If I had to describe it in one word, I would say FLCL is unconventional; if I had to describe the main theme of FLCL, I would say it focuses on adolescence. Everything that FLCL gives us is strange, and new, and crazy--just like the advent of puberty.
Let’s start off with a bit of details about FLCL. FLCL focuses on three main characters; the main character, Naota, a cynical 12-year old elementary schooler; Mamimi, the high-schooler girl who hangs out with him; and lastly, Haruko, Naota's housekeeper. All the events of FLCL take place in a mysterious, smoke-filled town called Mabase. Every episode of FLCL focuses on some predicament or situation, ranging from Mamimi's affinity for fire, to Naota's classmate's family problems.
What the majority of viewers fail to notice is FLCL’s use of subtle details, in order to convey each character's secret feelings and motivations. Personally, I think this is what distinguishes FLCL from any other anime. From Mamimi's blank gaze at Naota after Naota realizes she has been bullied, to Naota’s thoughts of cynicism and ambiguity towards Haruko, it manages to unleash a world of truths under the surface of illusions, by utilizing solely indirect characterization--a process rarely seen in anime today. What FLCL proves, above all, is that no long, dramatic flashbacks are needed to establish character traits effectively.
Although each of the 6 episodes features a different "story", all the episodes still maintain a sense of continuity. By the last episode, all of the separate events are connected and all loose ends, tied up. FLCL’s plot, contrary to popular belief, is not some random stuff that the creators made when they were drunk/stoned. Most of it does make sense. If one is willing to pay close attention to the subs and think a bit about what they read, they can understand the plot--even if it is only to a basic degree.
The pace of FLCL is ridiculously quick, with dialogue flying by every second, and this makes FLCL extremely difficult to comprehend at times. But the plot, in itself, is rather simple and not as convoluted as the rapid pace would suggest.
Let’s take an example. Episode 3 features a side character, Ninamori, who is Naota’s classmate and also the mayor’s daughter. Currently, the mayor is in a scandal that brinks on divorce with his wife, and Naota’s dad writes the tabloid that is giving all the details of said scandal. This is the basic plot exposition of episode 3. But half of the people who watched FLCL would probably have no idea what I’m talking about. Therefore, to dismiss FLCL, simply because it doesn't make sense at first, does it a great disservice.
It’s a show that is ridiculously hard to understand and grasp, because it is like a salad mix; full of different flavors and textures. One minute you may be watching a serious scene with someone acting depressed; the next minute you may be watching some robots coming out of their head. That said, you definitely need a suspension of disbelief to watch this show. According to Samuel Coleridge, who coined that term in 1817, if a writer could inhibit “human interest and a semblance of truth” into a fantastical story, then the reader would suspend judgement towards the feasibility of the tale. Indeed, the instant one moves past all of the fluff of FLCL, a beautiful simplicity comes the forefront. Therefore, FLCL is best when studied in simple terms. At it’s core, FLCL is simply a love story, a tale of coming-of-age, a study of human nature, and a story about truth and lies.
As Naota oftentimes says, “Nothing amazing happens here.”
I think FLCL is more a work of a literature than an anime; however, unlike classic literature, it has the fast pace and the relatability to back itself up and make itself interesting in today’s context. And no matter how pretentious it may sound, I will insist that every scene of FLCL was written with a good reason. FLCL is crazy storytelling with a purpose.
---A few words on animation and art--
Like the story of FLCL, the animation and art is unconventional and follows no set format, but is done extremely well (to the credit of Gainax). Unlike other animes, FLCL's animation style abruptly changes depending on the situation, often for great comedic effect. For example, there is a scene in at Naota's dinner table that is animated entirely in manga form. There is even a scene at a barbershop that is animated like the TV show South Park. These strange aspects contribute greatly to the zany and off-the-wall atmosphere, but are definitely hit-or-miss.
---A few words on music--
An alternative rock band called the The Pillows performs most of the scores for FLCL’s soundtrack, and their songs fit into every scene. From their relaxingly beautiful "Hybrid Rainbow", to their energetic and vibrant "Little Busters", The Pillows never cease to let up. FLCL would not be the same without The Pillows, in my opinion. Obviously, not everyone likes rock music, so I would still consider it hit-or-miss.
---A few words on sub vs. dub--
The voice acting for the sub is consistent, and each VA voiced their respective roles excellently. However, I can't be as forgiving to the dub. It was badly done in some parts and didn't do many scenes justice. Compared to other anime dubs, FLCL's is certainly one of the better ones, but FLCL's sub is so much more better executed. Feel free to listen to both though.
---A few tips to understanding what is going on in FLCL:
-When watching, try not only to read, but to understand what each character is saying and why they are saying it. The story will all come together if you pay attention to the subs.
-Try to figure out simple things about the plot, like who is talking. This makes FLCL much more coherent and easy to understand.
-Don’t think too much about finding some deeper meaning. As you begin to understand more of the story, the themes will eventually rise out of the plot, and the actions of the characters.
-Don’t give up if some things don’t make sense. Try to cling to any semblance of plot exposition that you are given.
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Thanks for reading ;) Comments and feedback are welcome.
