Is Serial Experiments Lain worth watching?

Serial Experiments Lain is one of the most beloved anime titles of all time. Although the newer anime audience may not be familiar with the show, it has garnered a dedicated fan base. There are several reasons for its success. It is a show that was released in 1998, and it featured unique visuals and a gripping story. The first few episodes feel quite slow. However, it is necessary as it beautifully sets up the remaining plot.

The question that newer anime fans have is this: Is Serial Experiments Lain worth watching? Yes, Serial Experiments Lain is an incredibly entertaining sci-fi show that every anime lover should watch. That being said, there was an eeriness to the art style and the atmosphere developed in the anime. This might serve as a barrier to a few people. However, if viewers can get past it, they will be treated to a show with exceptional writing.

Furthermore, fans have a great deal of respect for the technical team, especially the one that worked on sound design. For a show that came out in the ‘90s, it highlights mastery in the audio. The soundtracks that were created for the show perfectly complemented the somber atmosphere.

Furthermore, the backgrounds in Serial Experiments Lain boast some of the most intricate illustrations that one could see in anime from that time. It is of the highest quality, and fans continue to enjoy it despite the evolution of illustrations over the past 27 years. The story revolves around Lain Iwakura, who receives an odd email from her classmate, who took her own life. Lain isn’t someone who people would consider tech-savvy.

However, the mysterious mail takes her to the “Wired,” a network of interconnected networks. This is quite similar to how the internet works today. As time progresses, she encounters another mysterious entity known as the Men in Black. They seem to know more about Lain than she does about herself.

As the series progresses, the line separating reality and her experiences on the Wired continues to blur. Lain continues to question what is real and what isn’t. Furthermore, Lain’s understanding of consciousness, perception of everything around her, and her own identity get challenged in ways that nobody expects.

Themes explored in Serial Experiments Lain

This particular show explores the concept of dissociation and derealization. The former is a condition wherein the person detaches from reality, and this is often a response to trauma. However, derealization is a specific type of dissociation, such that the person’s perception of the real world feels extremely unrealistic. They feel a considerable amount of distance between their perception of reality and reality itself.

What many consider an avant-garde style of animation seems to be quite accurate to a real-life dissociation/derealization experience. Moreover, the show paints a poignant picture of the relationship between reality and cyberspace as well as its effects. The Wired and the Internet have many similarities. The radical elements present in cyberspace and their malicious activities are relatable to the current generation of viewers. Serial Experiments Lain also explores the theme of social anxiety through the protagonist.

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Serial Experiments Lain is an incredibly entertaining anime to watch, especially for those who wish to experiment with visuals and storytelling. In addition, the show explores themes that viewers of today’s day and age can relate to. The only flaw is the pacing of the first few episodes.

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