FLCL

About FLCL

FLCL (also known as Fooly Cooly) is an original video animation (OVA) anime series written by Yōji Enokido, directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, and produced by the FLCL Production Committee, which included Gainax, Production I.G, and King Records. Released in 2002, FLCL follows Naota Nandaba, a twelve-year-old boy living in the fictional Japanese suburb of Mabase. His life gets turned upside down when the enigmatic Haruko Haruhara runs him over with her Vespa scooter, setting off a surreal, mind-bending sequence of events.

Making / Production

FLCL marked a departure from traditional anime conventions with its experimental style, representing a significant risk for both Production I.G and Gainax. The series is distinguished by its punk rock spirit, unique animation style, references to pop culture, and storytelling that switches between reality and fantasy. The eccentric presentation, coupled with a deep and meaningful character study, made FLCL a cult hit among anime fans.

Actors

• Mayumi Shintani as Haruko Haruhara: Bringing the eccentric and unpredictable Haruko to life, Shintani infused the character with unmistakable energy and chaos.
• Jun Mizuki as Naota Nandaba: Mizuki portrayed the ostensibly ordinary Naota with a compelling mix of vulnerability and complexity, especially as his life transforms dramatically.
• Izumi Kasagi as Mamimi Samejima: As Naota's older brother's girlfriend, Kasagi gave a poignant performance, representing Mamimi with depth and fragility.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series' title FLCL is pronounced in English as “Fooly Cooly” and has no definitive meaning. It's reflective of the show's whimsy and unpredictability.
• Each episode of FLCL is named after a song by The Pillows, a Japanese alternative rock band that provided most of the series' soundtrack.
• The Vespa scooter, central to the series, isn't just a vehicle but also a symbol in the plot, representing unpredictable change and chaos.

Quotes

• "Nothing can happen until you swing the bat."
• "Survival of the fittest is the law of nature. We deceive or we are deceived. Thus, we flourish or perish."
• "When you're in a town like this all covered with smoke, you forget that there's a world outside."

Music, Soundtrack

• The Pillows, a Japanese alternative rock band, composed the majority of the series’ soundtrack, perfectly complementing the show’s off-kilter vibe. Notable tracks include "Little Busters", "Ride on Shooting Star", and "I Think I Can".
• The track "One Life" by The Pillows, plays prominently in the final episode, providing a touch of melancholy to the climax.