It’s rare to come across an anime that simply cannot be categorized, a show that can’t really be compared to anything because it’s just so different. FLCL is one of those anomalies. It’s an enigma even down to it’s name, whether you prefer it called FLCL, Fooly Cooly, or Furi Kuri. FLCL is an anime that viewers will either immediately connect with or dismiss, but it’s a series that’s worth the effort to understand. FLCL has been on and off Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block for years now and it’s easy to see why they keep bringing it back. While the show may not have universal appeal due to its tendency to overwhelm the viewer it’s certainly one of the most unique anime you’ll ever see.FLCL takes place in the small town of Mabase, a typical Japanese community that is described as boring in the show’s first sentence. Naota, the young boy who utters those words, will soon encounter an interstellar visitor that will turn his life upside down and reveal that things are not so dull in his hometown as they first seem. Along the way he’ll progress from a petulant child to a mature young man, the show could aptly be described as one of the most bizarre coming of age tales ever told.The first thing most viewers will notice about FLCL is it’s borderline-insane pacing. It’s almost constant action, sudden meaningful silence, and then more action with a rock soundtrack spurring it all on. Naota’s personal issues are always front and center. From his struggles with his brother’s former girlfriend Mamimi to his clashes with the mysterious Haruko and his immature father, these problems are compounded by the fact he has evil robots emerge from his forehead at inopportune times. Yes, you read that right. It’s a crazy mish-mash of genres that on paper would seem impossible to pull off. It’s a small miracle this story got past the boardroom at Gainax but they should be credited for giving this oddball concept a chance. But this is where FLCL shines, it’s brash sense of certainty as it throws such a ridiculous plot at the viewer is refreshing. The show is just effortless cool that is unashamedly designed with the otaku crowd in mind. Most of the humor works on several levels, from the physical gags to the allusions to other anime viewers from a variety of backgrounds can come away with a different reason for enjoying each episode.FLCL’s characters have a charisma that makes it all work. Naota complains constantly but with the circumstances around him it’s understandable and never becomes whiny. Mamimi, his brother’s ex-girlfriend, provides plenty of odd, sometimes dark, but always enjoyable moments as well. She’s the town delinquent hanging out under the bridge and smoking cigarettes while dealing with her emotional problems, sometimes in ways that draw Naota into even more trouble. Then there’s Canti, the robot that emerges from Naota’s head in the first episode and seems to be dragged along by Mamimi or Haruko for the rest of the series. Haruko really steals the show though. She’s your typical eternally energetic female lead but her endearing delivery is unlike any other. While Naota may be the show’s focus Haruko is certainly the straw that stirs the drink. She pushes Naota to grow up while making sure he never has a shortage of crazy capers to fend off in the process. FLCL’s dub is top notch and highly recommended. The characters personality really comes through in the voiceovers and the entire cast delivers a spectacular performance. It’s truly amazing that they pulled it off considering the unusual circumstances this show presents and they definitely deserve a tip of that hat for their efforts.FLCL’s soundtrack establishes the show’s atmosphere with an assortment of rock tunes from Japanese rock group The Pillows. The music really add to the action in some cases, but at other times it recedes into the background and allows the characters to take center stage while it continues. It’s difficult to describe, but the difference between the two ways the music is utilized is noticeable and the switch is always made at a perfect time. FLCL has one of the most fitting soundtracks for any anime in history, which is truly an accomplishment considering the tunes were not created specifically for the show. FLCL’s animation is top-notch. It’s obvious Gainax took a 26-episode budget and used it for just six allowing the animators to create some truly beautiful shots. The constant action always keep your eyes occupied and it will take several viewing before you catch everything going on in a scene, which will be a treat for anyone who just enjoys analyzing animation.The show’s length is perhaps it’s only flaw. The story is deceptively deep, almost every line is meaningful but first-time viewers probably won’t realize this immediately and may become confused. It’s obvious that the plot could have used a few more episodes to spread it’s wings a bit, but it’s uncertain whether the non-stop pace could have been maintained with additional length. It takes several views to totally understand the plot and while that may frustrate some those that take the time will be rewarded.In conclusion FLCL is a show that cannot be categorized. I realize that’s a bit cliché but in this case it’s really the only way to describe it. The fact it’s unlike anything else and flaunts it at every opportunity is very charming. It throws the audience through its tale at 200mph and never lets up for a second daring you to blink, for most shows this would be a crippling flaw but for FLCL it’s one of the main reasons it succeeds. The unabashed style FLCL has in spades carries this show well beyond what most anime accomplish. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea those that give it a chance will be glad they did. By all conventional standards FLCL should be a colossal failure, but it somehow pulls together seemingly contradictory elements by the sheer force of its cocksure attitude and delivers an experience like no other. Highly recommended. This score might surprise some but it’s reflective of the fact this anime will grow on you in a big way given the chance.Final Score: 10.0Storyline: ExcellentAnimation: ExcellentSoundtrack: ExcellentDub: ExcellentAlso Try: Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi
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