I feel sorry for those who want to criticise this series as they will undoubtedly be placed in the category of not understanding it or not getting it. Although an old idea, not knowing what is reality and what isn't, it is told in a new way which at first kept me interested. Unfortunately this old idea is drawn out for the first 9 or so episodes which is much like watching someone struggle through a dream while the truth that it is merely a dream eludes them. 9 episodes of Neo running through the matrix not knowing that it is not the real world aaahhhh! So this leaves the last few episodes to give an explanation to the viewer and for Lain to uncover whatever truths there are about herself, the computer reality and the real world.
I'll admit it does raise some intelligent, philosophical questions but that does not make the series a masterpiece on it's own. I found the end to be dissapointing and not really as such following on from the previous explanation you receive, but the animation is nice, again that alone doesn't make a masterpiece and so I found the series to be rather pointless. A pointless first 9 episodes which could be cut down, an unsatisfactory ending its as if the creators aimed at making an intelligent series which raises questions which it does but leaves out the interesting plot and any character development. Sorry to compare it to evangelion but the difference is obvious it has what Lain has, questioning, intelligence but also fantastic characters and an interesting storyline which keeps you watching and wanting more. Not awful just not as fantastic as others rate so don't get your hopes up and you wont be dissapointed.
I'll admit it does raise some intelligent, philosophical questions but that does not make the series a masterpiece on it's own. I found the end to be dissapointing and not really as such following on from the previous explanation you receive, but the animation is nice, again that alone doesn't make a masterpiece and so I found the series to be rather pointless. A pointless first 9 episodes which could be cut down, an unsatisfactory ending its as if the creators aimed at making an intelligent series which raises questions which it does but leaves out the interesting plot and any character development. Sorry to compare it to evangelion but the difference is obvious it has what Lain has, questioning, intelligence but also fantastic characters and an interesting storyline which keeps you watching and wanting more. Not awful just not as fantastic as others rate so don't get your hopes up and you wont be dissapointed.