It will put you through an emotional wringer. It left me feeling hollow confused ,drained and revolted. But in a good way if that makes any sense.
Throughout I felt genuinely angry at some of the characters, I was rather sickened by some of the things they did to each other. Some of these characters are truly wretched, and you will want to try and reach into the screen to help and comfort them.
Without revealing much. The story revolves around a subspecies of humans which are known as the Diclonius, and its all about how people react to them (often in a hostile manner) and how the Diclonius respond. The Diclonius look slightly odd or kawaii (small cat ears made of bone) but don't let that put you off. They also have a tendency to be rather murderous.
You must be warned that the series contains graphic evisceration and rather upsetting cruelty. And also a nasty little incestuous sub plot, but it takes a back seat to the horrendous gore in the show.
Also there is merciless abuse of cute anime girls in this show, no one is spared from the violence.
I have Left the enjoyment grade blank as I cannot honestly class what I felt whilst and after watching this anime enjoyment. Which is why it is one of my favourite anime. The story is good but it's more about what the character's go through and what it makes you feel for them. Rather than a finely crafted story Elfen Lied has a series of events and characters that you will end up loving hating and being very confused about.
Its an emotional experience I would recommend to anyone with a strong stomach, who is looking for an anime that will really put all of your emotions to work.
