Elfen Lied doesn't employ things of graphic nature for ratings, nor does it use them as a hook, although some of the lower level viewers/critics may see it as such, it's in truth much deeper than a simple marketing ploy. Elfen Lied provides a very symbolic look into the world in which we live, the violence, torment, cruelty and loss of identity are in exact relation with that which man kind face each and every new day.
I find nearly everything about Elfen Lied appealing, for instance how hard hitting it is, the character development, everything down to it's outstanding animation. It's really a matter of one's own security to how they will actually receive this series the majority of the time. If you're the type of person who does all in their power to gloss over the darker aspects of human nature then you're likely to find Elfen Lied both disturbing and unappealing. On the other hand, if you are the type of person who is willing to see things for more than their obvious surface value, look deeper, accept both the grotesque and the gorgeous elements of this reality there is a good chance you'll instantly be drawn in from the first episode till the last.
It's truly ironic that if I had to describe Elfen Lied with just one word, the word I would choose over any other would be "beautiful." I'm sure many will shake their heads in disagreement at this statement, yet I ask you to define what beautiful truly is. Something that is beautiful moves it's audience, it keeps them in awe, it can turn tears of sorrow into tears of joy, somehow managing to be uplifting even in it's most devastating moments; this is Elfen Lied.
