Speaking as a fan, Elfen Lied is very flawed. I'm not talking small flaws here, I'm talking huge great big mother flaws, terrible dubbing, over excessive gore and nudity, and two dimensional characters. With all these flaws however, it's all the more surprising is the fact that it's so compelling. It pushes the boundaries of good taste, and becomes something truly unique, and inspiring.
Obviously there were moments in the series of pure generic anime childishness, but in certain places like the beginning of episode four I believe, when it flashbacks to mayu's past, and her sexual molestations in the hands of her step father, and her running away because of it. Now, I hate to sound cliché, but I really felt for her character, and what she went through, because going through something like that must be complete and utter hell. The worst thing about it though, is some people have to deal with that everyday and it is in no way a rare case at all. I was seriously upset by it, and because of my nervous disposition when it comes to that sort of thing, I nearly had to stop it right there. It's that emotional feeling and attachment that I felt is something that I've never truly experienced in any form of media, anime or not. It was hard to stomach in the end, and I completely understand why people would be put off seeing that kind of stuff, but I went through it, and I'll say this now, Elfen Lied changed my life.
Now I can't say that for a lot of things.
Overrated it could be, and by Jo I definitely understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but Elfen Lied is very personal to me, and I'll stand by it, and defend my opinion of it if needs be.
