Elfen Lied

Alternate Titles: None

Original Japanese Release Date: 2004

Episode Length/Run-time: 13 ( 25 mins ea.)

Summary:

The show revolves around the Diclonius, a dual-horned, mutated human-like species that is said to be “selected by God” and will cause the destruction of mankind. They have a “sixth sense”, providing them with telekinetic capabilities, and because of this they have been captured and isolated by the government into laboratories. Much to their dismay, Lucy, a young and insane Diclonius breaks free and violently murders most of the guards in the lab. During her escape, she gets shot in the head. Surviving the blow, she drifts off to a beach where Kouta and Yuka discover her. Having lost her memory, shes named after the only thing she can now say, “Nyuu”. The two allow her to stay at their house. However, one cannot say that “Lucy” is quite dead yet…

Review:

Warning, this show is not for the faint of heart or stomach! This anime is packed to the brim with gruesome violence and murder. The first 10 minutes of the series lets you see this, as its filled with brutal, violent killing and dismembering of most of the guards in the lab where the Diclonius’ are kept. Red blood sprays and exploding bodies are also characteristic of the anime. My response to Lucy’s extensive murder-spree in the beginning was nothing less than “Holy Shit!” I dont think I’ve ever seen such violence so early in a title. But wait, it gets better (or worse for those violence haters).

Then they introduce Nana, whos also a Diclonius. Shes about 14-15 years old. When shes introduced, shes stark naked, covered in blood, and chained to a wall. After that, we find out shes been experimented on. Sweet right? Shes sent out to find and kill the escaped Diclonius. She doesnt want to kill anyone initially anymore, but a compromise is made. However, she makes the mistake of confronting Lucy alone, which results in her being graphically dismembered from fingers to toes (literally). Now being considered useless, shes to be put to sleep, but is later released instead. Also, did I mention this show contains a lot of nudity? No? Well it does. ALOT of it. However, none of the nudity is of a sexual nature, except for a few backstory scenes.

Theres only so much that can be said about a 13 episode series before revealing too much of the plot line. So I’ll wrap it up. The animation and artwork is great, and the show is well paced. In between the extremely heated moments of violent-goodness are some moments of joy (just enough to keep you from losing your mind to the violence). Needless to say, this show will strip you of your innocence. Also, the setting is very scenic and beautiful as well, an additional touch that helps keep the show from being just pure violence.

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