Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (2009)

If someone wants to understand what makes anime special, I recommend Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood first. It demonstrates everything: the visual storytelling, the emotional range, the commitment to character. the satisfying and earned ending is the best single example.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has moments that hit harder than any film I've seen this year. Eye of Heaven, Gateway of Earth completely wrecked me. Hiromu Arakawa has an understanding of grief, hope and the human condition that is genuinely exceptional.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood uses its genre conventions to explore brotherhood and sacrifice in genuinely surprising ways. Hiromu Arakawa's work rewards careful attention. There are layers here that only reveal themselves on rewatch.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood establishes its world, characters, and stakes within the first three episodes. There's no wasted time. Alphonse Elric is immediately compelling and brotherhood and sacrifice is clearly defined. A sign of confident purposeful writing.

Roy Mustang's development across the series is one of the most convincing character journeys I've experienced. You understand every choice even when you disagree with it. the extraordinary world-building depth makes the whole thing click.