User Reviews

Boy, how I remember my first time wathing this.

I had no idea what I had just watched (I'm still not entirely sure I do), but whatever it was, I loved it.

Something that could have only came when the internet was still mysterious in its working. But that doesn't change how philosophical and experimental it is, and beyond all focuses on emotions through an archetype that gets sidelined and turns into a unique experience. Even though it ends as a bit of a failed attempt to be Neon Genesis Evangelion this is still an amazing feat in visual media for executing something like this and not just dying in the minds of the brilliant people who made it.

Generally speaking,Japanese anime products,as its by-product known as "otaku" culture, are full of contradictions. First of all, anime's "artistic" level has never been adequately estimated in its homeland(namely by audience, critics and mass medias) and usually "discovered" by foreigners(most sad example is "Inoccence--Ghost in the shell", Mamoru Oshii's best and probably last artistic film). Secondally, anime's highest level in dramaturgy had been achieved before it was "discovered" by world film festivals and foreign audiences(French people is said to have believed "Candy Candy"'s not a Japanese serial, because it was so sophisticated).

"Serial experiment Lain" is a accidental postmodern masterpiece,made after anime's classical achievements("accidental", because no one had intended to make a work of art). "Lain" uses plenty of postmodern devices: citation from purely historical materials,stylish eclecticism,"open" ending or circular structure and showing its own media's limitation(many scenes are openly "two dimensional" and look like rather abstract "picture").

Having been made in the time of imitation and citation of past anime "classical "serials of 80s and later 70s, "Lain" is superb in its originality and the sense of the contemporary.After seeing this serial, "Evangelion" seems to be boring and too long(experimental works must be not so long as ordinary "genre" works,it is the rule from the time of silent era).

I recommend to compare this serial with "Kairo" by Kiyoshi Kurosawa,the latter will seem to be some kind of a little out-dated remake of this serial.

I feel like I have to say a few things about zetes's rant. For one, it's kind of depressing when people watch 4 episodes of a show and feel like they know everything about it. To put things in perspective, this is like watching the first 35 minutes of a movie and being convinced that it's worthless. But onto his points:

1. Yeah, a lot of effort does go into making the show more mysterious, but eventually it really does touch on themes that would appeal to those looking for something intellectual, especially functionalism, descriptive materialism, and the problems with a wholly materialistic interpretation of identity. Don't expect hardcore analytic philosophy, just a nice sprinkling of references and some interesting perspectives.

2. When you first start watching the series, it makes absolutely no sense, and every episode just seems to be adding to the complexity by introducing new aspects. But by the time you finish it, I guarantee that all of these things will make perfect sense (even why Lain's family seems so shallow and undeveloped). In this sense, the series creates perfect order out of total chaos, an aspect that I particularly liked.

3. I'm not going to pretend to be a film critic, but the directing seemed pretty effective at creating the kind of atmosphere that the series needed. And many of the episodes ended with great "what the hell just happened?" moments, that forced me to revise all my theories and definitely made me want watch more.

No offense to zetes, but you shouldn't watch this anime expecting to find character portraits or traditional "slice-of-life" drama. Just like any good existentialist movie ("Donnie Darko" comes to mind here) it won't make too much sense until you've watched the whole thing and maybe even thought about it a bit. So if you feel like you won't be satisfied unless you get your moral straight-up, then this series isn't for you. It'll make you think and will only provide you with more question, not answers.

This series not only opened my eyes…it literally changed my life. I've experienced the whole series many times, always letting it probe my mind to provoke thoughts I didn't know existed. This isn't a review, if you want to know what the series is like, watch it, or rather let it watch you. After studying the series for a while I became deeply interested in computers, computer science, philosophy, mind-expansion, and theory.

I related to Lain on such a personal level that the show almost seemed to transcend the subtext of it just being a work of fiction. But then again Serial Experiments Lain blurs the thin boundary that is reality and the virtual. The concepts and information shown at parts is very much worth looking into as well (E.I. Shuman resonance (commonly)7.83Hz). The integration into the story seems entirely possible in the future. The concept of the wired is in itself one of the most intriguing and glorious things i've ever heard of. Cyberpunk nirvana I suppose would be a way of looking at it. I could write for days on this work of art, but i'll limit myself here. If you do decide to watch it, you must commit to the whole series, or you'll probably be confused or misled. The series comes full circle like i've rarely seen any other do before.

On a side note, the series is also an incredible psychonaut tool.

• Don't pass this one up.

"SE: Lain" is a great anime series. It's not godly perfect or anything, but it gets up there...way up there. From the killer opening title sequence (with a great opening song, by the way) to the strange "previews" (they only consist of a girl talking and her body parts - I'm not kidding) for the next show, "Lain" certainly has a fairly unique style. But it goes beyond style and gets into substance.

The story is simple at first and seems half-predictable in these post-"Matrix" times. After a classmate seemingly commits suicide, Lain gets e-mail from the dead girl. Apparently, her consciousness is still on the net...or is it? From then on, things get weird, complicated, and interesting.

Splicing in elements of Matrix-style cyberpunk, X-Files conspiracy, and the David Lynch-esque surreal, "Lain" is, like the Wired world it portrays, a synthesis of disparate ideas and personas, all thrown into a blender for the viewer to interpret. The interpretation's the thing, and those looking for action or comedy may come away slightly disappointed. After 13 episodes, there will probably be more questions than answers, but isn't real life like that, anyway?

As most have already pointed out, `Serial Experiments: Lain' is a rather unique Japanese anime series. Watching `Lain' is not an easy trip to take, certainly, but one that is totally engaging nonetheless. Although exactly what the show is `about' is subjective and is open to interpretation to all who see it, I believe some people are completely missing some key points. Some have complained about the lack of character development during the series. But one must understand, that's the whole essence of the series: alienation. Look at the shots in Lain's classroom when the teacher is writing on the blackboard; all the other students except Lain are grayed-out. Look at the scene where Lain shows her father the Psyche processor and look how far she stands from him. Even look at the name of the club, Cyberia (as in Siberia: a cold, desolate place of exile). It's all done to emphasize how far, how detached, how alienated Lain is from everyone else. The direction in `Lain' is brilliant in depicting this. We, the audience, exist in the real world as we watch Lain, but we hardly ever get to know her. Yet we know she has a deeper personality because of what other characters say about her (`weren't you the girl at Cyberia?' Etc). These facets, which we only get a rare glimpse of, are her `online-self'. There have been studies that have shown a paradoxical relationship between time spent on the Internet and isolation and loneliness. Japan is one of the most `online' nations in the world, with almost 40% of the population having Internet access. At the same time, Japan also has one of the highest suicide rates amongst developed nations (which brings to mind a scene early in the series of the girl who commits suicide). Many are concerned with Japan's trouble youths and the increasing difficulty many have forming meaningful relationships with others. The only meaningful relationship we, the audience, see Lain have with another person is with Arisu. Other than some brief instant messaging via a palm pilot, Lain and Arisu's relationship exists entirely in the real world, not on the Wired. So, to me, the entire series is a metaphor for this increasing isolation of Japanese youth in an ever-expanding high tech world. For those having troubling getting into this series, I say focus on the directing, the atmosphere, the metaphors used throughout. Come to your own conclusions. I highly recommend this bittersweet, highly unique series to any who want to branch out from familiar territory.

Serial Experiments Lain is a classic anime series which takes place in a really cool Sci-Fi universe full of many twists and turns. If I could describe this show in one word it would be mysterious.

This show is the peak of all film. Everything else will lack compared to this. This film is filled to the brim with complex questions about life presented in a audio-visually stunning way.

It does not bounce around "hard to talk about" subject and nor does it present them immaturely. The show deals with psychological and philosophical themes. Everything is the show has a meaning and none of it is filler.

Lain is a show where what you perceive it to be depending on your mood. or even state of mind can be totally different, Everyone takes their own subjective view on the show because it is filled to the brim with content that can only be viewed in a subjective manner.

>this is the best show of all time >don't pass it up

I have to admit that you need to have at least basic knowledge of computer science, network and telecommunications + some historical knowledge as well. If that's the case, you will really enjoy this masterpiece, I really loved this and considered this anime as a must if you like the anime. Nevertheless, if you have no knowledge about those topics I think it will be kind of confusing to become boring maybe.

As personal opinion this is masterpiece anime but not made for everyone.

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.

This anime series is remarkably intriguing by virtue of its perspectives on a historical context in which the rise and spread of computers and the internet took place. Although I personally was not fortunate enough to live through that era, it is possible for me to conceive of the nature of those times. It was extremely foolish to ignore the potential of a different, alternative world that was housed in the realms of computers and the internet, and to deprive oneself of talking about, experiencing or even fantasising about such technology. Hence I find this anime interesting, which, although it may seem complex at first, becomes fascinating as we analyse the evolution of the protagonist, Lain.

It is true that its complexity, confusion and possible slowness could discourage some viewers, but its value lies precisely in its philosophical, psychological, materialistic and spiritualistic potential, which has made it a cult work for a certain audience. Through the series, the audience is invited to reflect and contemplate on a world, reality or context that is present in our daily lives today. However, I can't help but think that this work will go unnoticed or even forgotten. I feel that it does not stand out enough, but, even so, it deserves to be seen for its unique style.

I didn't enjoy Lain, and here's why.

SEL seemed to have been praised by a lot of people, which now I'm sure were all (or majority) just anime fanatics willing to give any anime more credit than it deserves. I'm not one of those people -- I rarely watch anime and try to always pick something really worth the attention.

While watching SEL I had a strong suspicion that the questions posed by the writers (of which there are A LOT, mind you; it's very mysterious) will not be answered. It all seemed too mysterious for the writers to know themselves where they were going but I continued watching hoping that I'm going to be wrong.

I wasn't wrong. By the final 13th episode, most of the question are left unanswered. So aside from HUNDREDS of plot holes in this anime, there were also the same amount of questions that we will never get answers to and this is why it makes this anime SO BAD.

Anybody can come up with millions of "mysterious", "bizarre" and "weird" ideas, but the answers are making the product good. If there are no answers, you might as well keep those questions to yourself.

Some reviewers called this anime "weird", "very mystical", etc. It is, partially, that; but most of all, Serial Experiments: Lain is just a BAD ANIME with poor story, characters, script, directing, pacing and everything else.

Speaking as a true cinephil in love with cinema I say this: avoid it, or you will waist your time.

1/10

The story of Serial Experiments Lain has an interesting premise, and is accompanied by some nice animations, unfortunately the key points of that story end up being explained by characters towards the end rather than shown and unfolded in the plot. So the bulk of the experience consists of the viewer being dragged through a bunch of watered down episodes, only to then have the characters towards the end say, "Oh yeah, and here's what's going on." Showing, and not explaining, is pretty much the first rule of screenwriting. Apparently the writers didn't get the memo.

You normally don't think of subtle and sci-fi anime in the same sentence, but that's what Serial Experiments Lain is. The atmosphere is slightly sinister all the way through, with beautiful animation. The story could be compared to the Matrix and the Sixth Sense, while the atmosphere and style is reminiscent of Twin Peaks, eXistenZ, and the end of Neon Genesis EVA.

The ending makes this clear that you won't be getting any easy answers.

Starts out weird and stays experimental and engaging the whole way through. A beautiful, obscure anime that I hope everyone who appreciates adventurous art has the opportunity to watch one day.

Lain, the lonely little girl stood on the bridge watching those she knew better than was known by, removed from the memory of, is extraordinary. There must be something about her that is enough to captivate herself, but for some reason it is too difficult to share it. Ever felt like that?

Sounding pretentious yet? Well that's no big deal. There's something in this series that speaks volumes.

SEL is cheaply made, somewhat poorly voiced (English dub), and was broadcast at 1.30am in Japan. It was, however, a surprise hit. It's not difficult to see why. Critics point out a similarity to Neon Genesis Evangelion's later episodes, and do so with some foundation. Perhaps part of the success was due to the stupendous NGE wave, but SEL is very good regardless.

Lain Iwakura is a young schoolgirl with little interest in technology. Her friend's introduce her to the Wired – an alternate internet – and she quickly becomes obsessed. She finds an outlet for her bottled up persona in the faceless world of online interaction. Things become more complicated with a string of suicides. Online presences claim to be the deceased, and encourage others to free themselves of their material existence to run free in the rhizome of the collective consciousness. Lain delves deeper into the Wired, exploring the tenuous gap between real life, and the network.

It's certainly not an untouched subject in anime or other media, but SEL captivates well. Similar to Hideako Anno's work not only in approach to mental strife, but the use of interesting angles, simple designs and excruciatingly slow pace.

When I first watched this series, about six year ago, I must have been a massive stoner because I had no idea what was going on, and stuffed it in the back of a drawer somewhere. On second viewing there was a lot in there to think about. Very interesting issues are, if not discussed, exposed. "You don't have to remain a wretched human being forever" - the world is but a physical representation of the information flowing through the Wired, given presence merely to verify its existence - very Ghost in the Shell, perhaps.

It also comes out with some seriously dark matter: "So you want to hurt too, do you? Do you want your heart to feel like it's been scraped across with a rasp? If you do, don't look away, whatever you do," opens episode 8. Creepy.

At times it does feel as though it is a bit full of itself, and reluctant to give away what the hell it is essentially banging on about (though nowhere near as bad as, for example, Lost). The tiny budget doesn't help this along – there are many single-cell moments and count-the-frame animations.

However let's forgive it, because it is clever, and it's okay to know that you are clever sometimes.

The ending wasn't quite what I'd hoped for, though I did like it. The message to take away, though, is that your life comes down to what you believe it to be, and what you want it to be. If you are not remembered, you never existed. If you do not share knowledge, then you may as well not have any. There is one truth, that is the truth, and that is you and what you do. Something like that.

This is just the best anime of ever and one of the most amazing project in history of "weird movies"...in this case animation..

At the first time it's really hard to understand everything, but the ethereal and at the same time dark, and full of mystery atmosphere capture you totally, in a dreamlike journey beyond anything..

Animation is simple, but great, if you like japan anime full of battles and robots you're in the wrong way..but if you like experimental art, dreamlike sequences, mystery, philosophy (I'm not joking!!!), go and get this one, It's a unique experience..I promise..

I don't spend so much words about the music....it's just perfect..sounds create with images an unbelievable atmosphere..the first time I saw it, I couldn't believe that should exist such a masterpiece in anime..

If David Lynch doesn't like it, I'm Tommy Lee Jones..

This is a mind blowing experience and one of the best anime stories I have ever watched. More than any anime, this is what got me into anime back when this first came out in DVD form in the US, back in 1999. The story, which is a mystery, is compelling and mind blowing. Who is this second lain and for that matter who is lain. Who is the god like creature which haunts lain and why do lain's parents act so strange. The opening music is excellent as well and as you watch the episodes the music draws you further in. This is no mindless anime, you need to fully engage your brain and think. This is a must watch.

Lain Serial Experiments is one of those things that mark you, and let you know it. Lain Serial Experiments is unique and unrepeatable, its narrative, its main character Lain and its history and symbology make it unique and highly original compared to many animes and even series. This Anime has everything; It has action, suspense and even horror in some parts, with an atmosphere that invades you and puts you completely inside the series. Really, what else can I say besides the tremendous soundtrack that the series has, such as: Boa Duvet, Track 44, Tooi Sakebi, etc. If you haven't seen this series please watch it, it's a little known masterpiece.

Going into this, I had heard it got a lot of praise from everyone. Initially I just believed these were just elitists and mostly disregarded these claims of granduer.

Yet as I first watched this, I slowly started to understand how the praise that was given to this was not unjustified. Touching on ideas that somehow are still relevant almost thirty years later, ideas that were able to predict how the internet would go on to influence our society.

Serial Experiments Lain is amazingly profound, confusing and when the parts are finally understood, allows for the audience to truly appreciate what was given to them.

Post rewatch: My enjoyment of Serial Experiments Lain has greatly improved after I have rewatched it, being able to recognise what is actually going on and along with content provided through the Lain wiki. Lain is understandably confusing and I am almost still as confused as I was in the beginning. I now understand why many people have this so high.

Pros:A solid message, great draws, interesting direction, Lain and Arisu, Opening and Ending, a really interesting mystery

Cons:Lame side cast, first chapters were really lame (in my opinion), the phasing and story itself it's really lame

Final rating 7.5.

This is one of those shows people find excuses for being horrendous just because it touches on some interesting philosophical or psychological concepts. As if that excuses horrible storytelling, nonexistent characters with no arcs whatsoever, poor animation, awful pacing and a dozen other problems this show has. It's just not in any way a compelling narrative.

To all of those who liked the show, answer me this - what is Lain like? She is kind of introverted, I guess. Anything else? No? You sure? What personality traits does she have? Nothing? And this is the protagonist we're talking about. That's what I mean when I say this show has no characters. They are all just vessels, marionettes, twisted and turned by writers to make whatever choice is needed for the nonsensical plot to progress.

Frames hang around for too long and are constatly recycled. It's slow-paced, but that seems to be a consequence of a low budget forcing a super-low framerate instead of actual authorial intent, especially as it isn't used in any meaningful way.

The show does indeed touch on some really smart themes, but none of them are fully realized or actually lead anywhere. You can forget about drawing any sort of conclusion, clear or not, from this. Because it is so vague, people seem to project a lot of meaning onto it, despite it carrying none on it's own. You'll hear stuff like "It asks bold questions and provides no easy answers" when in reality it doesn't explore the implications of various answers at all and can barely formulate something resembling a question in the first place.