Elfen Lied is a melancholy story about the Diclonius race, primarily one named Lucy; who are a race of humanoid figures who control "Vectors," extrasensory extensions controlled by horns upon the Diclonii's heads. The theme is that humanity is disgusting, and will exile anything different.
The story is dark. It immediately begins with a Diclonius, Lucy, breaking out of a research facility where humans conduct tests and experiments on the Diclonii. You immediately are hit with ruthless bloodshed and people getting torn apart. The entirety of Elfen Lied is spent with this organization attempting to recapture Lucy, to ensure mankind's salvation and that the Diclonii will not overthrow them. It's executed in a manner that makes Mankind seem like a vile waste of existence, and that's exactly what you're supposed to feel throughout the show.
The artwork and soundtrack are incredible. They're both designed to send shivers down your spine as you watch it, and to give a horror genre type of feeling. Although it comes off as too dark to fathom, it's still visually and audibly appealing to the point where you become absorbed in it.
"Watch people flock to a murder scene. Then tell me we're not all a little sick in the head." -(not an Elfen Lied quotation, but one I found relevant)
The characterization is the one point where improvement definitely could've been made. Besides the Diclonii, who are really well structured, most of the other characters lack... Rationality? I can't say depth. There are actually really well made back stories and it ties well into the story. However, the human non-Diclonii characters all act in a manner that would make them seem forced upon the story. For the sake of spoilers I won't go into detail, but you'll understand if you watch it. That aside, it doesn't hurt the plot too much, and doesn't really take away from the overall experience.
I really enjoyed this beyond belief. Especially that ending... Gah. It'll make you lose sleep. Anyway, a lot of aspects of this anime will do that. It DEFINITELY isn't for anyone. If you have a weak mental complex, hate gore, or border the edge of insanity, don't watch this. If you don't fall into those categories, go for it, because it's really a deep and rewarding show that'll make you feel how you didn't even know you could.
Thanks for reading as always, see ya later!~
"...You lied."
