himself
@@philippwo8 They literally build a collective effort to fight Father. Any one piece of which failing would be anathema to the ultimate outcome, which is why they each support each other and all succeed together. None of them rise or fall on their own - each an integral support of the other.
@@andr0oS I would argue they do build that collective but they also keep the integrity of their individual selves as it's what makes that collective strong. The collective would not be the same if it was solely made to be nothing but that, the combination of the individuals keeping themselves in a sense but unifying to still defeat Father is the big point. But that's just my opinion.
Okay evidently I need to read the manga. I was told Brotherhood was basically the manga, but there was some stuff in here that was definitely in more detail than the anime and I am always dying for more of FMAs world.
Man, that was just amazing. I think it's beautiful how it also reflects in the way of a story inspiring real life, that ripple effect, so that you take this message, and we get to think about that, a light of hope in our lives as well
A great essay as always. Plus the titles of the segments in the video have this poetic rightness to them as they directly releate to the series and suit the theme of a "cycle." A small thing but much appreciated! Whenever I watch one of your videos it makes me reflect on things.
Dr.Knox makes me tear up every time and I did again when you brought his story line up. It was a beautiful analysis and an important ongoing theme of FMAB... I really like how there is always something to dig deep and understand in Fullmetal and every time I re-watch it or hear someone's interpretation, I gain new values understanding and admiration for Arakawa sensei's work.
man, analysis videos based off of this franchise alone always keeps me on my toes. it's extremely interesting when you're viewing someone elses humanity in a certain light.
I glad I finally got this recommended to me. Definitely one of the best analysis of Brotherhood. Kinda makes me understand Aratakawa's reaction to people's reaction to Mustang with his Roaring Rampage Revenge.
One of my favorite videos on the subject. Always felt that Scar was a really underestimated character... he's my favorite one with Alex (and his scene in the Ishvalan war made me wept like a baby). Very good job, I look forward to pass my manga volumes to my little brother
It's the heart put into this series and its messages and themes such as "the cycle of hatred" that make Fullmetal Alchemist my favorite story ever. Amazing video, keep up the great work.
I really like your videos and honestly I agree with almost everything you said. You tried to deduce from all the plot points you mentioned a certain metacontext or leitmotif of the "cycle of hatred". The only problem I have when trying to build this metanarrative in my head is the realization that one of the key points of this construction is the plot mcgaffinn. I mean the Ishvalan war = The Seal Of Blood. In other words, this is just an integral part of the pattern of the global alchemical circle, which does not fit into the metanarrative we are discussing. In Fma 03, Edward is in the last dialogue with the Mustang in the car, literally doing what you are trying to do in your video. That is, he literally says the metanarrative of the entire show (fortunately, it looks organic). He says that "homunculi fuel the fires of war, but in reality they are the product of human hearts and minds, so we are responsible for our own suffering." Given that homunculi have the names of 7 deadly sins, this phrase has a double bottom. In addition, the reason for these wars is not ritual as in Brohood. It's just that the only way to make a person sacrifice thousands of people for the philosopher's stone is to shift their moral framework with the help of the widespread horror that surrounds them. The most fertile environment for this is war, epidemic, or genocide (all of which were used by homunculi in 03). In addition, it is an excellent filter for identifying people who can "reach the end". I mean, my problem is that on the meta level, the" hate cycle " in Brohood is part of a Homunculus conspiracy. And these two parallel lines are not connected psychologically, only because of the blood seal ritual.
More Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood content. Thanks for taking a take on this and this show is my no.1 favorite anime and I've watched DB, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and other shows.
Wow this is such a remarkable video; it’s incredible too because the lessons taken here can easily be applied elsewhere, and to think this came from anime
I just had a thought that I can't believe that I only just noticed. People from Amestris have blue eyes. People from Ishval have red eyes Ed, Al & Hohenheim have gold eyes because Hohenheim was born in a different country/time period and passed on his golden eyes
This is an amazing analysis of the deconstruction of the cycle of hatred in FMAB, but more specifically Scar and his actions/motivations. Great work on the video!
I'm happy you enjoyed it! Here's the editor's channel if you want to check it out. He makes AMVs, so his editing skills definitely shine there: ua-cam.com/users/BleachShippu5678
This was a very fitting video for Remembrance Day; very well done. P.S. "Will they be killed by their comrades" was somewhat undercut by showing an impersonator threatening one of those soldiers. But maybe that's fitting; a real soldier-in-arms would never do such a thing (hence why he doesn't fall for the deception).
wow perhaps this analysis is what scar's master meant with "Enduring and forgiving are two different things. You must not forgive the cruelty of this world. It’s our duty as human beings to be angry at injustice. But we must also endure it. Because someone must sever this chain of hatred." When scar mistakenly thought winry was gonna forgive him. Aw this analysis moved me.. since the "chain of hatred" and positive and negative flow thingy are the spectacles i didnt really explore
Damn, I always had a view similar to this about the series,but couldn't exactly out it together myself. But this video perfectly illustrates my thoughts as a whole from long ago. Amazing analysis!
This video was an awesome analysis on this story. The fact that there is this much detail and depth to a story amazes me and this video did a fantastic job encompassing important aspects of it. Amazing job dude!
There are also parallels to be made between positive change and negative change with equivalent exchange. A lot of times many perceived good actions pave the way for new bad actions too. And often taking great actions also takes sacrifice. To lead a charge against the government of Amestris rather than follow orders, that takes a big sacrifice from yourself but yields a good outcome for humanity. It really kind of is all connected to equivalent exchange, and I think that’s one of the reasons this show and manga is so great. A good example to note: Roy Mustang lost his sight but gained a new type of vision and wisdom. Scar accepted both halves of alchemy, something against his beliefs, so a spiritual/religious sacrifice of the self, and used it to defeat Bradley, an action to better humankind.
There's a lot of good lessons to be learned from this creator. She is wise for putting these lessons in her story. I heard that the inspiration for the ishvalan war was taken from Japan's treatment of the indigenous Hokkaido people.
FMA is really a special series. I've watched brotherhood 7 times over, 2003 3 times, watched dozens of videos about both, and STILL want to go back and rewatch the series again. I can't think of a single franchise that I feel this way about.
this essay was very well written, organized, presented, and delivered. Thanks for helping me understand a little bit more about one of my favorite shows!
What a video! Everything, pictures, background music and your narration/opinion were deeply satisfying. It got me carried away. Also, the dilemmas which troubled the characters were highlighted and well said.
Waited months. Am extremely pleased with the video! Like always you teach me something new and give me something to speculate on. Thank you for your videos you have no idea how much these actually help me as a person. Keep up the great work!
There’s a very fascinating set of experiments that ties into the defense that “I was just following orders” or “I was just doing my job.” It was carried out by Stanley Milgram in the 1960’s, and I really wish more people knew about it.
Im always amazed at how truly deep is FMA. I've watched it more than 10 times from start to finish over the years and every time something new comes out. Every video about FMA brings out something new i never tough about, a new point of view or a different interpretation. Honestly, truly, the masterpiece of the Anime / Manga media. Mabye not my single favourite of all times, but an inclusive masterpiece. A literal Magnum Opus.
This series has inspired me to make my own. I plan on taking these themes and try to incorporate them into my story. Thank you, Arakawa. You are an inspiration
Scar and Winry’s stand-off is one of my favorite scenes in the show. Scar isn’t a hypocrite he sees Winry pulling a gun on him and is like “Go ahead I killed your parents and you have every right to shoot me but if you pull the trigger I will consider you an enemy.” Then later on when she tends to his wounds she still hasn’t forgiven him but like she says “it’s what my parents would’ve wanted.” That is a powerful scene to me. You don’t have to forgive a person who wronged you but if you try to invoke an eye for an eye you’ll end up blind. Vengeance isn’t the only option, you can still move on. Acknowledge what has happened get some sort of healthy closure and move on. That’s what Winry showed by not pulling the trigger. And that made Scar realize that there is another way then continuing the bloodshed.
Their stand off is what secured Scar's #1 position as my favorite of the series.
@@Reality-Distortion He already had way before for me. But that scene cements Scar as a well written character to me and it cements Winry as an actual character instead of the token waifu bait that I thought she was gonna be.
@@Grt_Sge That scene was so powerful! This combined with later on when she tends his wounds, but hasn't forgiven him is actually what solidified Winry as my favorite character in the series. Which was a hard decision to make, because I actually love most of the characters to death.
@@colettec5614 I literally have no favorite it’s been a battle between Scar, Armstrong, Mustang, Kimbly, Wrath and Greed.
@@Grt_Sge Those are all fantastic choices.
Armstrong's reaction to his actions in the war always hit hard because of his introduction in the story as this caring soul who has a smile on his face at all times. FMA will always be my absolute favorite story.
I like all three versions. Yet I'm sad that the 2003 anime took out Armstrong's entire character arc (even though he was a soldier in the war in that version, too) without replacing it with anything else. For the later half he had almost no expression and felt like he's just there to be there.
@@samlerf On the other hand though other characters got more focus, such as Edd and Al's teacher and her son as well as their mom turning out to have become homunculi adds more personal connections between them.
I read the manga as it was ongoing and OMG IT BROKE ME to see a big tough looking dude like Armstrong absolutely devastated and sobbing at what he’d done during the Ishval flashback scenes. Makes his present personality as a caring, fatherly type to the brothers even more meaningful.
@@BlueAmpharos - I agree that Izumi had a GREAT arc and development in the 2003 series. Both series have their good points. I really like that 2003 was able to focus more on the early parts of the manga and gave the viewer a lot of insight into Ed and Al’s childhood story - something that is sadly rushed over in Brotherhood in order to get to the rest of the manga plot.
I don’t like what FMA03 did with Armstrong. They wanted to make Hughes a flawless saint who chides Mustang for not taking a desk job, thereby making Hughes less morally complex and deep and interesting; while showing Armstrong in flashbacks mercilessly killing civilians, yet still being the big buff lovable comic relief is a heaping helping of tonal shift for a comic relief. Especially since 03 Armstrong wasn’t that shaken about his actions is nutty.
"I was just following orders..."
This can sound hollow to us as the audience, however as seen in the Milgram Experiment not many can just disobey. Real average everyday people complied to continuosly shock someone with up to at least 300 volts or more, simply because they were told to do so by someone of seemingly higher authority. We all would like to think if we were put into those situations we would do better, be better people, but it's more complicated than that. I want to say I wouldn't just follow orders but I honestly don't know, I've never been put into such a situation.
Vsauce did that type of experiment in a video (I think it was trying to mimic/recreate the very flawed Stanford Prison experiment) and it turns out the people in that experiment were operating on their morals and thus made the choice not to participate in following commands if it means harming somebody, even with repeated orders in a group setting.
@@islandboy9381 I haven't watched Vsauce before but the Milgram experiment and the Stanford Prison experiment aren't really synonymous. The Milgram one is more about following orders and obedience, and the Stanford one is more about being in a position of power and authority, so like almost the opposite but not quite. Plus in the Milgram experiment the participants were in a more detatched setting from the "victim" and had less agency, as compared to the Stanford one where they were physically and emotionally interacting with the prisoners. It's the difference between pushing a button resulting in someone getting hurt and hurting them in person yourself.
@@bridgettelair370 ok my bad it was the milgram experiment he did: ua-cam.com/video/1sl5KJ69qiA/v-deo.html and it turns out the people would still follow their ethics before following orders.
@@islandboy9381 Ummm that's the Trolley Problem. Which is not even close to the Milgram Experiment at all, it has nothing to do with authority. The only reason Vsauce seemed to bring it up at all was because the Milgram Experiment was considered unethical afterwards and he compares it to his own wondering if his would also be unethical. He only compares ethics of the experiments not the experiments themselves.
We are in that position right now. Most people are too scared to acknowledge.
I always love seeing other people's interpretation of FMAB. Yours is one of my favorite now
So many interpretations.
FMA Manga was just so fantastic. The animation FMAB JUST had such good animations too.
Honestly ive heard alot on this show from many and hes the only one that nails it everytime. A true philosopher ❤
Well, this is the correct interpretation, more or less.
AI is the dwarf in the flask, BTW.
One thing I always wish had been brought up was the reveal that Kimbley was ordered to kill Winry's parents, meaning even if Scar hadn't killed them they'd have died regardless. Would've been a little more interesting to see how she deals with the revelation that the government she lived under ordered her parents deaths and the only thing that stopped that was they were instead killed by someone else. Once more, Scar atleast has the excuse of being delirious from Anger and Blood loss, thus wasn't in his right mind at the time, while Kimbley and the government were.
You can probably watch the first series for that. But as far as Brotherhood goes, I think the problem is that it would be hard for that reveal to happen, Kimblee has no reason to talk about it given that he eventually didn't do the deed and nobody ever interacted with the bugged-out-eyes colonel who ordered the hit in the first place.
Personally, I feel this would be redundant because she later realized that she's practically a hostage by the government anyway.
Scar has an amazing character arc. As his whole life was destroyed, for him, it was truly the end. And he is not to blame for reacting to it, reacting initially by thinking that the only justice is the end for others who ended his world. He is not to blame for these feelings inside of him. His actions became blinded by the idea that everything is over now. And so Scar became someone with faults, but they weren't his fault. And to prove this, he unlearns them, and is able to break that cycle with the others that were learning too. In the end it does not erase what he did, but it changes everything he will do.
"It does not erase what he did, but it changes everything he will do." - Goddamn, that was so perfectly stated!
@@blitzgirl6522 oh thank you, i really love the writing of this show!!!
@@reelheck Same! The themes are so poignant, the characters interesting and complex. It's no wonder it's my #1 favorite anime series. Helps that it's only 60-something episodes long, so it never overstays its welcome.
So true! Scar's redemption arc is very powerful and what he managed to do, in spite of all his trauma, is beautiful! People say Zuko has the best redemption arc in all animated fiction but Scar's right up there with him for me.
Seeing FMAB still be talked about makes me genuinely happy
same i could cry
You doubted it would go away?
Damn, now I fell like watching the whole series for the third time. And it's all your fault, Lowart.
he made me watch it for the fourth
For me, it's gonna be 5th
Same lol
I just finished my 9th rerun
I couldn't watch it cuz I don't have Hulu or Netflix anymore.
The scene of Dr Knox crying with the coffee cups of his wife and son when they visit him gets me every time I rewatch the show. It's so fucking real it hurts.
I have a different approach on the scene where Scar kills Winry's parents, actually. It's already been established in this universe that people that suffer from trauma (Dr. Knox) react according to symptoms of PTSD- specifically, suffering from night terrors, flashbacks, and fits of rage where one doesn't recognise the people around him. Dr. Knox, luckily, does not end up harming anybody he loves, but is cut away from his family to keep them away from his wounded condition. Scar, on the other hand, is much fresher out of a traumatic, near-death situation, to the hands of a blue-eyed Amestrian. I didn't read this scene as him seeing Amestrians and being blinded by rage because he assumes they are all the same, per se. I read it as their eyes being a 'trigger' of sorts- triggering his fight response- which, while tragic, I think is a totally 'reasonable' response to such a deeply damaged brain. If you saw someone who looked similar to your assailant, right after waking up from an assault, it makes sense you would panic and go into fight-flight-freeze. I think it's only after he wanders out into the desert, when he has time to reflect, that he internalises his hatred.
A lesson without pain is meaningless. That's because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A fullmetal heart -Edward Elric
This is basically an exploration of the cycle of war.
“I was just following orders” is a very common excuse for German soldiers in concentration camps etc. It saddens us all that not enough people are willing to distance themselves from corrupt orders.
I love Fullmetal Alchemist so much, thank you for enlarging that love with these videos.
While that is true, let's not forget that not all people are able to distance themselves from corrupt orders. Not even counting those brainwashed by propaganda (and that can happen to anyone), the army/government easily had an opportunity to kill you and/or your family. Making people choose between that and serving an evil regime is a cruel and heinous crime, and regular soldiers are but victims of it.
If the Germans were as cruel as people claim them to be, what good is a soldier denying an order to execute someone? What good is the defiance of one person among a terrified crowd? Those people weren't itching for payback against a government that would execute people without a second thought because they knew they could very well be part of these people the moment they decided to show that defiance: stand up, die, be replaced and the order gets carried out anyway, except the world loses one good person and a child loses a father.
@@maxwellsterling Pretty much the main issue. If you don't carry out an evil order, you will die and someone else will do it. Reminds me of how many Taliban fighters are just normal civilians threatened/blackmailed into fighting.
@@maxwellsterling While i don't disagree with you, this way of thinking is how evil prospers so easily. Sometimes just one person standing up *can* make a difference. It isn't about simply defying one order to be slain yourself it's about making a stand and defending your beliefs. It encourages others to do so too
@@AlmarWinfield The problem is the gamble of it: do you want to die so that people around *maybe* remember you, or do you want to come home and hug someone you love?
"I was just following orders"
"Well, thats the Job..!"
Now you have 69 likes
“Good soldiers always follow orders”
@@srblackhat1 "Good soldiers have at least committed One war crime'
@@srblackhat1 CLONE WARS reference!!
In War It Doesn't Matter Who Is Right Or Wrong It Matters Who Is Left Alive -Riza Hawkeye
Being able to try your hardest to be something is a talent by itself." - Alphonse Elric
the fact that FMA is talked even till this day just speaks volume on how beautiful the story and meaning within in truly is
I dont know why, maybe it's the sensitive side of me but thinking of innocent lives... killed in wars for whatever reasons... and seeing scenes of women and men and children killed by soldiers I just felt sad how easy it is nowadays for people online and mostly in peaceful and not war striken countries to just say the people deserve death or soldiers deserve death...
It's more complicated than that but I guess everyone just wants to think of an easy black and white method of understanding. Their own kind are in the right while everyone else are in the wrong. And while debates and so on are happening it isnt stopping a bullet from penetrating the body of a man trying to protect his family or soldiers who are just doing what they think is right.
FMA is honestly too good of a show and one of the rare cases where i would watch it again just to feel those emotions again
Again, why is it surprising? It's been the highest rated series for a decade now, it's not simething like school rumble or Chobits that resonated in the middle stages of anime fandom, but fell once the culture started to change
@@kostajovanovic3711 it never fell
Aight, I'm gonna watch FMAB for the 5th time and reread the manga again
Don't cha mean 🎶 *again* 🎶
@@jjaa_joyjoyartist I see what you did there
The FMA manga is more or less perfection in my eyes. The themes, the characters... I wish the anime would have followed it a lot more closely, since the story barely could be better than it already is. The cycle of hatred is something I didn't even reflect on, but as soon as you mentioned it, I went "Oh yes...that's it!". You put it into words of how I have felt about this manga. Thank you for making this video.
Fmab follow it so I'm not sure what you mean lol
@@Jurra-x
It follows it a lot better than the first anime, yes, but it still misses a lot that is in the manga. That doesn't mean that I think it's bad or anything - it's still a good and entertaining anime.
@@Elora445 the manga is a masterpiece but brotherhood still one of the best animes and overall it still the greatest shonen of all time.
@@Matt-xs7ih
I'm not sure if it's the best shounen overall, but top three? Definitely! They did a good job.
The only problem I had was that Winry isn't part of the final battle in any shape or form. She at least repaired his automail in qonquerer of Shamballa and had an (though rushed) bond with Wrath. Even so: i disliked the pointless mystery plot she got in the 2003 version even more.
I swear Scar’s redemption arc mirrors that of Zuko (from AtLA) in a beautiful way.
Scar comes from the victim, and learns that not all on the other side are destroyers and only by working together can the cycle be broken.
Zuko comes from the side of the attackers, but learns to question the mentality he grew with and unites with the victims to reshape the world.
All fiction could learn a thing or two from AtLA and FMA.
This is a very important message to understand, especially with how our political climate is going in the U.S.
Very opportune moment to post it. Great video.
Yup. I thought the exact same thing.
We need to break the cycle now more than ever.
@@bindukopparapu2795 how do you break the cycle when the others want you and your way of life dead? Don't get me wrong I want nothing more than peace and prosperity for me and my family but I don't see how a peaceful solution is possible
@@shoelessbandit1581 that's because none of the two sides really wants peace. They want to damage each other, and both have arguments and propaganda to back up their claims.
To think ray -cism and x£nof0bia was going to be defended by leftists. Minorities b€ating innocent people during manifestations, protestnts going to Asian and Hispanic neighborhoods to st€al, to d€str©y their homes and income sources, to yell x£ - nophobic things at them and the ones supposed to be trying to do things right saying they have the right to do that is just crazy.
Things are even worse in my country, Mexico, where people have started to reject and hate people with clearer skin colour for being... You know why.
The focus on the cycle of hatred is my favorite aspect of the manga and Brotherhood. My favorite scene is when Winry treats Scar. He is astounded by this, confused that she is forgiving him. She corrects him, saying it’s not forgiveness but a step towards moving on.
Scar in the manga has my favorite character development. He commuted many crimes however approaching him correctly resulted in positive change.
i love scar too, even uploaded one of his fighting scenes
13:21 Really nice visual imagery that shows Scars black and white viewpoint.
The one who got shot by his own men reminds me somewhat of the Swedish king Karl XII/Charles XII who didn't seem to know anything but war. After oh so many years he decided to attack Norway and died quite quickly there. Historians still argue about if he was killed by one of his own soldiers or by the enemy. I think it was one of his soldiers who shot him; they just got tired of always traveling around, fighting meaningless wars.I honestly can see his soldiers behave in the same way as those in the manga: "Yeah, it was a stray bullet. Yep, a stray bullet."
correction Charles XII is seen as a great tactician that fell short a mini Napoleon he defeated norway poland and denmark instead of accepting peace with russia he continued the war winning many but one defeat was enough to lose everything in the battle of Poltava he got wounded and lost the battle. The peace deal was brutal he then decided to Attack Norway. He got shot in the head. friendly or foe we still don't know.
@@rexgamer8201
Don't know if he was truly seen as a great tactician. Maybe the first few years.
Only know that his wars were costly for the country he was king of. But apparently never cared about. Sadly, him being shot (no matter who shot him) is probably the best thing that could have happened to his country.
The Dr Knox part gets me every time. 8:25
Edward: is this what your parents would've wanted?
Winry: They wouldve wanted to live
Humanity is riding a bicycle of hatred down the road to ruin.
Bruh
WW3 will be the end then
congrats on missing the point
Nathan Higgins Just seeing the world as a damned place and making no effort to better it was the exact thing this video was against. It would be the same philosophy as Scar, and it didn't work out well for him.
@@viktorv958
I mean OP may not be exactly opposed to making the world a better place, but instead pointing out how so many others are making it worse.
FMA:B is one of my favorite animes of all times, exactly because of the level of depth it gives you with this subject. It doesn't just drop everything on you, you first get to learn who the characters are while the Isvalan war is anything more than some background fluff. Then they introduce Scar, and gradually start peeling back layers, showing you more and more as the Anime goes on. They are able to go deep into a sensitive subject because they approach it the right way
Stand up and walk. Keep moving forward. You've got two good legs. So get up and use them. You're strong enough to make your own path.-Edward Elric
Interesting. This cycle of hatred is clearly one of the major themes of Mangahood. I'm curious what you think about the major themes of 03 (I'm sure you'll get into it in a later video)-- something about equivalence or sacrifice? Great video btw, keep up the good work!
First - The fact that FMA’s Manga and the Brotherhood adaptation still to this day offers so much discussion on its themes, characters and overall story just makes me appreciate it more as my top 3 favorite anime/manga.
Second - a huge thing I greatly appreciate about this series is how both the manga and Brotherhood handle these themes with grace. It’s accessible, not overly complex, not too heavy handed nor alienating, and it doesn’t get too wrapped up in its themes and message and lose itself to become some pretentious piece of art.
A lot of themes are so apparent but the articulation of what they mean or how they’re conveyed are always eye opening. These videos really make me want to watch it for the 100th time. So yeah, great video man!
UA-camr "Aleczandxr" did a lot of great videos about anime like "Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood" and "Hunter x Hunter".
I watched FMA:B when I was younger, so I loved the series and understood generally some of the thematic elements of the interplay of faith and science, but videos like this make me see how much I really missed in the series. I need to go back and give it another go. I loved the editing in this as well, adding motion to the manga panels was excellent, I may steal that to talk about manga in the future! 😅 Overall, a great video, thank you for it!
GOAT Notation: Scars alchemy stopped at deconstruction which is the same as his worldview. Freaking beautiful man. You earned this sub
I’m always thrilled when you post! Beautiful video for today.
Scar is one of my favorite anime characters ever. His story arc is so good. He went from a character I hated to a character i genuinely wanted to see win
I just want to add to the point about Scar accepting both sides of alchemy. Scar accepting both sides of alchemy doesn't go against his beliefs. Science and God complement one another. But more importantly, God put His creativity and wisdom in us, and the most important thing we are called to create is positive change. Scar accepting both sides of alchemy is using both books of God, (the Bible and science) to reconstruct a better tomorrow. And that takes wisdom, forgiveness, and love, and those are gifts of God. Him using both sides of alchemy, is him using what God gave him.
He accepts it because he saw his brother was able to do it, showing the importance of a positive role model to change someone from their ways.
@@islandboy9381 Well, that's definitely part of it.
Great video, just rewatched this series and the 2003 series, so this was a great coinky dink, have a good day.
I literally confronted two people from my past today, then this video about hatred comes up. Very meaningful video. Thank you.
Yay!! Your FMA analysis’s aren’t dead! Man are your videos getting more and more high end. Good for you!
this is probably my favorite video of yours. I plan on showing my godbrother this, and some of my friends too. thank you for making it🙏🏽
I'm really happy you enjoyed it so much ^_^ Thank you for your kind comment and for watching the video
I'm glad you referenced the manga panels from FMA volume 15 which had some haunting imagery of the Ishvalan genocide that was toned down in the anime.
I would add that Scar & Alphonse also share similarities & contradictions.
Both are younger brothers who had self sacrificing scholarly older brothers who literally gave their right arms for them.
The difference is that Scar's losses deeply affected his worldview and led him on his quest for vengeance.
Alphonse could have had a similar fate as Scar if he had lost Edward & everyone he loved.
I truly appreciate how after 19 years (since the manga was created), this masterpiece is still actively being discussed and new generations are discovering the impact and influence of Fullmetal Alchemist in our lives. This is forever a classic. I'm amazed that after all these years, we still see and uncover little details that are truly mind-blowing. Ahh Arakawa is a genius!! Thanks for this video, Lowart!!!
You humans think Greed is all about money and power, but Greed's not so bad either. We all want something we don't have." - Greed/Ling
FMAB has some of the best opportunities for insightful in-depth analysis videos like this one. This show/manga is so amazing and executes its themes and philosophies so well.
20:00 I think you may have missed a step in that analysis - that in joining together in a collective effort to fight against the inertia of Father's collected will and control, they reject the importance of the individual in order to save their ability to be individuals.
I think the series has a focus on the fact that the individual needs to recognize their place in the "all," but they still need to recognize that their individual strengths and perspectives are an important part of that whole. Kind of along the lines of how I said every action, no matter how small, is important. I was trying to get at the idea there that Father, in consuming everyone, would have wiped out individuality and also destroyed the "all" in that process. The "one is all and all is one" thing is something I have trouble putting into words sometimes, so I hope that makes some sense haha
@@Lowart I think so, yeah. I definitely would have phrased it more along the lines of "in order to stop the one (Father) from consuming the all, they allow their individuality to be subsumed into the grand task of defeating him." The idea being that all-consuming individuality is just as perverse as the destruction of the individual in creating a collective (and completely involuntary) power, the philosopher's stone.
They don't reject it though, but rather stand up to the cycle that is Father's Hubris and his attempt to collectivize all individuals into what he perceives is the universal perfect being, himself
@@philippwo8 They literally build a collective effort to fight Father. Any one piece of which failing would be anathema to the ultimate outcome, which is why they each support each other and all succeed together. None of them rise or fall on their own - each an integral support of the other.
@@andr0oS I would argue they do build that collective but they also keep the integrity of their individual selves as it's what makes that collective strong. The collective would not be the same if it was solely made to be nothing but that, the combination of the individuals keeping themselves in a sense but unifying to still defeat Father is the big point. But that's just my opinion.
Okay evidently I need to read the manga. I was told Brotherhood was basically the manga, but there was some stuff in here that was definitely in more detail than the anime and I am always dying for more of FMAs world.
I absolutely love this analysis. Comparing scar's journey and the steps of deconstruction and reconstruction to the cycle of hatred fits so perfectly.
I cried with this! For I've felt the effect of a positive flow in my life
Well done! Your take on this series is now my favorite
Man, that was just amazing. I think it's beautiful how it also reflects in the way of a story inspiring real life, that ripple effect, so that you take this message, and we get to think about that, a light of hope in our lives as well
doctor: “you have 21 minutes and 21 seconds left to live”
me:
That pfp. Okay then.
Enlightened
A great essay as always. Plus the titles of the segments in the video have this poetic rightness to them as they directly releate to the series and suit the theme of a "cycle." A small thing but much appreciated!
Whenever I watch one of your videos it makes me reflect on things.
Dr.Knox makes me tear up every time and I did again when you brought his story line up. It was a beautiful analysis and an important ongoing theme of FMAB... I really like how there is always something to dig deep and understand in Fullmetal and every time I re-watch it or hear someone's interpretation, I gain new values understanding and admiration for Arakawa sensei's work.
man, analysis videos based off of this franchise alone always keeps me on my toes. it's extremely interesting when you're viewing someone elses humanity in a certain light.
This video is so well done. I always love to see other people’s interpretations of this masterpiece of a story
Comprehension, Deconstruction, Reconstruction. Fantastic way of blending the theme in.
Beautiful writing from Hiromu Arakawa and an excellent analysis from your end.
I glad I finally got this recommended to me. Definitely one of the best analysis of Brotherhood. Kinda makes me understand Aratakawa's reaction to people's reaction to Mustang with his Roaring Rampage Revenge.
I've never seen a more deep show. Man, the deconstruction and reconstruction have roles in both the plot and the character arc, as well as alchemy!
i clipped some fights if you have the time
One of my favorite videos on the subject.
Always felt that Scar was a really underestimated character... he's my favorite one with Alex (and his scene in the Ishvalan war made me wept like a baby).
Very good job, I look forward to pass my manga volumes to my little brother
It's the heart put into this series and its messages and themes such as "the cycle of hatred" that make Fullmetal Alchemist my favorite story ever. Amazing video, keep up the great work.
I've watched like 3 of your videos in this series now and I love it. Good stuff man.
Wow. This was worth the wait. Great video and your exiting is top notch as ever.
Watching this at 1 am really makes me want to cry. The way you put things is just beautiful.
I really like your videos and honestly I agree with almost everything you said. You tried to deduce from all the plot points you mentioned a certain metacontext or leitmotif of the "cycle of hatred". The only problem I have when trying to build this metanarrative in my head is the realization that one of the key points of this construction is the plot mcgaffinn. I mean the Ishvalan war = The Seal Of Blood. In other words, this is just an integral part of the pattern of the global alchemical circle, which does not fit into the metanarrative we are discussing.
In Fma 03, Edward is in the last dialogue with the Mustang in the car, literally doing what you are trying to do in your video. That is, he literally says the metanarrative of the entire show (fortunately, it looks organic). He says that "homunculi fuel the fires of war, but in reality they are the product of human hearts and minds, so we are responsible for our own suffering." Given that homunculi have the names of 7 deadly sins, this phrase has a double bottom. In addition, the reason for these wars is not ritual as in Brohood. It's just that the only way to make a person sacrifice thousands of people for the philosopher's stone is to shift their moral framework with the help of the widespread horror that surrounds them. The most fertile environment for this is war, epidemic, or genocide (all of which were used by homunculi in 03). In addition, it is an excellent filter for identifying people who can "reach the end".
I mean, my problem is that on the meta level, the" hate cycle " in Brohood is part of a Homunculus conspiracy. And these two parallel lines are not connected psychologically, only because of the blood seal ritual.
Fantastic video........hands down the best analysis on the triumphs, anger, growth, and character of Scar!
More Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood content. Thanks for taking a take on this and this show is my no.1 favorite anime and I've watched DB, Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and other shows.
This is such a message we need today… beautifully put.
Wow this is such a remarkable video; it’s incredible too because the lessons taken here can easily be applied elsewhere, and to think this came from anime
I just had a thought that I can't believe that I only just noticed.
People from Amestris have blue eyes.
People from Ishval have red eyes
Ed, Al & Hohenheim have gold eyes because Hohenheim was born in a different country/time period and passed on his golden eyes
IM SO HAPPY
This is an amazing analysis of the deconstruction of the cycle of hatred in FMAB, but more specifically Scar and his actions/motivations. Great work on the video!
I just wanna say your editing is top tier
I'm happy you enjoyed it! Here's the editor's channel if you want to check it out. He makes AMVs, so his editing skills definitely shine there: ua-cam.com/users/BleachShippu5678
Incredible series and incredible analysis. Thank u ❤️
This was a very fitting video for Remembrance Day; very well done.
P.S. "Will they be killed by their comrades" was somewhat undercut by showing an impersonator threatening one of those soldiers. But maybe that's fitting; a real soldier-in-arms would never do such a thing (hence why he doesn't fall for the deception).
I saw an upload, I clicked on it, the cycle continues
After you said this all needs to start with comprehension I got an old spice ad.
Your videos are amazing. You make me realising how great this series is all over again, but from a different point of view.
wow perhaps this analysis is what scar's master meant with "Enduring and forgiving are two different things. You must not forgive the cruelty of this world. It’s our duty as human beings to be angry at injustice. But we must also endure it. Because someone must sever this chain of hatred." When scar mistakenly thought winry was gonna forgive him. Aw this analysis moved me.. since the "chain of hatred" and positive and negative flow thingy are the spectacles i didnt really explore
Feels like an early Christmas getting a fma video from you!
Lowart your FMA videos give me life
Damn, I always had a view similar to this about the series,but couldn't exactly out it together myself.
But this video perfectly illustrates my thoughts as a whole from long ago.
Amazing analysis!
This video was an awesome analysis on this story. The fact that there is this much detail and depth to a story amazes me and this video did a fantastic job encompassing important aspects of it. Amazing job dude!
There are also parallels to be made between positive change and negative change with equivalent exchange. A lot of times many perceived good actions pave the way for new bad actions too. And often taking great actions also takes sacrifice. To lead a charge against the government of Amestris rather than follow orders, that takes a big sacrifice from yourself but yields a good outcome for humanity. It really kind of is all connected to equivalent exchange, and I think that’s one of the reasons this show and manga is so great.
A good example to note: Roy Mustang lost his sight but gained a new type of vision and wisdom.
Scar accepted both halves of alchemy, something against his beliefs, so a spiritual/religious sacrifice of the self, and used it to defeat Bradley, an action to better humankind.
There's a lot of good lessons to be learned from this creator. She is wise for putting these lessons in her story. I heard that the inspiration for the ishvalan war was taken from Japan's treatment of the indigenous Hokkaido people.
FMA is really a special series. I've watched brotherhood 7 times over, 2003 3 times, watched dozens of videos about both, and STILL want to go back and rewatch the series again. I can't think of a single franchise that I feel this way about.
this essay was very well written, organized, presented, and delivered. Thanks for helping me understand a little bit more about one of my favorite shows!
this is absolutely fantastic
What a video! Everything, pictures, background music and your narration/opinion were deeply satisfying. It got me carried away. Also, the dilemmas which troubled the characters were highlighted and well said.
the manga bits are so well edited! an excellent analysis that was pleasant to watch
Just finished watching all your FMAB vids after just finishing it and you drop this Pog
You brought some little bit of hope to my heart.
“An eye for an eye leaves the world blind”
Waited months. Am extremely pleased with the video! Like always you teach me something new and give me something to speculate on. Thank you for your videos you have no idea how much these actually help me as a person. Keep up the great work!
There’s a very fascinating set of experiments that ties into the defense that “I was just following orders” or “I was just doing my job.” It was carried out by Stanley Milgram in the 1960’s, and I really wish more people knew about it.
Its reasons like this that fiction is so important.
Im always amazed at how truly deep is FMA.
I've watched it more than 10 times from start to finish over the years and every time something new comes out. Every video about FMA brings out something new i never tough about, a new point of view or a different interpretation.
Honestly, truly, the masterpiece of the Anime / Manga media. Mabye not my single favourite of all times, but an inclusive masterpiece.
A literal Magnum Opus.
This has to be the best video on manga\Brotherhood, because it actually made me appreciate it more.
This series has inspired me to make my own. I plan on taking these themes and try to incorporate them into my story. Thank you, Arakawa. You are an inspiration
this series is too good and this great video highlights that even further
What a fantastic video!
Sometimes it is hard to do right thing. Good work on the video.