 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Fullmetal Alchemist
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Plot-heavy sci-fi anime can get quite violent.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this dense, complicated anime series -- which airs as part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim lineup and is based on the popular Japanese comic (it was voted the most popular cartoon of all time in Japan in 2005 and 2006) -- can be quite violent. There are some brutal deaths, executions, and a serial killer who carves up women. The violence is by far the strongest content; language is generally on the mild side ("damn," "hell," etc.), and there's not much sex, drinking, or consumerism to worry about. It's worth noting that the complex story line requires a fair amount of foreknowledge and commitment to keep up with -- this is more of a long-term investment than a show to drop in and out of casually.
What's the story?
When their mother succumbs to a terminal illness, young brothers Edward (voiced by Vic Mignogna) and Alphonse (Aaron Dismuke) try to bring her back to life by learning the secrets of alchemy (in their world, alchemy means transmuting any matter from one form into another). But their attempt fails, leaving Edward with a prosthetic left arm and left leg, and Alphonse's soul transferred into a hulking suit of armor. FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST follows the brothers as they try to get their natural bodies back. To become the youngest "state alchemist" in history, at the age of 12, Edward proves that he can "transmute" matter without the assistance of ancient symbols, spells, or tools. Now as a state alchemist, he is afforded the ability to locate and retrieve the Philosopher's Stone, which can help him and Al return to their previous normal bodies.
Is it any good?
Fullmetal Alchemist is an extremely complicated series that will probably sail over the heads of most kids. Parents of teens should consider the very mature subject matter -- for example, a serial killer who carves up young women, an assassin who believes himself to be the tattooed messenger of God, and a political leader whose first name is "King" but whose title is "Fuhrer." All this goes to explain why the show airs as part of the Cartoon Network's late-night Adult Swim lineup.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the appeal of long-running anime series with complicated mythologies. What draws people into these shows? Do you have to start at the beginning to really understand it, or can you catch up? What do these types of shows have in common? Families can also discuss one of the series' central themes -- the idea of "Equivalent Exchange." Is the idea -- that to obtain anything, something of equal or greater value must be lost -- realistic? How does it apply (if it does) in real life?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Wonderful anime!
I think this is the only anime in which I actually like the main character! It's a wonderful series, one that really has me hooked. (I've been watching the Japanese version, which is probably a lot bloodier and more iffy, so my review will be a little off.) The show is on in the middle of the night, so there's really no reason little children would watch. The show's perfectly fine for 13+.
The series touches on religion a lot in the Japanese version. A man kills other people frequently because he believes it's "God's will," and believes himself to be God's messenger. The main enemies are named after the Seven Deadly Sins (Envy, Lust, Gluttony, etc). The main characters, Edward and Alphonse, are aetheists (as with all the other alchemists), and they openly admit it and wear their aetheism as a badge of pride. Believers in God are ridiculed a lot. In this series, God really doesn't exist. (Again, reduce the religious themes by half and you'll probably have the English version.) Violence is the same as every other anime: punching, shooting, mild blood, etc. As with other animes, morality is questioned and twisted a lot, and there really isn't a line between good actions and evil actions. Plus, one character (rightfully named Gluttony), is a cannibel and one third of what comes out of his mouth is "Can I eat him/her/them?" After asking, he usually proceeds to eat him/her/them after recieving stares from his teammates. (It's always just implied though, the most it shows is somewhat bloody remains of who Gluttony ate. Its not as bad as it sounds.) There's also mild swearing. That pretty much covers all the profanity. Honestly, anyone who watches Bleach or Death Note should watch this. It's very good!
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AGE
Not for Kids!
I loved this show, but i only watched 2 full episodes. The 2nd episode creeped me out w/ the cannibal guy.
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AGE
i Think it Should e for 13 years And Up;)
I Am Personally Right Now 13 Years old and i saw this show "fullmetal alchemist on Adult swim when i was 10 or so and i i thought i should change the channel because it started out very violent in the episode and Like it would be more of an adult show. but 3 years later i discovered to the show and i dont think its much of a big deal for 13 year old and above it had No Sexual Content in it And no drugs or nothing just occasionally u see soldiers smoking cigarettes but thats about it. I Reconmend The Show Also Because it sets out a positive message. And Teaches u Something More or less.
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AGE
Absolutely amazing! Best anime EVER!
Fullmetal Alchemist is one of the most complex anime series that I've seen/read in a long time. Not only will you get completely lost if you don't see/read it in order, beginning to end, but the plot twists are so heavy that sometimes you think your head is spinning trying to keep up--not that that's a bad thing! Edward Elric and his brother Alphonse are trying to find the Philosophers stone so they can get their original bodies back--after trying and failing to bring their mother back to life, Ed was left without a right arm or left leg (although his next door neighbor, Winry, fixed that by giving him 'Automail' limbs that, frankly, the idea of which fascinates me), and Alphonse became a soul trapped inside a ginormous suit of armor, which sometimes can be quiet comical when his appearance is compared to his personality. The series is somewhat violent, but nothing compared to other series's, like Bleach, for example. I highly recommend both the books and the show if you're into the bionic limbs/magic/slightly geeky science sort of thing!
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AGE
Good anime
Fullmetal Alchemist is a really great anime. The storyline is very original and really good. The only problem is the violence. There is a lot of and violence in this series, so some kids might get scared or disturbed. If you are around 15, 16, or 17, it’s probably okay. If you get easily scared, this is probably not the anime for you. But if you’re not sensitive to blood or violence, then I would recommend this anime. The language is very mild. They might say stuff like da*mn or h*ll. I am giving it 4 out of 5 stars.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 10, 2011
AGE
execlent show,if you can take violence.
this is one of my favorite anime titles.it can be very depressing and scary sometimes,but it has a great plot.the show can be heavy on violence,but it doesn't exeed(umm did i spell that right?) the Princess Mononoke level (which is the most i can handle for violence).only sex bothers me a bit.in episode ten i ,Edward must fight this thief named Psiren,and while he's fighting,he accidently touches one of her "things"(i feel EXTREMELY uncomfterble saying the acutal word for it).Otherwise,this is a wonderful show.
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AGE
FMA focuses heavily on revenge.
My 10 year-old son was introduced to it by a 12 year-old friend. I think that it is a bit strong for my son's age (he will be 11 in July). But I do not want to forbid it. I have watched two episodes with him and we talk about the "revenge" components of the story. I try to use it to express our family values related to conflict resolution and try to emphasize the difference between how fictional stories are told and how real life works.
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AGE
Amazing show, if a bit violent
Fullmetal Alchemist is an interesting show with a great plotline and plenty of twists and turns. It's exciting with lots of action.
This action does get a bit on the violent side. Okay, a lot. People get murdered without a second thought, in a number of cruel, in detail ways. Blood frequently spurts out from people's bodies. If you don't like seeing people die (over and over again) then this probably isn't something you'd want to watch.
Language is mild, and probably not a particular concern, unless the children watching are young.
Other than that, this show is really great.
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AGE
older kids can handle but can be violent
this is a fantastic show and i would recommend it to anyone
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Aaron Dismuke, Travis Willingham, Vic Mignogna |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
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