Fooly Cooly
Photo Courtesy of ®Gainax/Production I.G/KGI- Wikimedia Commons
FLCL (2000-2001) is a show that allows you to draw your own conclusions about its bizarre contents. It is a downright bizarre experience, but it is definitely one worth seeking out.
FLCL (2000-2001), or Fooly Cooly, is one of the most bizarre shows to ever be released. One moment, a humanoid robot is born from a bump on a boy’s forehead; the next , a father dressed as a Nazi is playfully firing at his own kid with a real gun. Even the animation would throw crazy curveballs at the viewer with segments that are just moving manga panels or in the style of South Park (1997- ). Truth be told, FLCL (2000-2001) is just some off-the-rails nonsense with an almost unintelligible plotline and breakneck pacing. That is, however, where the beauty lies.
FLCL (2000-2001) follows 12-year-old Naota Nandaba as his life is suddenly and shockingly changed by the appearance of a mysterious woman, Haruko Haruhara. What he is thrown into is nothing short of supernatural and absurd: robots, aliens, and a massive clothing iron. Naota, originally bored of his ordinary town where nothing happens, meets the sudden change in his life with eagerness. His attitude reflects another change he is experiencing and one of the main themes of FLCL (2000-2001): puberty. He desperately wants to be seen as an adult and is always out to prove himself.
Unlike other shows of the time which were broadcasted during certain times, FLCL (2000-2001) was an OVA (Original Video Animation), according to Mechabay. This means that instead of waiting for it to appear on live television, consumers would purchase it at a video store and own it to watch whenever and however many times they wanted. The creators, aware of these circumstances, created a show that was short (six episodes long) and utterly incomprehensible on the first watch. Due to the medium, confused consumers could just replay what they watched in the hopes of gaining a little more understanding. FLCL (2000-2001) is a show that is meant to be perplexing and watched multiple times, something that pairs well with its themes of growing up in a world that doesn’t make any sense.
Despite being the namesake of the show, what “Fooly Cooly” actually is has not been defined. The characters talk about it a couple of times, but all they typically say is how they do not know what it means. It has nothing to do with a fool or being cool or a cool fool; Fooly Cooly is just the localized version of FuriKuri, which does not translate into anything. It is up to the viewer to decide the significance of Fooly Cooly. Do not look up what it means. Watch FLCL (2000-2001) and derive meaning, or meaninglessness, yourself. If you do, something inherently lacking in meaning might become meaningful to you.
The soundtrack was done by The Pillows, a Japanese alternative rock band, according to IMDb. They immaculately match the chaotic energy of the show with some iconic and unforgettable tracks. Even if you do not want to watch FLCL (2000-2001)—or have given up looking for it since the original cannot be found on any streaming platforms—try listening to them.
If you are into nonsense with a narrative that is not necessarily hidden but takes some looking for, Fooly Cooly will be right up your alley. It is a short watch for those with little time on their hands, but if you liked it the first time, you must watch it again. Though, despite the recommendation, you do not need to watch an anime to experience a chaotic world or to give personal meaning to meaningless things.