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Plot Synopsis

The Diclonius, a mutated homo sapien that is said to be selected by God and will eventually become the destruction of mankind, possesses two horns in their heads, and has a "sixth sense" which gives it telekinetic abilities. Due to this dangerous power, they have been captured and isolated in laboratories by the government. Lucy, a young and psychotic Diclonius, manages to break free of her confines and brutally murder most of the guards in the laboratory, only to get shot in the head as she makes her escape. She survives and manages to drift along to a beach, where two teenagers named Kouta and Yuka discovers her. Having lost her memories, she was named after the only thing that she can now say, "Nyuu," and the two allow her to stay at Kouta's home. However, it appears that the evil "Lucy" is not dead just yet...

Story & Characters

The story is set up in much in the standard sci-fi mode some time in the future, the diclonius are a mutant human with small horns and a telekinetic ability called "vectors" of varying strengths.

Right off the start this story is very violent; while the first episode can be shocking there is no shortage of interest. As you go through the episodes you learn more about each character, sometimes through flashbacks and how they react to situations. Some of the episodes flashback to the past often and a few flashbacks are re-used, but they are generally kept short. The plot breaks from linear time more then a little but not to a serious fault.

The series touches on a lot of subjects and emotions, when watching it there are a number of scenes that are shocking, lines and situations that will make you burst out laughing and things that will make you angry or sad. You can really feel the emotions of the characters and you care what happens to them in the plot.

There are perhaps a few scenes in the story that are unnecessary or trivial fan-service but in general the editors have done a good job keeping things on track and you can forgive them thanks to the comedy value in those scenes.

Overall the story is gripping from start to finish and will keep you glued to the screen for the duration. The ending is satisfying but not a dead end, there is room for more and it lets you think a lot.

Rating

8 (good)

Art

The art in the series is consistent but not overly impressive, there aren’t many things that really catch your eye or stand out. The animation might not be the smoothest but you won’t really notice it.

Many scenes have dark nondescript backgrounds, also it is harder to judge because the only available fansubs currently are all pan and scan 4x3 TV when the actual series is in 16x9 widescreen. It seems like the series does a lot of close-ups because of this, but it is actually because nearly half of the frame is cut off the sides.

Each character has a unique look that is consistent through all episodes; even at varying ages (yes some of them are very cute). You will easily tell which side of the diclonius characters personality is out by their eyes and voice.

The battle scenes and gore are just as impressive as you would expect from a 2004 anime; explosions are well detailed, blood sprays on anything nearby, sparks, limbs, heads and bodies fly nicely. There is no lack of detail or imagination in people or props getting hacked to peaces.

Rating

7 (above average)

Sound

Right from the opening theme the music and sound is quite good. From screeching metal on metal to raindrops to flesh tearing and bones snapping the sound effects fit right in the atmosphere. The background music always fits with the mood of the scene. The OP is remixed several times in the background and tends to keep the mood of the anime well grounded.

At no time are the voices grating or irritating, and the acting is well done. The voice from the evil side of the diclonius can be just creepy, especially in the first episode when Lucy is humming the tune from the OP while slaughtering guards or when Nana declares she will destroy the world in a later episode.

The characters sound right in tune with the scenes, awkward greetings and situations are quite amusing with the stuttering of the characters. When 'Nyuu' (the innocent side of Lucy) cries out to Kouta after being left behind the inflection of the voice is perfect.

The ED theme may not fit with the mood of the anime like the OP does, but it is still pleasant to listen to.

Rating

8 (good)

Presentation

The focus of Elfen Lied is mainly the characters and the mystery of their past, the series does a good job presenting each character and what motivates them. At the ending there are few troubling loose ends with the exception of a rather irritating one involving the research group that Lucy escapes from in the first episode and its commander and what goal they have.

The repeated flashbacks can be a little annoying in the non linear plot but they do not slow down the progression of the story any. The mystery involving the two main characters is slowly revealed through the course of the series and they do not recall their past in full till near the very end, there are no major giveaways during the run.

I have heard some comparisons between Elfen Lied and Chobits; however the similarity ends at the ears and 'Nyuu' only being able to say one word at the beginning of the show. Chii was not a split personality telekinetic murderer that escaped from a research facility.

Overall Elfen Lied was very enjoyable and one of the best in 2004. I highly recommend this anime if you want a breath of fresh air from strictly ecchi comedy, mecha or magic and high schools.

<b>Because of the uncensored gore, nudity and some of the subjects it touches on, this series is not for children, I would give this show a 17+ rating.</b> If you are a casual anime fan still at home you probably don’t want your parents to see this.

Rating

9 (very good)

Final Verdict

8.17 (good)

Reviewed by chingetscook, 3y 40wk ago