Story (7/10)
From the first seven minutes of the episodes, you will have an idea on how dark and bloody this series will get.
The core of Elfen Lied's story is of course its main protagonist Lucy/Nyu. It's as simple as that...seeing how she kills at the first moments will make you wonder how will the story progress with a character that may kill everyone she may encounter.
But that what's make it interesting; character interactions. Different characters, innocent and "guilty" alike meet in the presence of death, not in overly dramatic and accidental ways but they just happen to be in the same place.
Elfen Lied has a simple framework yet the story was shown in a very visually captivating way. The story isn't hard to grasp but since death is emphasized at the very beginning, the viewer will sense a foreshadowing of horror and violence. But the good thing is; you will be curious how this series will progress and end given the circumstances.
But, its story IS simple and many will find a weak climax as it progresses. Some coming opponents were not very surprising and interesting because of blandness of their stereotype. It also lacks character development in the main protagonists in my opinion.
The story just simply include new characters sprouting and adding up to the harem and Lucy's past being revealed. For me, it was not very exciting and lacks twists.
Art (10/10)
Art in this series is flawless. Animation is vivid, colors are amazing and
overall consistent. Gory scenes are very realistic and bold, blood is everywhere and flows/squirts/explodes naturally. But some may find it a typical seinen animation.
Sound (9/10)
Elfen Lied's sounds are exceptional. The bloody explosions will make weak stomachs sick, and a bit rattling as it surprises you. The soundtrack "Lilium" is captivating and ironic to the series and it was repeatedly used in different variations, producing different moods. Yet I suggest that it may have been better if they made other chants other that Lilium.
Character (7/10)
Psychology, human nature, alienism, distortion-- lots of dark stuff shown here successfully. This series did not hold back in showing gory violence and nudity; however, some ecchi parts/fanservice are totally unnecessary and offensive especially to female viewers.
The lead character Lucy/Nyu is interesting and intriguing. She is violent, cold, ruthless and sadistic. How will she develop? What will be her story? How will she interact with the other kind characters.
The big question is: Will she kill them? Are there others like her? Will she interact with them?
Most of the characters in Elfen Lied are really not meticulously designed in a way that they would be very memorable. But they were made special just because they just happen to be involved with the anime's formula of sadism and violence. The weakness was you don't really see how some are important to the plot. Yet there are some who will certainly leave unique impression to the viewers.
Enjoyment (6/10)
I kinda enjoyed watching this because it is new to me(I never watched violent shows before). Certainly this is a must-see for those who appreciate anime other than being just a fan. I strongly not recommend this for newbies and teens below 15.
But I was very offended by the totally useless fanservices, it ruined the show.
WARNING: People who can't tolerate the sight of blood will really find this show disturbing
OVERALL: 7
