Synopsis
There is an insanely large factory that is seen from the town of Mabase. When the plant for the medical machine maker Medical Mechanica was made, the adults were in rage. The smoke that’s blown out everyday at the same time seems like an ominous signal. That smoke disperses out covering the town.
It seems like is has nothing to do with Nandaba Naota, a middle school student who happens to be dating his older brother’s ex-high school girlfriend, Samejima Mamimi. Yes, there’s nothing amazing, just the norm…
All that is about to change when he is crashes into Haruhara Haruko’s moped and discovers a strange lump on his forehead.
Review
What is FLCL, Furi Kuri, in the first place? Flictonic (FL) Cliple (CL) Weber Syndrome ie. a stress induced skin condition that if a child pushes himself too hard will result in the growth of a hornlike extension. Is that a lie…perhaps. How about literally, kuri meaning chestnut. No, that can’t be it although kuri kuri sounds like some dark lustful ambition like a sort of tweaking of the…let’s not go there. How about this for a definition. Taking advantage of the differences of the thought processes between the left (language and logic) and right (senses) side of one’s brain, one is able to open hyperspace channels for the transportation and delivery of materials often mechanical in nature. Thus, one can cross thousands of light years in an instant. Not anyone possesses this ability of course, which is why Naota had to be the lucky one. In essence it is quite impossible to fully diagnose what FLCL is, let alone what it stands for. Oh well, it was meant to be that way.
The Breakdown
FLCL is full of nonsense that can only be possible in the anime universe. Mechas pouring out of the forehead of a sixth grader, dodging bullets on the fly, and the destruction of areas of the town and see it rebuild in the next episode.
» The Pros
The shear strength of the series if found in the characters themselves. Take Mamimi, who first met Naota's brother while burning down the school six years earlier. When he left for America to play baseball, psychologically Mamimi could not cope with the departure so she puts all her feelings towards Naota. Then, after Naota leaves her she finds a replacement. Deeply rooted within her is a resentment of the town of Mabase, her Endsville. She one-way or the other tries to destroy parts of the town either through causing fires or believing in the prophecy of Nostradamus. After the Medical Mechanica plant is destroyed, she finds freedom from the town through the only skill that she has, her photography.
Another key character that enters in the latter half of the series is Supervisor Amarao who works at the Department of Interstellar Immigration. To look more mature he wears fake eyebrows. Evidently he and Haruka had dealings in the past ending with Haruka dumping a loser like him. Amarao represents the adult that Naota can grow up to be if he 'did the right thing.'
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» The Cons
The presentation. The plot of Excel Saga was easier to follow. FLCL shows you so much giving you little time to breathe. There are some plot holes like how the Medical Mechanica factory got there in the first place, where is Naota's mother, and what will become of Naota in the end. Did life turn back the way it was and was the disease of FLCL finally cured? Will Haruko repeat it all again on some other planet?
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» Animation
8.0 |
The artists at Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell) have prepared anime viewers with a mixed bag of goodies. Styles range from normal animation, south park cardboard cut outs, black and white manga, matrix-like camera rotations, distortions, and fast paced scenes. Exaggeration is everywhere. Organomecha art is done by Hideaki Anno (Evangelion). |
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» Sound
8.0 |
This anime has no opening theme whatsoever. Ending theme Ride on Shooting Star and background themes I Think I Can, Hybrid Rainbow, and Crazy Sunshine were composed by Sawao Yamanaka, Yoshiaki Manabe, and Shinichiro Sato who make up the 1989 Japanese rock band called The Pillows. The series truly could not have been as exciting without their efforts. Sound presented only in two-channel stereo. There should be no complaints about the dubbing since director Kazuya Tsurumaki personally came to North America and approved the English voice actors. |
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» Story
7.0 |
Haruko is some sort of space alien who selfishly desires to obtain the power of Pirate Lord, Atomsk that was stolen from her by Medical Mechanica. Naota also has a role in releasing the seal on Atomsk's powers. Truly with Haruko around, there is never a dull moment. The story itself is difficult to follow and is jumbled up far worse than Excel Saga. Takes watching the whole series over again to get a grasp of it. It is zany, twisted, and insane. The dialogue and even the timing between frames can be swift at times. There were moments where I had to pause the anime in order to comprehend what was going on. |
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» Recommend
7.0 |
At first I was going to give this anime an overall rating of a 3.0. But after having watching it again, I found no solid evidence to grade it that low. Sure this anime is not for everyone and there are some mature even perverted scenes in episode 4 between Haruko and Kamon. Sound is good, animation dynamic. Story and characters can be appreciated for what they are worth. Price tag for the full set of DVDs can be expensive. |
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» Other Information
Language: English dub, Japanese with English subtitles
Extras: Director's commentary with accompanying subtitle track, outtakes, art gallery, reversible cover, special thick insert booklet full of production notes and information
Package: The amazing Haruko with her weapon, I mean her bass guitar and moped behind |
Friday, September 3, 2010
