Why Elfen Lied is So Good?

If you’re looking for an anime with loads of gore and nudity, this one is definitely a must-see. It also raises questions and discusses many important themes such as discrimination, revenge, abuse, etc.

It follows the story of a girl called Lucy, who belongs to a special mutant species called Diclonius. They look very similar to humans but they are born with horns and transparent arms called vectors that can control objects.

The Story

Elfen Lied is a dark and gruesome anime series that deals with themes such as discrimination, revenge, abuse, jealousy, regret, and the value of humanity. It starts with a horrendously savage massacre and then asks ethical questions concerning right and wrong, especially the way treatment of certain groups or people can shape someone's actions.

The story revolves around the Diclonius, a mutated species that looks somewhat similar to humans except for their horn-like protrusions on their heads and invisible telekinetic arms called vectors. They were once held in a research facility but have since escaped and begun to murder Humans. The main character, Lucy, is a Diclonius who has a dual personality known as Nyu.

It is easy to see why some newcomers would be turned off by this series because it has bucket loads of gore and is violent in nature. However, if you are willing to look past these issues then you will find a good and complex story.

The Characters

The characters are the make and break of any anime series. Elfen Lied is no exception. Its main story revolves around the interactions, views, emotions and discrimination between Humans and Diclonius, a mutation of humans who are characterized by two elf-like horns on their head and transparent arms that can move through air and objects at high speed.

The first episode starts with a lot of bloodshed, which is the most gruesome opening I have seen for an anime. Lucy is a young girl who escapes from the research facility where she was held captive for years. While escaping she single-handedly causes a lot of destruction but eventually suffers a head injury that removes her murderous intentions.

She then meets Kouta and Yuka who take her in. Even though they know her murderous tendencies, they still fall for her. The series also has a semi-realistic romance and comedy, balancing out the darker themes.

The Artwork

It's not just about the story and characters, the artwork is some of the best in any anime. The opening credits scene references Gustav Klimt's paintings such as his Stoclet Frieze paintings which sets the tone for the entire anime series.

It doesn't shy away from the dark themes such as genocide, violence, vengeance, discrimination etc. It's one of the few anime series that doesn't downplay these aspects and in fact accepts them which makes it very unique.

Even though it's not for everyone, it's still worth watching if you like the genres. It's the kind of anime that has you wondering whether you should watch it for the bloody action or the story. Its the kind of anime that will stick with you long after it's over. The only downside is that the studio behind it (Arms Corporation) closed down due to bankruptcy which could potentially kill the anime series. Hopefully, it gets picked up by another studio as I really enjoyed it.

The Music

As with many anime, the music is the heart of the show. From the opening theme of Lilium to the emotional themes in the series, the soundtrack is top notch. The OST is also available on vinyl from Anime Limited in an exclusive neon variant.

Despite the violent and nude themes in Elfen Lied, it does not go overboard with it. It does a very good job of using it to add an underlying feeling of tragedy to the story.

Elfen Lied is a unique anime that is well worth watching. It is a must watch for anyone that is a fan of the genre. The story is interesting and it does a great job of making you care about the characters. It also does a good job of mixing a variety of different genres and styles. It does this without it feeling disjointed at all. The violent and gory scenes give way to more lighthearted moments with a lot of emotion.

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