Genre: Action, Drama, Romance, Horror, Psychological, Seinen, Supernatural.
Synonyms: Elven Song, Elfic Song.
Episodes: 13.
Length Per Episode: 25 Minutes.
Score: 6/10.
Synopsis: It is said that species are constantly changing and evolving. Humans are no different. Elfen Lied tells the story of the Diclonius, a mutated species of human that possess invisible telekinetic arms called Vectors that basically give them telekinetic abilities, as well as a pair of short horns.
Our story starts with Lucy, a Diclonius who was held against her will and experimented upon by the government. Murderous and vengeful from an eternity in confinement and torment, Lucy escapes her prison only to receive a head injury that causes a second, child-like personality to emerge. The injured Lucy, brain-damaged and only able to say "Nyuu", stumbles upon two humans, Kouta and his cousin Yuka. The two resolve to assist this injured girl, unaware of her hidden murderous personality or the world changing events they will soon find themselves tangled in.
Thoughts after reading the synopsis: It sounded interesting and something I'd have no trouble getting into.
Thoughts on the art style: A very typical late 90′s to early 00′s anime style.
Thoughts on how the story played out: The story played out interestingly, especially when we begin to delve into Lucy, Kouta and Yuka's backstory and also finding out about what the other characters have been through. It's definately not for children as it has themes such as nudity, abuse (sexual, physical and mental) and does not skimp on the violence.
Positives: The characters are well written and the dialogue is very believable for the setting; the fluidity of the animation is relatively okay for an anime from 2004; the opening song Lillium is hauntingly beautiful and links in well with the anime; the mature themes are handled in a delicate matter.
Negatives: Kouta suffers from what I call protagonist syndrome (typical male lead with a load of girls after him); Some characters like development or proper exploration (this is covered in the manga, however); even if Lucy was childish, injured and naked, taking in a strange off the beach is a possibly dangerous situation, SAFETY FIRST PEOPLE; The fact that Yuka is jealous of her own cousin falling in love.
In the middle points: Even though some characters don't have much backstory they are still well written and relevant,
Overall: A decent watch over all and especially good if you're into symbolism and psychology. Good characters, plot and dialogue, just don't watch it around younger anime viewers.
Sources:
Synopsis and basic information: myanimelist.net/anime/226/Elfen_Lied?q=elfen%20
Images: myanimelist.net/anime/226/Elfen_Lied/pics
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Anime Reviews
Short StoryTitle says it all. These are my own opinions and I understand if anyone disagrees.
