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So I decided to rewatch Elfen Lied. The last time I watched this anime was 10 years ago or something, and even back then I did not like it so much. And after rewatching, I dislike it even more. Here’s why.
First, this is only an adaptation of a small part of the original manga, not a full-fledged work. So there is no logical ending, no integrity, no explanation of the plot details whatsoever.
Secondly, there are a lot of stamps, and exploitation of loli and gore-fetish. Actually, this anime became so popular and touched the pure innocent hearts of the teenagers only because of guro. I do not know about the manga, since I did not read it, but the anime was obviously made only for a commercial gain, so the cultural and artistic value of Elfen Lied is equal to some pornographic film. And like in porno movies, each plot move is constructed in a way to create an anime stamp situation (harem, nekomimi, loli, etc). An idea of looking for the “deep meaning” in such a cheap thing can arise either from an infantile idiot, or from an enthusiastic newfag who has not watched any anime before.