Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a complex and often violent anime series based upon a popular Japanese manga (comic) series. A theme throughout the series is two brothers' attempt to resurrect their dead mother. There are some violent, gory deaths and injuries, including a scene where a murdered father and daughter lie in a pool of blood. The main characters work for the military and their jobs include making weapons. Heavy themes of death, resurrection, retribution, and sacrifice are explored through strong characters that will likely appeal to mature anime and manga fans.

Sexual Content

There is a character called Lust who dresses in skimpy clothing.

Violence

Fantasy violence and some gory animated scenes are part of most episodes. The permanence of death is a topic of a some episodes and in one episode a young girl and her father are murdered and are shown lying in a pool of blood. Edward and Alphonse must fight as a part of their jobs as military alchemists with Edward often transforming objects into weapons. Horror is a major element of the series and there are numerous grotesque characters. The brothers' attempt to resurrect their mother results in a corpse-like creature, which recurs as a flashback; another creature called Gluttony is implied to partake in cannibalism. Another character solidifies his own blood into a weapon that stabs Edward.

Language

Words such as "hell," "crap," and "dammit" are used.

Social Behavior

The British adage "keep calm and carry on" is a major theme. Despite experiencing personal traumas and tragedies, Edward and Alphonse keep moving forward with their lives and encourage others who experience similar tragedies to do the same. The boys are prodigious alchemists but the series shows that this is in part due to hard work, sacrifice, and studying. Despite many setbacks in their search for the philosopher's stone, the boys never give up until they reach their goal.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable