Story; 10. The beautiful thing about this story is actually it's lacking of one. Because in reality, the overarching plot is pretty solidly explained from start to finish in the show's own synopsis; Lucy, a diclonius, is on the run and fighting for her life against the organization that captured her. From here, everything that can be summarized as a "story" is a brief and powerful look into the personal lived and psyches of the main cast of characters. The stories often do not even directly intertwine with this parent plot. However, the show manages to succeed despite what could become a crippling plot flaw, wrapping itself up successfully at episode thirteen's close. I cannot tell you how many thirteen episode series I have seen ending terribly, and these were very good, consistent shows too. Finally, and possibly most importantly, is the depths the writers took into various religions, beliefs and cultures to craft each character's universe. Lucy alone, past aside, is a tribute to the oldest humanoid fossil excavated, which shares this name. There are so many wonderfully subtle social commentaries like this, from social Darwinism to the classic battle of good and evil, and even into the art world, featuring many throwbacks to Gustav Klimt. It's truly a flawless and powerfully written piece of animation.
Art; 10. It's really shockingly every time I remember that Elfen Lied is actually almost four years old now; It is so very well animated. The color pallet is bright, character movements consistent and fluent, and small environmental details such as the cherry blossoms by the inn are animated so breathtakingly that they defy description. ARMS really did an incredible job with this, it's really a shame they almost exclusively animate hentai besides this. I'd love to see them do some more anime series, they are definitely a talented group capable of some truly stunning work.
Sound; 10. There is but one anime besides Elfen Lied that has an appropriate and tolerable soundtrack in my eyes. However, Elfen Lied managed to go a step above and achieve a soundtrack so harmonious and emotional that even separate from the show, the music alone creates a depressing, melancholy atmosphere lacking all the cheesy synth work of most anime series. Very nice.
Character; 10. Here is the heart of the story I mentioned before. Each character, somehow, in thirteen episodes, becomes so very real, and tragically so. Elfen Lied, in case it's possible to have not caught on by now, is no cakewalk. It's dark, introspective, disturbing, depressing, and shocking. To beauty, it's the car accident you see on the expressway but can't not look at once you've seen it. Mesmerizing horror. I wish I could really explain the depth and stunning, gritty truth and terror utilized in this series, but even if it were allowed, I can't do it. I've seen it three times now straight through, and each time I've noticed a new theme or idea I previously missed. The story is, in a way, alive. Depending on when you watch it, you will receive parts of it differently and they will impact you personally on varying degrees. I simply can't do Lynn Okamoto or his brilliant idea justice no matter how hard I try, so suffice to say that Elfen Lied is not a show you will ever be able to forget. In this way it is the most developed horror series available.
Enjoyment/Overall; 10. This is only arbitrarily a ten. There is absolutely nothing enjoyable about Elfen Lied. It is an absolutely crushing experience, one that betters you in no way whatsoever. It's unbelievable how well done this series is, because never before has any media silenced me for so long. I've wanted to review this series for years now, but never could quite nail how to possibly begin to explain it. Because at the end of the road, Elfen Lied strays far from being an anime series and instead becomes an estranging psychological and undeniably personal experience, which will vary from viewer to viewer. It's ambiguity is it's crowned gem, and I wholeheartedly recommend this series to anyone old enough to view it.
