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If you haven’t figured it out by now, I love anime. My obsession with anime started fairly recently following my trip to Tokyo, I became obsessed with the culture, the food, the language, the landscape, and what interests me most is how much alike our cultures are yet they’re radically different. I believe this comes from their appreciation of their past yet their obsession with the cutting edge, and western culture. I tread my way through Anime just like any other Gaijin (foreigner) does, first with the works of Hayao Miyazaki, head of the world renounced Studio Ghibli. Now my collection gets bigger and bigger by the day, it seems as though everyone who likes anime has a particular favorite they hold close to them and I’ve benefitted greatly by taking their recommendations.
At first I was a bit skeptical to watching an Anime series when my good friend suggested I watch FLCL or as it’s pronounced “Furi Kuri”. I’d grown up with shows like Gundam Wing, Pokemon, and Dragonball Z but I thought I was past that by now, I was only interested in the full length features. The nice thing about this series is that the episodes are long and theres only 6 episodes in the whole series which makes it feel like you’re watching an HBO special or something. Full of details and plot points every episode doesn’t blue ball you. Another great thing about the series is that the English version has a great cast of actors and the voices really fit the characters.
FLCL revolves around a 13 year old boy named Naota. His life in the city of Mabase is interrupted by the arrival of Haruko Haruhara who bursts on the scene by running Naota over with her Vespascooter, then giving him CPR and hitting him on the head with a blue vintage Rickenbacker 4001 left-handed electric bass guitar. Later, Naota is shocked to find Haruko working in his house as a live-in maid.
Canti
Since then, Giant Robots from Medical Mechanica have been coming out of Naota’s head and cause more problems for Naota. Haruko is using Naota for her search for the Pirate King, Atomsk, because Naota’s head is the only one that can create a passageway for the robots. It also puts her at odds with Medical Mechanica, the monolithic industrial corporation. At the same time, Naota is being watched by Commander Amarao, who believes that Medical Mechanica is out to conquer the galaxy. The combination of circumstances gets Naota involved in a three-way battle between Haruko, Amarao and Medical Mechanica. The underlying theme is Naota’s coming of age as he becomes more mature and learns to express his feelings.
Atomos, the Pirate King
Naota also gets into a weird relationship with a High School girl by the name of Mamimi, who was Naota’s brothers girlfriend before he left town to play Baseball in the U.S. At first he is annoyed by her and she follows him around 24/7 but as the show progresses we see the relationship between them grow into something more meaningful for Naota. If I was him I’d be stoked to have a older girlfriend at that age though.
Mamimi
The series has an intricate plot line which means you may have to watch it a few times, but thats what I enjoy about shows like these. Going back and being able to make connections in the plot and analyzing the characters a bit more, It shows the true talent of the creators of the show. So if you’re looking for a series to watch and you’ve enjoyed my past reccomendations I really suggest you throw this on. The show is also on Adult Swim if you can’t get your hands on the DVD’s
Here’s the Trailer
22 Responses to “Shows to watch – FLCL (Furi Kuri)”
fooly cooly! my favorrite anime! is it coming back?!
nothing new! glad to see you’re a fan tho! it’s on Adult Swim!!!
word, i kno ive seen the series i love it just wish i t was longer
i like this show
haven’t seen it yet, if it’s on A.S. I’m sure we’ll cross paths lol
its awesome! such a wild anime! the girl is amazing
im sure you’ll like it.
how long has it been in adult swim??
idk just got back into A.S. It was on I was shocked!
thats wierd i ihavent seen it alot i guess they brought it back
Yeah, I’m not sure, its just got back on recently though
I’m officially jealous that you got to go to Tokyo, do you know if this is on Hulu or anything?
yea i have to agree, tokyo is place ive always wantd to check out…
same here! its on my bucket list for sure
btw the theme song to FLCL is soo tite!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhFHlsEeuVw
haha
thats so sick lol
right? its pretty damn badass
Oh I know, Tokyo is DEFINITELY on my bucket list.
They have an AMAZING modeling scene there. Once I have like two more photographers there that want to book it looks like I might have an all paid for trip there.
fingers crossed!
i agree, by the time i get to go, the robots will have taken over
you and me both. unless i get more modeling gigs there.
This is a weird coinkydink. I was looking for a Snic dabber,came across this site & saw FLCL was a recent post. I started cosplay modeling back in ’04 & Haruko was my main character! I have both my lower arms are covered w/FLCL tats. The right side is Haruko as an angel,the left is a drawing taken out of the first artbook of Haruko w/a demon shadow. I’m too big to fit into my Haruko cosplay anymore,lol,but I still go to cons & dress up in steampunk or lolita themed outfits. Hopefully I’ll see some of you at Otakon this month in Baltimore!