Elfen Lied

Responsible for a current re-watching of anime, this was originally suggested to me by a good friend. Very dark, rather short only spanning 14 episodes include the OVA, and while not really gory per say, definitely rather graphic.


Generally existing on the theme's and idea of what exactly makes up the idea of "humanity" and scientific distancing and even more mainly on aversion to the differences in those around us. Elfen Lied was very intense for me to watch. I was glad however, that powers were used how they could be, and how things within the possibility of doing with those powers were acknowledged. A story about traumatized characters managing to live together for a short while despite the ugliness and extent humans are willing to go to for their goals. There is no actual philosophies, and is mainly a well told story that covers multiple genres from sci/fi, horror, action, romance, and comedy. The art used throughout the series varies depending on what needs to done. Especially in the early episodes, there's a ton of great detail and smooth transitions.

The basic idea of the plot is that there is an alternate species that exists with us. They are known as the Diclonious and are characterized (in the anime) as individuals (almost all female) with redish hair, pink/red eyes, and two bone protrusions on the skull. This species has engrained into the genetic code the want to kill humans. They are kept almost on the line of extinction and isolated in a particular island lab for testing. From this point on characters are introduced and their pasts explained. The pacing is very good for the first portion of the series and brings everyone up to speed quite quickly.
Reasons why this series is here is that it puts life into perspective. As I am not going to discuss the plot further, the frailty of human life and relationships is often questioned from episode to episode. While managing enough calm between intense revelations or past flash backs a bright and humor-ful story emerges. The small things of life are noticed and appreciated. It just seems.. raw. This series quickly launched me into reading the full manga series which ties everything together very well. At the end all I can impose is the sense of feeling, and altering shades of purple.


Below is a small exert of several episodes in a music video that properly portrays the feel of the anime.