Elfen Lied

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Elfen Lied

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Never heard of this before so will check it out, nice review Mib :).

Man In Black · Anime Mod

It's on right now SKY Ch 195 , uncut but in English dub!

NymVette · Movie Producer

Cool, I have this recorded and after reading your description of it I am glad I did record it. Just need to find some alone time to watch it as my parents won't like it that's for sure.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

As long as it's not to gory for you, Eve....

I should add that there is an OVA (sometimes known as episode 10.2 or episode 14) which explains a lot of things in the story if watched after episode 10; or it ties up a lot of loose ends if you watch after the series ends.

NymVette · Movie Producer

I watched it last night and it was very gory!

Lots of naked toons too which balanced it nicely for me wink

One thing I didn't get, Lucy clearly has no love for any humans and kills anyone in her way whether they are a threat to her or not, as demonstrated by the guards and the girl who brings the coffee.

So what I don't get is why did she let the guy in the suit live? She rips the head off a girl who trips over next to her but leaves the guy who is ordering the soldiers to kill her? I mean she walks straight past him, its not as if there wasn't the opportunity.

Even though its only the first episode you can clearly see how Nyuu differs from Lucy. I think they did it very well making her appear cute and vunerable as Nyuu where she seems ruthless and emotionless as Lucy.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Eve, this is the first episode - all will be revealed as the series progresses...

BTW - the way they characterised Nyuu is pretty much like Chi in Chobits. She was naked when she first appeared, and was naive and apparently uneducated could only say "Chi" (hence the name) and her persocom ears were just like Nyuu/Lucy's horns.

-- Edited by Man In Black at 18:19, 2007-06-05

NymVette · Movie Producer

Watched the second episode now, still pretty gory at times and still has nudity biggrin

The fight between Nyuu/Lucy and the Soldier Bondo was very cool with a very good end. It leaves it nicely open for more possibilities. I do wonder how the girl with the dog is going to be involved? whether she will have more than just a side role in the story, but I could be reading too much into it all.

The ending was very funny too. aww

Man In Black · Anime Mod

After watching the subbed version I have to say that I HATE the dubs. The voices are just so lame and don't match the characters at all like the original Japanese version.

They've made Kouta sound too old, and Yuka too weak; Lucy doesn't sound menacing enough and Bondo's voice is played too much like an OTT pantomime villian. The only one they've got right is Nyuu although they probably just left the Japanese version alone as she most of her dialogue is just "Nyuu" for the first half of the series.

NymVette · Movie Producer

Just watched the 3rd episode of this and cannot wait until the 4th. I have so many questions about this series in my head and can't wait until they are answered in the series. The appearence of another diclonius is very interesting and interesting how totally different they are.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

There's actually a bit involving Nana that had me feel a ltitle uncomfortable. I can't remember if it is in Episode 4 or 5 but hopefully you'll guess it when you see it.

NymVette · Movie Producer

Well I just watch episode 4 and unless you was talking about the bit where Lucy and Nana fight I don't know what your talking about. It can't be in eposide 5 because of the way episode 4 has ended, unless there is a twist I am not aware of.

I felt really sorry for Nana during this episode, also its good to find out more about Mayu. It was also very intereting to see more of Lucy and see her speak more before she turns back into Nyuu.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

The bit I was referring to was after the fight when poor Nana had her limbs torn off and was lying all bandaged up no the operating table. I found it a little hard to watch just the head and torso of a small girl on a huge table looking so sad at her "Papa".

NymVette · Movie Producer

Yes I was welling up when I saw Nana. In comparison she seems so innocent and nice and to have that done to her and to be laying there like that was quite upsetting.

NymVette · Movie Producer

Just watched the next episode of this and I can't believe it!

Poor Mayu, I was wondering what the story with her character was going to be. I can't believe it, but I am so happy she now has somewhere to live.

There were a couple bits in this episode where I found myself crying, first when Mayu was all alone after her dog was taken away. The other bit was when Nyuu is taken by Professor Kakuzawa and she is calling out to Kouta.

I did cheer when lucy ripped the Professors head off! He deserved it!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Yes, the Mayu abuse scenes are a little hard to watch.

It makes you wonder if the Japanese really do get off on that kind of thing by being so graphic or they show it in that much detail to drive the point home just how shocking and wrong child abuse is.

But, knowing all about the Junior Idol fascination in Japan, I'm a little worried it's the former....

NymVette · Movie Producer

Yes they were very difficult to watch and had me in tears, but it all ended well with her with her so far so I was happy again. Like I said I was upset for Nyuu/Lucy too but she got her own back for that.

I find I am looking forward to each episode of this series more and more and it always the first one I watch from my recordings before any of the others.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

If the Mayu story had you crying then God knows what the final episode will do to you... hmm

NymVette · Movie Producer

Nana is alive and has arms and legs again, but it ended with Bando and her on the beach with Bando pointing a gun at her.

Lucy is back to being Nyu again. There is cleary more to whats between Kouta and Lucy/Nyu than has been found out so far. Oh and the cousins Kouta and Yuka kissed.

It is still my favourite but has some very upsetting parts. Like when Lucy just killed a girl passing her in the street who didn't even speak or do anything to her.

-- Edited by NymVette at 12:18, 2007-07-15

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Episode 8 and 9 (if I recall) are told in flashback so the history of the relationships between Kouta, Lucy and Yuka are revealed in depth.

NymVette · Movie Producer

Just watched the next episode. The battle between Bando and Nana wasn't as good as I was expecting and didn't end how I expected either.

Was funny that Nana didn't know what money was and actually was burning it until Mayu told her.

So Nana and Mayu are now friends and Mayu takes Nana home after mentioning about Lucy/Nyu. For some reason Nana can't sense her, maybe because she is in her Nyu persona?

Another very interesting ending with Nana attacking Nyu. Again can't wait for next weeks episode, there are some really cute parts, some violent parts, some funny parts and some very sad parts.

Once again I was almost crying when Nana was walking around thinking she had been abandoned by her father, she didn't know what the money was and couldn't get any food, but was happy when Mayu found her and they became friends.

Your right MiB, I think the next episode is flashbacks explaining the past story as the preview of next week says Lucy/Nyu is ill (maybe from fighting Nana?) and looks like this is used to do the flash backs.

-- Edited by NymVette at 19:16, 2007-07-18

Man In Black · Anime Mod

NymVette wrote:
For some reason Nana can't sense her, maybe because she is in her Nyu persona?

Exactly. Nana can sense another Diclonius but as Nyu is the "alter ego" of Lucy and thus the dominant persona at that time, she is not giving off her "Diclonius" presence.

As I say, it's remarkable how this series can tug at your heartstrings one minute then shock you with the graphic violence and sexual depravity the next.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Heads up - the Elfen Lied boxset will be released on August 6th!

-- Edited by Man In Black at 17:04, 2007-07-20

NymVette · Movie Producer

Man In Black wrote:

Heads up - the Elfen Lied boxset will be released on August 6th!

-- Edited by Man In Black at 17:04, 2007-07-20

I noticed that too today. The thing is I still have all the episodes on sky and I can easily copy them to DVD, it's exactly the same and won't cost my £40 - £50. The only thing is I will have to edit out the adverts but that shouldn't be too difficult confused

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Yes but you also get the far superior Japanese soundtrack and not the Godawful dub. Seriously the difference between the two is night and day and it makes all the difference too!

NymVette · Movie Producer

Just watched episode 8, it is starting to explain a little. Nana has explained to Mayu what her and Lucy are. I think Nana has also realised that Lucy is different when she is Nyu partly because she can't sense her.

The flash back also started and you see the first time Lucy uses her vectors and I have to say I don't blame her in the slightest. The poor dog in the flash back, that bought a tear to my eyes.

As for the DVD, I see what you are saying MiB but I cannot afford the DVD right now so saving the series off the TV is the best I will get for now.

NymVette · Movie Producer

Spoiler: This whole Lucy/Nyu situation is getting very interesting, more so now that Nana is also living with them too now.

Some more back story behind them all which explains where they come from and why in the latest episode. Now there is number 35 whole has loads of vectors and they are visible, I winder if she is Director Kurama daughter who we saw in this episode being born and not killed like the others being born because of Director Kurama and that his wife died when he did go to kill their daughter so he promised his wife she wouldn't kill their daughter.

It obvious Lucy killed Kouta's sister and father which is why she reacts like she does everytime she see him as Lucy. But he does not remember her from when they were younger and seems to have blocked it out of his memory.

If you haven't seen this series yet, it is by far the best Anime ever in my opinion.

-- Edited by NymVette at 22:30, 2007-08-12

Man In Black · Anime Mod

The DVD box set is out now but Virgin want £40 for it. Not in this lifetime they won't...

NymVette · Movie Producer

I just watched last weeks episode and I cannot believe that this series gets better and better. If I get a chance I might watch this weeks episode while it is aired just to find out what happens to Nana.

NymVette · Movie Producer

I have just watch the penultimate episode of this and

Spoiler: I do hope Nana isn't dead, she fell off the bridge but they didn't show her after that. I was really upset while number 35 tortured her, I hope she turns up safe and live a happy life with Mayu and the others.

Kouta has remembered everything and I had already guessed that Lucy killed his sister and father but seeing it had me in tears. It has me wondering what will happen in the next episode, I am guessing Kouta might kill Lucy after the promise what was said when they were younger and Lucy might let him. I just have a feeling Lucy will die in the final episode.

There is also something up with number 35, when she was fighting Nana, Nana did something to her head with her vectors and when Number 35 was being wheeled away she was saying something about her arms are coming out?

I am really looking forward to the final episode, I cannot wait till next sunday!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Re: your spoiler.

Spoiler: No 35's arms (or vectors) wouldn't work because she was confused when Lucy showed up as Nyuu. She didn't recognise her as a fellow diclonius and thus she "malfunctioned". However it is only temporary...

BTW - there is an OVA which I don't think Anime Network is going to show which was basically a one-off episode. I'm surprised it was an OVA as a lot of the material was quite relevant I thought. It was also known as episode 10a in Japan.

I hope you'll have your hanky ready for next week's episode, Eve.

-- Edited by Man In Black at 10:57, 2007-08-20

NymVette · Movie Producer

What does OVA stand for?

I did see some people mention about an additional episode from looking on the web about it. Looks like they are not going to show that on Anime Network.

I has a whole box of tissues ready for next Sunday night.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

And you claim you've read my columns....

OVA stands for Original Video Animation. It refers to features made that are independent from the main story, or a continuation. of an Anime series which are released directly to video (or DVD today) and not broadcast on TV. In this instance it is a convenient way of describing the stand alone episode that appeared mid series.

For example, the Love Hina seasonal specials are OVA because they are extensions to the original series.

Check your PM.

NymVette · Movie Producer

I do read your columns, I just don't always remember everything I read.

Thanks for the OVA, I have now watched it and it does fill in many gaps between episodes 10 and 11 I think they were.

I see what you mean about the japanese voices, I think I will be asking for the box set for Christmas present this year just to be able to watch the japanese language versions.

Maybe I'll get my parents to watch them with me over christmas lunch biggrin

-- Edited by NymVette at 19:41, 2007-08-20

NymVette · Movie Producer

I can't wait until tonight as it's the final episode of Elfen Lied at 9:30 tonight on the Anime Channel.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

And the 30 minute OVA Voices Of A Distant Star replaces Coyote Ragtime at 8.00pm.

It's a Mecha show about a teenage couple who send text messages long distance...all the way across the galaxy!

I wonder what will replace Elfen Lied? Something equally gory like Gantz or Tokko perhaps?

NymVette · Movie Producer

I hope it will be Gantz, after you mentioned about this its another one I have wanted to see.

Man In Black · Anime Mod

I doubt if it will be Gantz because that is released through MVM and Anime Network is an ADV run channel thus it will only show their titles.

The box set is due out soon though.

Hankies at he ready for the EF finale!

NymVette · Movie Producer

Well I watched the last episode of Elfen Lied and yes I cried lots.

It was an excellent series and I cannot believe the ending.

Spoiler: So Nana did survive and now she is happy staying with the others, I am glad how that ended as that is the way I hoped it would end.

It was sad about number 35 and Director Kurama and that they both died, but it was also kinda happy that number 35 found her father and they had their moment before they died.

As for Lucy/Nyu, it looked like she gave up and let the soldiers kill her, but then the ended really confused me when the clock was fixed. Firstly Lucy/Nyu had been trying to fix the clock and then there was Wanta who clearly knew the person, so is Lucy/Nyu still alive?

I am also sad it has ended because it was the best series!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

The Japanese never do straight forward endings do they? They are either open ended or too ambiguous.

Have you watched the OVA yet Eve?

NymVette · Movie Producer

Maybe they did it on purpose like that to leave a possible second series?

Yes I have watched the OVA and it answered so many of my questions like why didn't Lucy kill Director Kurama in the very first episode.

I actually watched it before the final episode so it also helped me understand the whole Lucy/Nyu and Nana story.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Well i made sure not to read to much in this thread, just bought the complete set with special collectors card so will check it out for myself but i hope its not as sad as iv heard, as ill no doubt cry buckets ^-^!!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Considering how you reacted to the chimera episode of FMA you may not appreciate a lot of what happens in this show either Totty... hmm

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Im sure this cant be as bad as that....can it? ^^. Still i know i complained about that but i do enjoy FMA more now after watching it, all i need to do is remember the characters are NOT real and i think ill be fine! So im going to watch this show with that thinking and hopefully not be drawn into caring for them as i did so easily in FMA. But i bet ill probably write on here in a week or so saying man this is one sad show and it broke my heart...^-^ Oh well.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

sorry to double post, just watched the first episode and it wasent to bad, great animation, very cute looking characters but a very brutal way to start the show with Nya (i forget her name now) slicing everyone to pieces which quite shocked me. It saddened me that poor girl got caught in the middle and killed to..I hated that..As usual im easily quite shocked and saddened when i know i shouldnt be.Continued the story with the girl and boy and her meeting with them, shes very cute even though shes a killing machine.I guess i have a lot more to expect when i watch the next 12 episodes!

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Lucy's harmless alter ego is called Nyuu. Seriously dude, if you that easily upset you might want to give this a miss because it gets a lot worse...

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Im going to continue Mib, having paid a lot for this dvd set ^-^ so i may was well.Anyway its my own fault considering you warned me about it many times before! But as i said, im going to TRY thinking positivly and not be to upset if bad things happen but giving that i was saddend by what happend with that girl..i guess im going to suffer a lot with watching this :).

Man In Black · Anime Mod

Just remember that it's fiction and they're not real and pay attention to the story rather than the gore factor you may just understand the message they are putting across.

Totoro101 · Movie Executive Producer

Indeed, i watched the second episode last night and it was pretty fun with her destroying the guy but i feared for the poor girl and her dog who i just wanted to protect! I know it sounds crazy but i really feared for her when Lucy stalked the guy and she was close by.God I know its just an anime but man i really am to sensitive for my own good.But so far...not so bad.But i get the feeling something awful will happen in the next few episodes!

NymVette · Movie Producer

Totoro, in my opinion this is the best anime ever. Yes Nyu can be brutal but later you come to find out why she is like that. I know what you mean about that innocent girl she kills, but be prepared for more upsetting stuff. You have to know it's all there for a reason and you will find out more as the series goes on.

Stick with it and I think you'll find all the upsetting scenes and violence is worth it for such a good story.

-- Edited by NymVette at 17:33, 2007-09-26