The synopsis of FLCL is quite misleading, as it gives a primary impression of being a continuous story, but it doesn't. The story of FLCL initially plays out simple, Naota the protagonist being overrun by a woman on Vespa. This may seem as something simple at first sight, yet as story progresses things become stranger and more chaotic, nevertheless interesting.
This is where the main problem begins with the anime, following no clear and definite storyline to which audiences can guide themselves through. It is very chaotic, jumping from one chaotic event to the other, in particular the first half, as it is a conjunction of random events with no connection to the plot. In the second half some story progression takes place, to suddenly steer onto disarray again, with slice of life moments as well as over the top action scenes that make no sense.
However, FLCL's main focus doesn't lie in narrating a plot; it centralises on symbolisms and excessive allusions to sex, leaving the viewer to make his own interpretations of it, as it vague and random. One thing that mustn't be disregarded is the fact that it follows the storyline to a very basic line, but is being buried with all the randomness and chaos of the show.
The characters of FLCL are one wacky cast of eccentric and mentally unstable people, based on stereotypes. It must be said that the representation of those were well done, in respect that viewers observe and learn what makes them behaviour in a certain way. Audiences will recognize the main protagonist as an insecure teenager with his own problems of love, and the thoughts he has. The woman being the most eccentric one, and Mamini making moves on Naota, while at the same time rejecting him. There is character development to be found, but the problem is - as the series in a whole - that it is buried into way too much irregular and chaotic events, which makes it difficult to relate to characters.
All these erratic events couldn't be represented well without the suitable animation and sound. Through the art style, the behaviour of the characters are transmitted, as well adding a chaotic tone it. There were some inconsistencies to be found, but whether it was intentional or not, I wouldn't know. Other positive aspect of it is that the movements and actions that take place are very fluid.
The soundtrack used in FLCL is well done too, which added to the general atmosphere of the anime. One thing that bothered me were the voice actors: the characters emotions/behaviour didn't match with the characters, and sounded very uninterested and indifferent. For example, the animation shows them in uproar, seemingly screaming, yet the voices are indifferent sounding as if they had a cold while recording. It can be excused by implying that it adds to the shows identity, yet I don't agree with it.
FLCL was overall an interesting watch, yet never really enjoyable as the narrative lay all over the place, in conjuction with the excessive random events alongside undesirable voice acting. Does this mean that it is not recommendable? No, this anime is suited for anyone who has likes this type of random and chaotic anime: after all it is produced by the studio Gainax. Viewers who prefer an anime with proper narrative and deep characters should skip this anime.
Thank you for reading.
