Furi Kuri (FLCL)

Have you ever watched something… and didn’t understand any of it, but loved it anyway? Well probably you understood it, but weren’t that sure, so you don’t go around telling the world that you absolutely know what it’s all about for the fear that you might encounter someone who really knows it and will make you look like a total tool? I’d raise my hand at this point.

Furi Kuri is one weird piece of work. But the story, in my opinion is pretty much enough to understand… but of course I do not say this confidently for I also felt the same way about Evangelion, only to find out I was wrong. But fear not, my review posted about EVA is correct, because I based it on a comprehensive study of another person. If you still think it’s wrong… blame him!

Seriously, I can’t really gauge how you people would react (or reacted) if you watched this, so I’ll just share how I reacted instead of trying to explain what I reacted to.

It all starts with the typical wonder and receptivity to whatever comes. Then I found myself wondering about the sexual innuendos… not that I think they’re bad, but just because they’re weird. Then as the plot unfolds, I come to a state of utter confusion… then it all clears up towards the end. But it’s not that simple as soon as it clears up, I’m left thinking… “so it was that simple all along?” Then comes the stage of denial when I say, “NO! there are too much elements involved… it couldn’t possibly be only that.” Thus, I stand by my “probably you understood it, but aren’t THAT sure, so you don’t go around telling the world…” belief .

One element I forgot to mention: During all these phases I’ve experienced… there is always one thing I kept on doing. Laughing. Of course the laughter is on different degrees. The anime is essentially a comedy, and the way of presenting was extremely high paced. The dialog, change of topics, events that transpire are all happening so fast, that you really have to listen to understand (though sometimes a futile endeavor – it gets doubly difficult when you have to read subtitles)

I’d say the best way to appreciate this anime is to not expect anything at all, which is hard to do since Gainax¹ made it, and it’s theme gives you an impression of “experimental” so you can’t help but want to believe it would be as good as Eva or some other twistedly complicated anime. In all honesty, I wouldn’t recommend this for the people who watch [and are used to] solid content, structure, etc. But I can say for the people who would love to see something new and wacky… you must see this.