FLCL

This review is spoiler-free.

If there was a show that fully encapsulates the weird, erratic, and downright hormonal experience that is adolescence, FLCL may be it. Focusing on a stoic sixth -grader named Naota, FLCL explores the confusing and chaotic aspects of puberty though a wild, seeming disjointed science-fiction tale. This is a well-beloved show to many an anime fan. But, should it be? I attempt to answer this question by exploring five major facets of the show and scoring each one to give a total score.

#1) The Story

Score: 65

At the risk of sounding overly harsh, the story of FLCL is easily the weakest thing about it. While many praise the show for the way it explores the themes mentioned above, those same people will admit that it took more than a single viewing to understand even the basic plotline. For the purposes of writing this review after one watch, I also had to consult articles and such to fully grasp what was going on. While I appreciate the reason behind this kind of near stream-of-consciousness storytelling, it creates quite the accessibility issue for many viewers. Nevertheless, once you actually understand the plot, you can see the brilliance of the show. The pacing is fast and tight, and is crammed full of details that are meant to clue the viewer in on what's going on. The plot does seem to coalesce into something more recognizable by the fifth and sixth episodes. Yet put into perspective, that's akin to saying a movie trilogy didn't make sense until the last installment, or a 24 episode anime didn't make sense until episodes 21-24. In fact, the only way the show can get away with is is due to it's short six episodes. For a last note on the plot, you might have guessed that the show is pretty sexually charged. Many coming of age stories usually have some kind of metaphor for a sexual awakening, and FLCL does not shy away from that. While there is nothing outright explicit, the viewer should set their expectations accordingly.

#2) The Characters

Score: 70

Now that I have covered the weakest link in this show, it's time to go over the remining strengths. The characters in this show are very well-written and designed. I am particularly fond of the embodiment of chaos that is Haruko. The zany nature of the show allows for some seriously crazy antics, and FLCL does not disappoint. Even if you don't know what's going on, you keep watching to see if Haruko will hit Naota again, if Naota will sprout another robot, or if Mamimi move on from projecting her frustrations over Naota's older brother onto Naota himself. If you can't pick up on the story's themes, you surely stay for the characters, as they are a spectacle unto themselves. This is no surprise, given studio Gainax's penchant for endearing characters in their shows. All in all, the subjects of the show are great fun and act as a kind of anchor in FLCL's sea of madness.

#3) The Visuals

Score: 79

I have to say, one could write an entirely separate review based on the visuals from FLCL. The animation holds up remarkably well from something animated 23 years ago. The color palette was perfect for the tone and theme of the show. I was surprised to find that the various transitions used throughout the show (the manga panels in particular) were captivating instead of jarring, yet another instrument in an ever growing and increasingly chaotic symphony. Similar, the gag of going to slow motion whenever a great slapstick moment occurred (Haruko's first scene being the main example) was both a testament to the offbeat nature of the show as well as a break from it. All in all, the visuals were top notch and merit further analysis.

__#4) The Audio

Score: 94__

The sheer brilliance of the soundtrack and audio mixing of this show is by far the strongest and most attractive element FLCL has to offer. The rock band The Pillows created the entire soundtrack, and it is something that transcends the show itself. If an entire review could be written about the visuals alone, then the music meris a novel. Before even finishing the show, I was listening to the soundtrack on repeat. This is the single stroke of brilliance that elevates the show to a near legendary status. Gainax made some weird decisions on FLCL, but the music was not one of them.

__#5) My Overall Enjoyment

Score: 75__

Despite not knowing what was going on, the weird sexual innuendo, and the seemingly haphazard nature of it all, I thoroughly enjoyed FLCL for what it was. Colorful, chaotic, and unpredictable, I couldn't help but have fun watching it. Add to it the absolutely killer soundtrack and I couldn't stop watching. I knew I was in for a crazy time and FLCL certainly delivered on those expectations. I fully anticipate watching it again.

Conclusion

FLCL may not be for everyone, but those who enjoy it will do so for the amazing music, fantastic visuals, and colorful randomness that tells a story about a young boy struggling with coming adulthood and understanding the weird world around him. I firmly believe that if you are a fan of anime as a medium, you need to watch this show. It is, without a doubt, an experience worth writing about. I certainly believe that FLCL is deserving of its believed status among the anime community and that for the fantastic experience alone, it should be viewed at least once in one's lifetime.