Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood's 10 Most Heartbreaking Moments

Over the course of its 64 episodes, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood left fans entertained, on tenterhooks, and moved by its numerous poignant narratives. It’s even debatable that this anime is essentially a tale woven around sorrow from start to finish. Life often doesn’t adhere strictly to the principle of equal exchange, as the Elric brothers discover when they meddle with nature’s laws and face the repercussions, which drive their pursuit of the Philosopher’s Stone and become integral to the broader narrative thread of the story.

However, it’s not just the Elric brothers who tug at our heartstrings in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”. Their voyage brings them into contact with a myriad of characters from diverse backgrounds, each learning and evolving not only from their own hardships but also from others’. Characters like Winry, their childhood friend, and even the antagonistic Homunculus Greed have experienced and grown through tragedy. This depth continues to captivate fans even two decades after its debut, as shown by the anime’s live-action stage play adaptation. Now, let’s delve into the 10 most poignant moments in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood”.

Here’s my spin on your request:

“Delve into this list with caution, fellow Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood fan! I’m about to unveil some significant spoilers that could change the way you perceive the series forever!

The Elrics’ Failed Human Transmutation

At five and four years old, Edward and Alphonse Elric tragically lose their mother, Trisha. Still too young to fully grasp the concept of death, they entertain the idea of using alchemy – a subject that fascinated them both – as a means to resurrect her. However, their longing for their mother’s embrace once more ultimately results in a heartbreaking outcome.

After five years of rigorous training and preparation, not even our plans can run smoothly. Just moments after the Human Transmutation spell is cast, Al tragically loses his entire physical form, while poor Ed suffers a devastating loss too, losing his left leg. The scene that unfolds is nothing short of gruesome, and it becomes heart-wrenchingly sad when, in a desperate bid to restore his brother, an injured Ed uses his own blood to seal Al’s soul within the armor kept in their father’s study, sacrificing his right arm in the process.

Alphonse’s Sacrifice

In my climactic battle against the wicked Father, I discovered my automail wrecked and my biological arm pinned to a twisted piece of reinforced steel, leaving me unable to perform alchemy or make a swift escape from the impending villain. Desperate to save my beloved brother, a wounded Al came up with an idea – since I had given up my right arm to bind Al’s soul to the armor, perhaps the reverse was true as well. With Mei by my side, I made the heart-wrenching decision to sacrifice my own soul to restore Ed’s arm, leaving many a tear streaming down fans’ cheeks.

Riza’s Reaction To Roy’s (Presumed) Death

When Homunculus Greed, arousing desire, informs Riza Hawkeye that she’ll kill her so they can reunite with Riza’s superior officer Roy Mustang in the hereafter, Riza’s response is deeply emotional. Initially, the usually composed and competent lieutenant refuses to believe Roy’s demise. Overwhelmed by the news, she then becomes enraged, firing bullet after bullet at Greed until she runs out of ammunition.

Riza persists despite her tears flowing freely. However, when her assaults fail to harm the Homunculus due to its regeneration, she collapses in defeat. Witnessing this strong character succumb was a moving experience for many, and although Roy fortunately wasn’t truly dead, the scene made an indelible impression.

Maes Hughes’ Death

As a loyal friend and partner to the charismatic Roy Mustang, I, Maes Hughes, quickly became a fan favorite – making the heart-wrenching events that followed even more tragic. Once I uncovered the truth behind the chaos engulfing Amestris, it was clear these disturbances were no mere coincidence. Sadly, my discovery led me to an encounter with Lust, who sought to silence me permanently by ending my life.

Luckily, Maes managed to flee, but unfortunately, he was later ambushed by the transforming Envy while trying to inform Roy about his discoveries. Overwhelmed and heartbroken, Maes attempted to defend himself, but Envy in a cruel twist, transformed into the likeness of Maes’ wife, leaving him powerless. To make matters worse, during Maes’ funeral, his little daughter called out for him, causing even Roy to weep uncontrollably.

Nina’s Fate

In the anime “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,” there are many poignant scenes, but none compare to the heart-wrenching story of Nina, the daughter of alchemist Shou Tucker. The Elric brothers encounter Nina during their research in her father’s library and quickly become fond of her, even spending time playing with her and her dog, Alexander.

However, when faced with the need for an alchemical miracle for his evaluation, Shou Tucker commits the unimaginable by permanently merging his own daughter and their dog into a speaking hybrid. When Ed discovers this horrifying truth, his anger erupts, nearly leading to Tucker’s demise as he comes close to attacking him violently. This deeply emotional scene not only resonates with the viewers but also significantly shapes Ed’s character.

Greed Kills His Friends

In the flow of events, I observed as a new consciousness, Greed – now inhabiting Ling’s form following the transference by Father and memory wipe – crossed paths with his old friend, Bido, from Dublith. Despite the physical transformation, Bido, with his Ultimate Shield and distinctive demeanor, managed to identify Greed. However, unbeknownst to Bido, Greed failed to recognize him, leading to a tragic outcome where Greed ended up taking Bido’s life instead.

Yet, this instance stirs Greed’s recollections, and he begins recalling all his comrades from Dublith. This event underscores him as a sorrowful character yearning to spend his days freely with his friends, escaping the grip of his Father’s rule. In his final moments, Greed comes to accept this reality.

Ed Stops Winry From Shooting Scar

As Winry discovers that Scar was responsible for her parents’ death, a torrent of feelings causes her to collapse onto her knees. Upon spotting a firearm within reach, the typically compassionate and nurturing Winry is consumed by a thirst for vengeance. With trembling hands and tears streaming down her face, an emotional Winry aims her gun at Scar, as Ed and Al implore her not to pull the trigger.

However, though Scar acknowledged her thirst for revenge as reasonable, Winry couldn’t muster the strength to fire the weapon. Eventually, Ed dislodged the gun from Winry’s trembling grasp. In a poignant moment, this action served as a reminder that her hands were meant for healing, not destruction.

Roy Loses His Sight

To ensure his master scheme would work, the villain, Father, required five humans who had previously performed Human Transmutation as sacrifices. However, when he didn’t have enough, he attempted to coerce Roy Mustang into performing the Transmutation to save Riza’s life. Yet, Roy stubbornly refused.

Since he refuses to undergo the Transmutation voluntarily, Wrath forces Roy’s hands in place with a stab, as Pride opens the Gate. Regrettably, even though Roy chooses not to perform the Transmutation, Truth exacts its price from him – his eyesight. This is heartbreaking for a man who aspired to become Fuhrer and witness Amestris transform firsthand.

Al Doubs His Memories

Although the brothers shared a palpable closeness, the lifestyle of being inanimate armor, incapable of sustenance or rest, was wearing heavily on Al. Thus, when Ed and Al crossed paths with another immobile armor figure, this encounter sparked uncertainty within Al’s mind. The younger Elric began questioning his brother, even his own existence, pondering if he truly existed at all. Although they eventually discuss their concerns, witnessing Alphonse’s internal struggle is heart-wrenching.

Ed’s Final Transmutation

In the anime, it’s undeniably evident that Ed has a deep affection for alchemy. What makes his actions poignant yet tragic is his willingness to give up something he cherishes so dearly – even his brother – to protect him. It seems that Ed has long regretted involving his brother Al in the Human Transmutation plan, and his final act of alchemy appears to be an attempt to rectify that past error, no matter the personal toll.

In this rephrased version, let’s say: “Ed relinquished his Gate of Truth, forfeiting his alchemy talents to restore Al. It was a noble sacrifice, one that only Ed, having undergone considerable character development, could afford to make, giving up something so invaluable. Yet, for Alphonse’s well-being and adhering to the series’ central ideas, it turned out to be the trade we required.

2025-01-22 23:12

Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood’s 10 Most Heartbreaking Moments