Synopsis:
Diclonius are the next step in mankind’s evolution and Lucy was the first of the diclonius ever discovered. Seen as a threat to the human race, she and the rest of her kind are locked away in a secret research facility where they are used as test subjects. When the guards screw up and get too close to Lucy, she finally escapes from her captors using her vectors, telekinetic arms unique to all diclonius. When Kohta and Yuka meet Lucy they have no way of knowing the hell that is about to break loose, or for what reasons Lucy is being hunted by this mysterious corporation and by her own kind.

Review:
We start the series with Lucy, clad in nothing but a strange metal helmet on her head, escaping from an unknown research facility. During her escape, after killing so many of the facilities staff and guards, Lucy finally makes it outside only to be shot in the head by a .50 caliber sniper rifle. Miraculously she survives not only the shot to her head, which was deflected by her now shattered helmet, but also her subsequent fall into the ocean off a cliff. We are then introduced to Kohta and his cousin Yuka, two college students that finally see each other again after many years of being apart. While on a stroll to the beach, they find Lucy washed up on the shore with no memories of whom she is or how she got there. When asked her name, Lucy replies with Nyu, If you’re confused stick with me, I’m about to help you through it.

Nyu is Lucy's alter ego, a result of the shot she took to the head. Having no other options, Kohta and Yuka take her to his place to stay and try to help her regain her memories. To say anything more would ruin this series for you so I honestly suggest watching it.

The animation is, for a lack of a better word, superb. The character designs are well drawn, meaning that the hands actually look like hands etc, and combined with the animation looks wonderful. The music I cannot say enough about, not only does it fit well within the atmosphere of Elfen Lied; it's actually very pleasant to listen to. The creators chose great opening and closing songs that also fit in well with the mood of the show. The opening theme song is named Lilium, the ending theme being "Be your Girl" by Chieko Kawabe.

Elfen Lied hooked me from start to finish. Now, I'm not an easy person to please when it comes to anime, especially those that are based directly off their manga counterpart, but this series actually managed to not only meet my expectations, but far surpass them as well. The only complaint I have is that it wasn't longer.

Miscellanies:
Based on the manga of the same name the series spans 13 episodes and one OAV.

If violence, blood and gore are your thing, this is a highly recommended title; be warned it’s not for the faint of heart.

Screenshots:

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