FLCL

12 reviews - 55.0 total score (Explanation of the rating system)
avg. score: (4.6)

Director - Kazuya Tsurumaki
Design - Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
Music - The Pillows

12. Chris

Personified Chaos. That is the only way to describe the OVA that is FLCL. FLCL doesn't make sense, (not much anyway), so don't go into it expecting that. The first time I saw the first episode, I turned it off halfway through. Just remember, this show is really only about guitars, baseball, jokes and more chaos. When I finally realized that, I realized I really, really like this series. The ending still doesn't really make much sense to me, but I don't care. I rewatch episodes of this just for the music sometimes! It's just one of those series that is addictive in it's oddness. I highly recommend watching it. I'd give it a 5 out of 5, except for that I feel it could have had stronger storyline, instead of being so random. Oh yes, and I prefer the subs for this series.

11. SAGO

I'm not really sure what's going on in the mind of GAINAX when they made this 6 episode anime. Then again, after Evangelion, it has become cliche that GAINAX would put in weirdness in the most simple of situations (Kareshi Kanojo no Jijou) just for the heck of it. FLCL is anything but simple. It seems that GAINAX purposely made the series to be chaotic in order to be different. Congratulations to them. They succeeded in doing so.

FLCL is one of the first anime series that made an impact on me... make it a scar. The pace of the anime goes is from subtle to angstish to chaotic to WTF in a moments notice. I highly recommend this anime because it is so different but maintains its likable (in an odd sort of way) characters unlike the denizens in another GAINAX oddball anime Abenobashi Mahou Shotengai.

10. Yogi

This is rather interesting. It is a show of chaos personified, with rapid moving flashes of images which make as much sense as the dialogue. A plot which goes everywhere at once, and yet goes nowhere, leaving the viewer wondering "what the hell is going on?" The characters all behave like they have a few screws loose in their heads, yet all act in an understandable manner. There is a semblance of a plot within this entire mess. However, in the end, I’m still not quite sure what just happened.

9. Iodine

GAINAX has produced one of the strangest OAVs ever created, where the point seems to be buried in the stylistic devices and schizophrenic imagery. The story involves a boy named Naota, his older brother's girlfriend Mamimi, a manic girl on a scooter named Haruko, and a bashful robot. There's a quirky randomness that abounds, where a discussion at the dinner table will randomly switch to black-and-white manga panels, and super fighting robots enter this dimension through Naota's forehead. High-voltage comedy and breathless action are juxtaposed with a quieter, more pastoral atmosphere of small town nostalgia. On the most basic level, though, this is a funny, bittersweet look at two people growing up, and figuring out who they are. The best character is easily the slyly strange Haruko Haruhara, whose imposition on Naota's life is a joy to behold. Unlike other zanies, Haru is older and wiser and there is a meaningful method to her madness.

The energy of this anime is apparent in every aspect, from the animation to the music to the vocal performances. GAINAX managed some impressive visual impossibilities this time, with undeniably odd, but gorgeous animation. The score includes some neat sounding guitar scraping, including a zinger of an ending theme. Those who attempt to analyze the plot minutiae are doomed to fail from the start. This is an anime more bent on creating moods and striking emotional chords than bothering to explain the rapid-fire references and in-jokes, though most people assume the influence of psychotropic drugs. And who knew the bunch at GAINAX were South Park fans?!

8. End of Hearts

What to write about, the weird characters, crazy settings, guitars as weapons, and awesome music? FLCL is one hell of a mind trip. I still don’t understand half the story and I seriously don’t want to bother doing so. Overall the crazy world of FLCL was very enjoyable. Not only was everything nuts from the monsters, character designs, super usage of super deformity, but the story was never boring, consider I couldn’t understand it. The music and visuals were awesome. To put it simply, the animation is a beefed up version of The Animaniacs. Some of the most unrealistic things can happen and it’s all good. The Pillows provide awesome music that most likely you haven’t heard from most animes. FLCL is by no means is an Evangelion or a Lain, it’s a totally different mind boggler.

7. Dreamer

To think of Furi Kuri is to think more of a masterpiece, a work-of-art, rather than an anime. The animation quality is super and the art style direction is strange and always surprising with new twist. The characters are immediately loveable, or hateable like that damn nurse, and the storyline is good too. Having Rock and Roll BGM gives the show a distinctive atmosphere from other series. Gainax has never failed to always amaze me. When you think, "That is it! They can never top this", they do. Well, still wish it was longer.

6. Leliel

More of an experience than a narrative, FLCL jams together several disparate elements and adds that special something from Gainax to hold it all together. In a word, zany. Better to rely on the cliché that FLCL defies genre than to classify it as an shounen action parody drama. Typical Gainax quality backed by an atypical rock soundtrack. Too twisted to be a solid recommendation for everyone, FLCL nevertheless makes my hit list as one of the most original productions ever. A must-see if you need to get away from the same old formula.

5. Jin

When you think FLCL think weird. This anime will leave you saying, "Huh?" after the first episode. The story is basically a weird mix of mecha, science fiction, romance, comedy and...guitars? For a 6 episode OVA the action never lets up and really draws you in while maintaining a strong story. While the animation and story are very good the biggest strong point has got to be the amazing rock score. The Pillows music is used in FLCL and it truly does fit in perfectly. While some people will still be saying, "Huh?" after watching the final episode this is a very strong OVA. Bravo to Gainax for creating yet another compelling anime.

4. cron

Gainax is nuts.. And if you don't like it.. you have issues. This series shows why Gainax has a mystic presence in the anime world. The series story is so bizarre and nonsensical that it makes sense that one isn't required. Here is my take that I'm positive that's wrong. Nandaba Naota is a student that feels trapped in his local setting. Naota's older brother who is living in America, has a girlfriend in the same town that hangs out with Naota. Enter Haruhara Haruko on her motor scooter that's another weird point of FLCL that proceeds to run over Naota and then beat the living crap out of his head. From this point on space pirates are introduced and how Naota's forehead is a space portal and another faction trying to stop Haruko's motives. The computer animation is fantastic with some decent 3D animation. The music done by The Pillows is great and is a fresh breeze that gets away from techno, etc, usual anime music.

3. moskun

I enjoy anime that makes you think, so FLCL is one of my favourites. The storyline of this series is like no other. It's also hilarious in its mocking of other sci-fi anime. FLCL has not only a great plot, but also wonderful visuals. The animation here is top-notch. Another refreshing aspect of FLCL is it's music. Instead of your basic anime J-pop soundtrack, Gainax brought in The Pillows, a fantastic rock band. So if you're looking for something new and original in the world of anime, FLCL is a great choice.

2. Tempy

FLCL is a very pleasant anime to watch. The alternative/punk-rock music by The Pillows is excellent. The art/character/mecha designs and animation are wonderful, very energetic and dynamic. They must have good crack at Gainax, because often I would have no idea what was going on, but that wasn't so bad, because the audiovisual experience is so amazing, and it's funny too. Now if only there was a more straightforward plot and a satisfying conclusion; perhaps the movie will provide that. It better have, because I'm not sure if people can withstand another 1-2 hours worth of crack-induced madness.

1. weasl

Gainax does it again. FLCL is to cool for words. I was hooked from the start, and the addiction spread through my office like wildfire. The story is completely out of control, and utterly confusing up until the the end at which point the pieces fall into place, and the sudden urge to rewatch the whole series again sets in. The pacing is excellent and each episode is as good as the previous one. The animation, done be Production I.G. (Ghost in the Shell), is top notch and the grunge/rock style soundtrack by The Pillows is one of my favorites. These elements combine for an experience that is too random and bizarre to try and explain. If you're looking for an off the wall anime like no other and that mixes comedy and action look no further. A must see for all anime fans, and the one of the most unique anime I have ever seen.