Firstly I must state that I have watched this anime completely, twice. The first time was quite a long time ago, and I remembered that it "scarred" me - the absolutely sick twists and turns that the story makes left me feeling both exhilarated and disgusted at the same time. The second time I watched it, which was rather recent, I decided to pay closer attention to detail, in case I may have missed some aspects here and there. Truth be told, watching it again was just as great (if not better) as the first time around. Even knowing what to expect. This anime is truly brilliant. One amongst a very select few anime that can really be considered a classic. "Legendary" is a term I prefer. It is THAT good.

Now, it is important to note that this anime is actually not a complete cover of the real story behind it - as the manga on which it is based continues much further. So I will attempt to review it based on that fact.

Story; What is covered in the anime, is very good. If you aren't aware of the manga scene, then this anime will be good enough for you, even though there are a few aspects and questions that are left unanswered. Without spoiling anything; major questions would be something like "what is the plan?" and "who was that??", which are, once you've watched it, quite important questions. Still, for the sake of the anime and what it covers and how it closes itself off, it does a very good job. So if you aren't a manga reader, then the story will be sufficient. The only reason I didn't score the story 5/5 is due to the fact that it is incomplete. I will touch on this subject later.

Dialogue; It's all easy to understand. (That is, English subtitles :P) Nothing is spoken in this anime that is difficult to understand. The story is told very well, at a very good pace. Nothing is said, whether it be for a lighter mood or in times of action or suspense, it all feels (and sounds) natural. That being said - the voice acting is well done as well.

Animation; The quality of the animation and sound effects used aren't excellent but it can be excused because the anime is somewhat old. Even so, for it's age, it is still good. I would love to get my hands on an up-scaled version (perhaps 720p) - then, it would be amazing.

Entertainment; Excellent. Gripping from start to finish. At no point is it boring. However, within this category lies some potential draw backs of the anime. Depending on you personal preference, this anime may lead you to some SERIOUS tears near the end. As it did for me. Not tears of joy, but rather, tears of disgust, and truly heart breaking situations. I say this because it made me feel nearly sickened. If you are a sensitive person this may end up depressing you. (lol)
Another factor would be the split personality of Lucy/Nyuu. "nyuu" "nyuu" "nyuu" ... You hear that a lot. It can become somewhat annoying at times.

To get back to the story. As I mentioned, it is not complete in the anime. The manga is complete, and it takes the story much further. However, be warned. If you like this anime, and do wish to continue reading the manga to see where the story really goes - be prepared. The manga and the anime are very different. You will understand what I mean if you search for the point in the manga where the anime ended.
I recommended reading the manga from the start, and skim through the parts what you are already familiar with.

Be warned: The manga is absolutely, soul-shatteringly , mindbogglingly, depressingly sad beyond words.
sad, but excellent. :) (show less)

Well, you could say, that the story is everage because Elfenlied and Deadman Wonderland are alike and there are sure more of that paradigm's. (boy with amnesia meets old girlfriend again, which has a split personality and he is the only one who can stop her bloodthirstiness and lust for destruction after he starts remembering again )

Anyway its really a pity, that the anime stopps again so early with an alternative end, instead of following the correct way of the manga. there is even a kind of mistake, because I found a missing episode of ELFENLIED, when Luzy meets a girl and gives her the blue cap. Dont know, where I found it again. just realized, that I couldnt find it on the DVD. T^T
But the opening and the ending are both well worth seeing and I hope, you will like it. (show less)