It's short, but packs a godly powerful punch.
While being a symphony of violence and mature content,
the show is beautiful in the way that it reflects
~ desperation, fear, pity, hatred and betrayal. ~
Elfen Lied screams drama from start to finish, and not that there would be time for many in a 13 episode span, but there's never a dull moment. It's an extremely manipulative and captivating show, that torments the moral boundaries of ordinary viewers, and plays-off (by retaliating against) convention to deliver frequent and hard-hitting moments of utter disbelief.
The thought of someone that can kill you instantaneously through instinct should already be enough in a story's premise to make you shudder. Elfen Lied adds an inter-species war with a corrupt human race - revolving around the passionately and powerfully presented themes of misconception, discrimination, love and hatred. Armed with a surplus of devastating 50cal bullets and bombs galore, from its premise alone, Elfen Lied sets up on an epic scale to accurately reflect that nature of its formidably potent presentation.
Now if i were to be brutally technical, i'd say that the story line - while incredibly deep and tragic, is very one-dimensional. The art, particularly for the gore aspect was underwhelming. The characters are predictable, and with the exception of the 2 protagonists: severely under-developed...
And therefore, it's safe to say that Elfen Lied looks a lot better, when analysed the way that it unfolds - in an immediate scope.
Now while this is generally a limiting approach, it's a 13 episode series, and so if you're expecting a vivid epic, then you're bit of a-
Elfen Lied introduces its characters often indirectly and based on context, therefore allowing for plot-developing scenes to add to, and become imbued the the personalities of cast. This is one of the show's keys behind its borderline cruel, emotional rollocoaster approach.
The majority of its genius came out on the drawing board, as the entire series was clearly thought out very well - in order to emphasize it absurdity to capture the minds of its viewers, and prime itself for a deceivingly smooth "build up and break down" approach - that would end up shaking the very fabric of the anime community with its potent emotional aspects.
All of this had to be factored into a short time span, and by golly did it deliver - all things considered.
It's a story consisting of frequent and dramatic revelations, that are comparable in intensity to the show literally stabbing you multiple times - though with a more cynical mindset this may be seen to give of a desperate impression, Elfen Lied's stripped plot complexity and development aspects surprisingly allow for a much more carefully considered looking , and well paced rate of progression - therefore allowing it to evade the common mistake of short series': rushing.
The premise (as mentioned earlier) is what inducts that initial intensity, fear, and attachment values that persist throughout. Through the events that unfold, the viewers learn increasingly more on all fronts - the technicalities caused by the plot-shaping events serve to heighten the surreal-ness, the absurdity, and dramatic impact that the show thrives upon.
As a particularly dark themed series, the unfiltered presentation approach compliments the maturity and severity of the show very well. It is thanks to the brilliantly appropriate backing sound, passionate vocal acting, and decent animation that allows for Elfen Lied to continuously reinstate an appropriately dark, and suspenseful theme.
From a particularly critical viewpoint, Elfen Lied is nothing to jump and shout out about.
Considering my attempt at professionalism when it comes to reviews, i find it frustrating to praise the show so highly as a 9, despite the considerable holes in its way.
I must however submit to my true feelings, and perhaps the show has got me into a hypnotic state about the tragic story - as i would expect from its cruel presentation methods.
How are these often misconceived as "cheap" techniques any less relevant though from those developed over-time. What really matters to you when it comes to an anime?
Elfen Lied will surely put you into this state of struggle, as i can't even comprehend how the power that the story harnesses swayed my opinion to this extent.
If you're looking for something to hit you hard and fast... stop giggling...
(TL;DR)
Elfen Lied is a great way to present a really captivating depth, sense of emotion, deeper meaning and sense of genuine struggle to those even with a short attention span. Assuming that you're OK with violence and nudity, it's one NOT TO MISS OUT!
Watch it...
