As a show that is often recommended to people who are just getting in to the medium, Elfen Lied might actually be a good first experience to viewers that are getting started. To those who are curious about anime after hearing just how "ape shit crazzzy" these "Chinese cartoons" are, it might be just what they are looking for. You hear all kinds of crazy things about the violence and nudity in the show, so for any 12 year old looking for some mindless overly graphic bullshit to satisfy their ever gluttonous need to feel edgy this is pretty much the greatest thing ever. (this is not to say that the show is not worth watching if you feel that you will enjoy it or that your love for the show is unacceptable, as I don't believe that your enjoyment of a show ever needs concrete reasoning) Despite the hype behind the show though, anyone with a critical eye should be able to see the shows issues without any trouble.
The show kicks off with enough violence and overall graphic content in the first episode that you can pretty easily see that the shows plot will take a general backseat to its efforts to shock the viewer which paves the way for a lot of issues. One of the main components of the Elfen Lied that I had large issues with was the studios constant will to make the viewer react in a shocked manner. The show take so many lengths to do this that there will be entire 10 minute scenes in which you might find your self shaking your head and wondering why; and truthfully there usually isn't an answer. Things just happen and your expected to sit back and just go with it, and people tend to have so much trouble seeing through the bloody mist that the show constantly displays that people end up calling it quits and interpreting it as a really deep esoteric narrative.
It seems to never know if it wants to be serious or not and ends up being a complete cluster-fuck of ideas and concepts that the team behind it had. It's not to surprising this is the case considering the studio responsible is mainly known for making hentai. Its unwillingness to commit BLEEDS (lol) into the aspects of the characters too. The cast of cardboard cutouts we are given are uninspired blank-slate shit that remain extremely one dimensional throughout the majority of the shows run time except for these weird moments when its creators all seemingly decide to dump unnecessary and extremely contrived backstory in whenever they realize how boring their characters actually are.
There really isn't much to say about the sound and animation. The opening is surprisingly beautiful in contrast to the shows brutal nature, showcasing an absolutely gorgeous song paired with some relatively reserved and solemn visuals. In addition some of the sound effects come off as a bit stock and are for sure reused time and time again. The animation is nothing special and has some pretty derpy moments.
Overall, Elfen Lied offers no more substance wise than any b-rate horror flick, but may prove to be just as entertaining. And while I cannot soundly recommend this I do think the opening, if nothing else, is worth checking out.
Anecdote: Please do not message me with blind hate, though I am interested in and open minded to, any sound arguments that you may have.
Have a nice day,
CaptainOrdinary
