Elfen Lied

Also Known As: EL, Elf Song

Genre: Drama

Format: 13 Episodes

Allegiance: ARMS/GENCO

Director: Kanbe Mamoru

Vintage: 2004

Intelligence Agency Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

The course of evolution has produced a variation of Homo sapiens sapiens referred to as diclonii (sing. diclonius). Unfortunately, diclonii are genetically programmed to cleanse the world of humanity, and can do so very efficiently by way of "vectors" - additional invisible arms. As a result, diclonii are either exterminated upon birth or isolated for research. Inevitably, disaster strikes as a diclonius named Lucy escapes from a lab. However, she is seriously wounded in the process, and is discovered naked on a beach in a childlike state by Kouta and Yuka, two local college students. Lucy is taken in by her new guardians, and christened "Nyuu." However, the organization who has been conducting the research will not allow her to escape... and there is the possibility that Lucy could reawaken and carry out her genetic mission.

Field Agent Report by: Kuzu Ryu Sen

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

7.00
8.50
8.25
9.00
8.00

Overall

8.25

(not an average)

Right from the opening credit sequence, it was clear that Elfen Lied isn't your usual anime. After all, the opening credits contained a good deal of relatively detailed nudity, and the opening few minutes has one of the highest DD/s (distinct deaths per second) rates in anime. Yet, despite all the violence, this anime is hardly a slasher or horror; it merely presents a story using real world physics. After all, what's the fun in eliminating the concept of bleeding?

Naturally, the first thing that strikes the viewer will almost certainly be the copious amounts of red decorating the screen. On the plus side, that copious amount of red is at least crisp, clean, and always presented in a unique manner. No two decapitations are the same, and the severed limbs are very detailed, right down to tendon and skeletal structures. Likewise, the backgrounds are very detailed, and the use of colour establishes mood and tone exceptionally well. Animation is also crisp, accurate, and fluid. Music, on the other hand, is a bit of a mixed bag. The theme of the series, "Lilium," is a wonderfully haunting piece with Greek and Latin lyrics taken from various literary works. Unfortunately, it is also practically the only piece used, in various remixes, throughout the series. While that didn't detract from the viewing experience, it didn't earn the OST any bonus points either.

Thankfully, Elfen Lied, unlike many lesser anime, actually has some substance to back up its unique style. Each character, despite being a bit flat, has a certain charm in his or her personality that allows the viewer to connect emotionally. Ironically, given the fact that one of the main themes is evolution, Elfen Lied's primary mode of characterization is through revelation, rather than adaptation. Despite this methodology, Elfen Lied thankfully never allows its characters to wallow in self-pity for long after any particular event (unlike... certain other anime). The vibrant cast is backed up by a plot that moves quickly, is full of surprises, and still explains everything clearly... up until the end. While the ending certainly accomplishes what it sets out to do, the producers also left (intentionally either for a sequel, or because it wasn't a vital element) many things open-ended. Also, several characters were not utilized to their full potential. This does leave the viewer a bit disappointed, but it certainly could have been worse.

In the end, Elfen Lied is very powerful regardless of whether it's being analyzed from an audio-visual aspect or a storytelling aspect. Its primary strength, the ability to personify a global theme, allows the viewer to ignore all the plot holes and the gratuitous blood and nudity, and just focus on emotion: the foundation of humanity.

Field Agent Report by: Orax

Plot
Characters
Impact
Visual
Audio

7.25
8.75
8.75
8.75
8.50

Overall

8.50

(not an average)

Whether you can bear watching all of Elfen Lied will be answered by your reaction to the first episode. This show certainly has no issue with showing blood, nudity, and extreme violence. Despite this, Elfen Lied is hardly just an excuse for some cheap fanservice, but rather, contains ample substance behind the bodily fluids.

The first thing I noticed about Elfen Lied was the music. The opening theme “Lilium” is absolutely a glorious piece that fits the series perfectly. The instrumental melody alone was enough to heighten the atmosphere and elevate the drama level. While the art is not particularly noteworthy, it is detailed enough to force some kind of reaction from the viewer, especially when limbs are torn off in crisp fluid-like motions.

What made this show truly enjoyable to watch were the characters. Seeing Yuka and Kouta develop into some kind of family, making decisions and taking responsibility that could overwhelm others of that age proved that this series was more than just diclonii killing people. Some of the scenes toward the end were truly emotionally driven, and as such, easily able to enter into the ranks of my favorites. Unfortunately, there were several plot problems. Some of the necessary history behind the diclonii and the company who studied them was not fully explained. As a result, we know a lot about the main characters, but not enough of the ones who started the whole mess. Overall, this series dealt with the prejudice and violence that comes from being different, and while it depicts brutal violence with little reservation, it also displays how far a little act of kindness and/or caring can go.

Although the viewer might seem disappointed at the end given the lack of background supplied, this captivating drama is worth giving a try. Once you set the potentially offensive material aside and get a feel for what this series really is about, you’ll see how powerful Elfen Lied truly is.