Serial Experiments Lain is one of the best pieces of media I have ever consumed. I'm going to split this review into 5 main sections, Plot, Characters, Music, Art and Philosophy.
Plot:
Serial Experiments Lain's plot takes a backseat for most of the show, with more focus being given to Lain's deteriorating mental state from the 2nd episode until the final 2 episodes of the show. However I find the plot that is there incredibly interesting. The idea of what Lain as a person is and what she represents for the world as a pseudo 'God' hadme gripped and the wired kept me questioning what was reality and what was a fabrication throughout the show. Finally the ending and Lain's decision to erase herself and therefore the removal of the wire as a total integration to the world was incredibly bittersweet.
Characters:
This is the show's greatest strength in my opinion. Iwakura Lain is the perfect protagonist for me, her slow loss of grip on her reality and growing dependence on the wired was something I found heartbreaking to watch, and her relationship with Alice and eventual salvation through realising there is value to both the wired and physical form gave me a beautiful conclusion to her arc. On a smaller note I found Eiri to be a very good antagonist and Lain's family gave a very strong throughpoint for her character, especially her Father who's words play a large part in grounding her to reality and the themes of the show.
Music:
Lain's soundtrack is odd to say the least. Where most shows would have a great score Lain gives.... static? I love this about Lain though and it definitely does have stand out tracks besides my joking. But where would I be without mentioning the Opening and Ending themes! Especially Duvet is just one of my favourite songs of all time.
Art:
Lain's art is absolutely beautiful and ABe knocked it out of the park with the style of this show and it's supporting art. The visual style if the blearing white light outside and the dark damp confines of Lain's room. I find the visual style of Lain overall very strong, even if it is minimalistic. I also love how certain sections of the show taking place within the wired are portryed, a stand out scene to me was the strange disfigured figure's Lain talks to withing the Wired while keeping her normal human form.
Philosophy:
Lain is not anti-technology. I repeat, Lain is NOT anti-technology. Lain carried many themes of transhumanism and the effects of technology on out everyday society, however while the show does stand on the point of there being worth to our human bodies I would argue it never demonises technology as many people would say. I found the philosophy and themes gripping and I loved how they played into Lain's growth as a character and her relationships.
Overall I honestly think this show is near perfect, and while if you or someone else dislike it that is also completely valid, I could never bring myself to dislike this show. On a side note though it is a shame that almost every Lain discussion on this website is a pissing contest between people saying they are big brain or that show mid. If you do want to talk about the show either positively or with issues you have I'd love to talk about them
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