10. Elfen Lied Review

Elfen Lied

Hello, I am the Anime Analyzer. In this installment of the Anime Analysis blog I will be reviewing an anime that has sent shivers up my spine in both anime and manga form.

This is my Elfen Lied Review

Lucy In Casual Clothing

Elfen Lied translates from the German term for "Elf's Song." This series revolves around a mutated, human species known as "Diclonii" or "Diclonius." A diclonius looks nearly identical to a human being with some key differences. For one, a diclonius has two horns on top of their head that resemble cat ears; and most diclonii's hair is pink in color (as seen above.) The most frightening difference between diclonii and humans is the vectors that are attached to the back of a diclonius. Vectors are invisible arms attached to the back of the diclonius that act as natural weapons. Depending on how old, what personality a diclonius has; the vectors may have a further range and deal more damage.  It is built in a diclonii's DNA to eradicate the entire human race so that diclonii can become the new dominant species of the planet. It is understood that diclonii are an advanced form of human. Now that you know what a diclonius is... It is time for me to explain the story of this frightening anime series. 

The story's main character is a young, Diclonius woman by the name of Lucy (real name is Kaede). Lucy was captured by a facility that was created for the sole purpose of "saving" the human race from the diclonius threat. Lucy was captured due to her attempt to save a friend. Considering that Lucy was about thirteen at the time of capture, I am assuming that she was imprisoned for five years with that knowledge.

 Lucy Imprisoned

During one of the routine checkups on Lucy, A guard had wandered too close to her. Due to Lucy's vector range of two meters, she killed the man without hesitation. Once Lucy had killed him, she stole the key from the guard's pocket and undid her restraints. This is where the viewer learns just how terrifying a diclonius' power truly is. Lucy casually walks through the facility; being ambushed by guards at several points. In each of the encounters the guards attempt to shoot Lucy down, to no avail. She blocks the bullets with her vectors as if it were nothing at all. Once Lucy wanders close enough to the guards, it is almost as if they are being cut apart by an invisible blade. At the final checkpoint, Lucy walks through the door to encounter a group of armed guards with one of the directors of the facility, Kurama. 

Director Kurama

Many years ago, just before Lucy was imprisoned, she had met Kurama. Kurama and his men had been given orders to capture Lucy by any means necessary. When Kurama's team had arrived in town, Lucy had been friends with a young girl who she played with daily. This girl was close to Lucy because of the fact she did not judge Lucy because of her unnatural hair colour and horns. When Kurama's team found where Lucy had been hiding, Lucy's friend had been caught in the crossfire. The young girl's life was in danger; Lucy was ready to kill every single man Kurama had brought to defend her. Kurama decided that the best course of action would be to make a deal with Lucy.
"If you come with us, I'll save the girl's life." Lucy agreed and went with Kurama to be detained. Unfortunately the young girl did not survive and Lucy had found out this had happened. Lucy's rage subsided slightly when Kurama himself had visited Lucy in her cell and personally apologised for not keeping his promise.

Lucy Is Ambushed

A young woman who is the assistant to Kurama trips over her own feet in front of Lucy while trying to deliver coffee to Kurama. Just as Kurama tries to beg Lucy not to kill her, Lucy tears off the young woman's head.
"Fire!" Kurama shouts.
Lucy lifts the young girl in front of her as a meat shield as the barrage of bullets assault the young woman's corpse. Once the bullets stop flying, Lucy begins to walk towards the group of men. One of the guards tries to attack, but is killed before he can do anything. Lucy continues to casually walk past all of the men; knowing fully well that they cannot harm her.

Sniper's Cross-hair on Lucy

Lucy is making her way out of the facility; a sniper has been issued orders to kill Lucy with an anti-tank rifle. When the sniper fires, Lucy's helmet is knocked off and it appears that she is still alive after the shot. Lucy falls into the water below....

Enough pictures; let me summarise the rest of the episode. Lucy meets up with two young adults by the names of Kouta and Yuka. Their meeting is a bit bizarre though. Lucy washes up on shore while Kouta and Yuka are reminiscing about the childhood they spent as this beach. When Kouta gazes upon the naked Lucy standing at the shoreline, he starts experiencing flashbacks. Lucy has apparently lost all her memories and has taken on a childish demeanor; also, all Lucy says is "Nyu" which is the Japanese translation for Meow.
As the series goes on, you find out more about how Lucy and Kouta's pasts intertwine. The agency Kurama works for is still trying to capture Lucy; the question is... Will Kouta be caught in the crossfire?
Elfen Lied is an extremely explicit anime. There is presence of profanity, nudity, vulgarity, murder, gore, and extremely depressing scenarios. I only recommend this anime to people who are incredible tolerant of emotionally impacting shows. I'll be honest, this anime had me crying by the end of it. Elfen Lied is not recommended for a young audience, faint of heart, or people who are sensitive to discrimination. The Ontario Film Rating System would rate this anime "R."

Thank you for reading this instalment of the Anime Analysis Blog. My hope is that this review has perked the interest of the right audience to view Elfen Lied. Until next time I am...

The Anime Analyzer

Signing off...

Elfen Lied Episode 1 (Watch At Your Discretion.)