Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
BurtRocks
I did not like the original FLCL, so I went into this movie/short series with the expectation that, since the majority of the FLCL fanbase seems to outright despise this movie, I would end up enjoying it. Instead, essentially everything I liked in the original was stripped away, and everything I hated got worse. Progressive managed to do something I never expected, as it made me appreciate the original FLCL far more by the end.
I’ll start with the good: the OST is well done, just like the original. It’s not my cup of tea, but I can respect the soundtrack. Most of the tracks aim to recapture the feeling of the first FLCL, and this is the only aspect of Progressive that actually managed to do this. It probably helps that a lot of tracks were reused from the original FLCL, but that’s not a n…
Read at the sourcejustinx3
Its hard to remove a sequel from its context, that much is clear with a show like FLCL. The original is something that likely cannot be recreated, so of course anything following it will look dull in comparison to its brilliant shine. Comparing it to the original and holding it to that standard just isn't fair in my opinion. It'd be like holding the little sibling to the standard of their genius older brother, its not fair, not right, and puts unneeded pressure on them.
What I'm getting at is that this show/movie (depending on dub or sub) is a very enjoyable experience with great animation and a fun and a not always so serious story. It shares genre with the original being a coming of age story with plenty of metaphors for the growing pains of transitioning to adulthood. There is a lot o…
Read at the sourceTheSlyRomano
I thought this was going to be like the original FLCL “Fooly Cooly “ but I don't really see it that way
This doesn't feel like Fooly Cooly at all, This show can not decide if it wants to have a narrative unlike the original or play into how the original was all comedy and 0% narrative
Characters just weren't even interesting unlike the original, A have a lot to say on Haruko with being like the only returning character from the original, Haruko is definitely one of the best parts of the original and stole every scene she was in, In the original Fooly Cooly, But in this she just feels off like she just doesn't belong in this show and feels like a last minute decision by the writers because she doesn't feel like she has a place at all in the show at all just shoed in too represent the orig…
Read at the sourceDrMechano
The original FLCL was a masterpiece; It positively oozed style, while telling an interesting story steeped in symbolism. FLCL Progressive is all style and little substance. There's *something* there, but its themes feel half-baked compared to the original OVA.
However, one thing I can't call FLCL Progressive is "boring." Things are constantly happening, the visuals are interesting, and it has some fun, lively action scenes. But that's about all it has going for it. The characters are bland, the story is confusing, and the pacing is all over the place.
FLCL Progressive is basically "weird shit happening: the anime" without much else to write home about. If you just want more of Haruko's uniquely quirky character, it's not the worst watch in the world, but this anime certainly pales in co…
Read at the sourceSupersonic_Pain
Tbh, I went in expecting these FLCL sequels to be dogshit at worst and mid at best but this one... actually kind of rocks?
I watched this after Alternative so maybe it just looked better by comparison but I think the major thing that makes it better than Alternative (and just a good show in general) is that it's LIVELY
Progressive dials back how many characters we focus on to really just the one. There's also Ide (and as per usual, Haruko), but Hidomi is the star of the show. She's kind of antisocial but I thought she was a nice, simple, pleasant protagonist to center the show on.
Because while the show does focus a lot on Hidomi, this is also by and large Haruko's show.
Which brings me to the most important character I haven't brought up yet, Jinyu. I think the idea of Haruko having a…
Read at the sourceManoCustaff
FLCL is back but nobody asked for it, and for a reason: the original works perfectly as it is. But somebody with money bought the IP and wanted to make a sequel. So here I am writing this review. FLCL Progressive, despite its title, doesn't feature any prog music: The Pillows are back! But not so much, because they have one or two new songs for this, the rest are just re-recorded songs back from the OG FLCL, which is an issue because those songs were written in that time in that context to serve as OST to FLCL, so they don't fit quite well in this one, however, they make good fighting songs, the spirit of the original is mostly gone. The other responsible for it is the friggin music mixing, whoever did it didn't know FLCL NEEDS TO HAVE LOUD MUSIC, not just in a barely audible background to…
Read at the sourceXOArama
This was a disappointment. Just finished my first rewatch after almost 3 years of first watching it and I didn't like it then and I don't like it now. The original FLCL was really just lightning in a bottle and they failed to capture it again. It feels like they go to the point of making fun of the fans of the original with how absurd the made Haruko, now don't get me wrong she was always crazy but they made her into some sort of cheap imitation of what they think Haruko is. The rest is also in the end just a copy of the original but worse in everyway. Maybe standalone this would be ok but you don't get that option once you slap the FLCL name on it.
Read at the sourceinternetfemcel
for a show naming itself 'progressive' after the rock genre of the same name, this show does shockingly little to progress the format of flcl past what it was in its original run. in fact, them even introducing a formula at ALL is a fundamental misunderstanding of flcl as a whole.
in japan it was even called flcl 2, but to reiterate i feel like they don't understand that the concept of not really having a story structure is what flcl is about. it just ends up feeling generic whenever the new characters (minus jinyu) are on screen and even the mecha fights felt uninteresting/uninspired at points. the finale is the best part of this show because it actually DOES something with every character but i can't help feel like this could have been done earlier in a less rushed way. another issue i…
Read at the sourceMarcelo_Flores
Hi everybody, how are you?
Here is the most seriously ridiculous and ridiculously serious franchise I have ever seen.
To be brief, both this and the prequel touches on the subject of change and acceptance of it in adolescence, both in a way more related to puberty itself (as the original did) and the search for meaning and identity.
All this with a huge super over the top background subplot that has little to do with anything; and the continuation of Haruko's adventures to be with Atomsk.
It's basically the same old trusty FLCL with a fresher, more up-to-date style but with that message of wild youth, punk rock, and crazy animation styles that are its hallmark.
I liked it and if you want to see something different for a while, I recommend that you see it too.
Read at the sourceGalaxyNabu
I sadly found myself relating to Midomi, more than I thought I would at all; Shutting out the monotony with music and just wanting to get to the next day... But change happens, life happens and you realize that sometimes, you gotta move on. It may be scary, it may even hurt you in more ways than just one, but that pain and change is what allows one to grow as a person. Similar to how FLCL can be seen as some teens growing up too fast, and others too slow... FLCL Progressive can be seen as one wanting to move on from the past, to focus on the present, to create a better future.
I've seen some slamming this for not capturing the same magic as the original, but isn't change natural? We were taught that in the original FLCL, but why not with other FLCL related media?
Both Hidomi and Raharu a…
Read at the sourcesmallerdemon
While certainly not living up to the original, this follow up begins to take better shape after distance and multiple viewings. It's not trying to recapture or repeat the magic of the original, but it is trying to tell another distinct story about the transition from childhood to teenage years surrounding by the ideas and concepts of the FLCL universe. In particular, the art of the dream sequences are the stand out pieces for the show overall, and the music combines well with those pieces. The story can be messy at times, but so was FLCL original. Subsequent re-watches are opening up a soft spot for Progressive that I hope others start to feel as well.
Read at the sourceAmysel_JinkusuP
Progressive isn't a bad anime, but it fails to capture what made the original so good.
The first few episodes were very promising, but then the beach episode happened and it just went downhill after that. For the most part the story is pretty much the same as the original but with a new cast that doesn't share any chemistry with Haruko with the exception of Jinyu who is very boring and a bad attempt at giving Haruko a rival.
While the original show started off very confusing and got more clear as you watched it, this sequel gets more confusing as you watch it, but instead of making you think and reflect about what happens, you kinda just don't care because there's really nothing to understand. It feels like the show tries to replicate the quirky feel of the original but without any of th…
Read at the sourcedeli_
FLCL Progressive proves that sequels aren’t necessary.
One of Progressive's biggest problems is its lack of nuance. FLCL is known for being a majestic definer of youth and adolescence and the idea of growing up. It interweaves a crazy plot with themes of adolescence which makes for an equally stunning and eloquent look into youth. While Progressive continues with these same themes, it doesn't do a good job at fleshing them out despite its attempts at projecting it over and over again to the viewer. It feels rather artificial and shallow because of how much it clocks you over the head with them, serving as the complete opposite of the implicit nature of the original, preferring style over substance. The repetition wouldn't have necessarily been for naught if the show actually went for a ne…
Read at the sourceWhiteWolfKiba
Like many other fans of the cult classic OVA, I was very worried when I first heard there would be a direct sequel to FLCL, so much so that I put off watching it for a while. Well, I am happy to report that I enjoyed FLCL Progressive! To make a Star Wars comparison, I'd say Progressive is "the Force Awakens of FLCL projects," because it is a sequel and sort of reboot that very closely imitates the story of the original almost beat for beat. So yeah it gets no points for originality (more on that in a bit) but I'd say fans of the original will find a lot to like here.
My fears were assuaged a bit when I learned that Production I.G was handling this sequel, since I had to remind myself that the original FLCL was actually a co-production between Gainax and I.G, so it's not like the studio di…
Read at the sourceBoristein
This is NOT a movie, but a six episode series... not sure why MAL listed it this way. Honestly, I think this series is as good as the original FLCL. Writing is clever and animation is well-done for most scenes. I don't really see the meaning as useful or enriching, but it's still enjoyable nonetheless. It's a purposefully weird and unique show. The characters seem pretty unrealistic in character, but their story is well-developed. The music was memorable for many scenes and the sound effects were about average. Overall, if you've watched the original FLCL and moderately enjoyed it, I think you will enjoy this. Some people dislike it, but I think it's a great addition to the FLCL series. I watched it as soon as it was put on Crunchyrol and don't regret it; felt good after completing. It's n…
Read at the sourceYouSuck00
Look it's a good show. 6 episodes. The pillows. Haru, Canti, that's enough. I was nervous that I wouldn't like it but the opening sequence pulled me right back to nostalgiaville and it was great.
Now the biggest complaint I have heard is about the main character Hidomi. She's anti and a loner which I think fits perfect. Of all the things that don't quite make sense in FLCL, an antisocial teenage girl makes all the sense. Takun was somehow likable even though he was obnoxiously immature the way teenage boys overtly are, but Hidomi seems way more mature on the outside, she's calm and collected, but she has daddy issues and doesn't know how to express her emotions. She just does not talk about anything with anybody, so when she kinda likes a guy, go figure she doesn't handle it appropriately…
Read at the sourceAnimeBW
*This is a joint review for FLCL Alternative and Progressive. No spoilers for either.*
The idea of making a sequel for FLCL is something that strikes me as a risky proposition right off the bat. Don’t get me wrong, FLCL was a damn great little show that’s earned its long and enduring legacy, but the way in which it operated made the idea of successfully telling another story in the same world seem, it not outright impossible, at least dangerous and uncertain. It was a show that operated on a thematic and emotional level, a chaotic whirlwind of unchained animation, batshit symbolism, and raw emotional sexuality to deliver a powerful metaphor for the journey of the male adolescent id on its quest to reach some ind of maturity. It was the middle key in Gainax’s male-coming-of-age-by-way-of-p…
Read at the sourceCaninse
"I guess that's what they call adolescence."
The first thing I was told about going into this was "understand that it's all a metaphor, and listen more than watch." I'm glad I was told that, because it made me go in with a different mindset. This isn't the same story as last time, but more like a continuation through a different narrative. Last time, we were dealing with Naota and puberty/maturity. Now, we are dealing with Hibajiri and adolescent romance/fitting in, another topic everyone has experienced.
While the characters aren't as strong as in the first season, Progressive is taking a character two years older than Naota, and dealing with a different issue, and, arguably, doesn't need to be explaining how everyone is connected, because they are all the same age in the same class (ex…
Read at the sourcemuticere
I'll be honest, I came into this with fairly low expectations. If there is any series that basically is the definition of a one-shot, it's FLCL. The combination of talent, circumstance, writing, acting, all of it, were so perfect and really only could have come about at that one time. So when I heard there was going to be a sequel series, I was highly dubious. Honestly, I was somewhat disinterested. Sure, there were plenty of unresolved threads, like who really is Atomsk, what's the real deal with Haruko and what about Medical Mechanica? But like many great works of fiction, often the specific details of a story are less important than the themes that story is trying to get across. FLCL was about growing up primarily. It was also about a number of other things if you dig deep, but growing…
Read at the sourcechrissy_poo_too
Watching FLCL Progressive is like going to see a band you loved in high school on their reunion tour. They play some of the hits you remember, but a lot of the concert is new songs from their comeback album, and yeah, the songs definitely sound like they’re by the same band, but they’re missing that magic from back in the day. At its worst the new stuff sounds like the band was on autopilot, like music created for the sole purpose of having something to sell on tour.
The singer, bald now, struggling to fit into those tight leather pants from his youth, can’t quite hit the high notes anymore. The bass player refused to join in on the reunion, citing a lack of artistic integrity within the rest of the group, going so far as to say they’re “only in it for the money”. The guitarist, who long…
Read at the source
