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Serial Experiments Lain is down right bizarre, but absolutely addicting. I've must have seen the whole series at least six times. The ending is satisfying, but you really can't get enough of Lain. You almost wish there were 13 more episodes of a whole new Lain story. Know what I mean? Maybe, maybe not, but anyway, I'm telling you, any computer nut and anime fan should see this show! Did I mention the animation is fatastic. The mix of simple computer animation with delicate and traditional animation makes it superb. The music is great too, and each sound effect makes it like you're right there with her. It's really a grand show indeed. Oh yeah, it's probably best to see Lain if you're one of those kinds who like to think while watching Anime, cuz this show really messes with your head. See the effects on me?! ^-^ Kelly, Michigan ................................. Serial Experiments Lain is just one of those anime that really does a number on the 'ol noodle. It delves into the "I think, therefore I am" theory quite a bit and leaves you guessing until the very ending (and even a little bit afterwards). In the first episode of Lain, you find yourself plunged into the very dramatic, very well thought out and thoroughly creepy atmosphere. Chisa Yomoda, Lain's classmate, commits suicide and shortly afterward, her fellow classmates find that the dead girl has sent them e-mail telling them that she has not actually died, but merely given up her body and is still alive on the Wired. The Wired, we learn later, is like the Internet, only much more involved. People can transfer themselves onto the Wired and carry out activities such as video games as if they were really in them. From here on in, Lain carries you through a relentless series of surreal, thought provoking events that, in the end, leave you questioning what is real and why. Artistically, Lain is very different from your average anime. Most anime that are popular today are flashy and very aesthetic in a traditional way. Brightly colored and sparkling, leaving you in a daze of surreal beauty. I am not saying in any way that Lain is any less pleasing of an anime visually, but merely different. For the characters, the design is a mix of anime/manga style and realistic art, leaning more toward the latter. I think that for me, the eyes and hair stood out the most. Traditionally, anime eyes are very large and usually cover up fifty to seventy-five percent of the face. The eyes in Lain cover perhaps five to ten percent of the face (if that at all) on average. And not only the size of the eyes is different, but also the way they are drawn. Typical anime eyes, particularly for female characters, are elaborate affairs of color and reflected light and long, curling lashes. In Lain, however, they are very simple and realistic. Also, hair is not made into ridiculous styles of loops, impossibly long tresses and massive, coiling curls. Instead, it sticks to simple, realistic and sometimes drab styles in both color and design. Color, too, is used very deliberately. I've noticed that highlights aren't used at all on skin and hair, but rather only shading is used. It sticks to earth tones and pastels, mostly. The backgrounds are lovely as well. Very understated and elegant in their sterile simplicity. Lain's room before she makes her Navi extremely elaborate was rather fascinating. Its impersonal nature and plainness accompanied with the rather out of place line of stuffed animals along her windowsill somehow add to the eerie atmosphere. Even the shadows are interesting with their hazy, often psychedelic looks. It's beautiful in a very different way and should be appreciated. The music in Lain, too, is used (or perhaps I should say, not used), extremely well. Instead of constantly being bombarded by J-Pop and background music, we are treated to sparsely used, rather eerie music for the most part, and creepy sound effects. Everything, from the aching echo of the monotone piano keys in Layer: 03, to the electric buzz of the cables on the telephone poles sets the mood for a very surreal and often creepy, but always beautiful anime. Serial Experiments Lain is definately an A+ anime. I would reccomend it to any anime fan who enjoys something that'll play with your brain. Definately a thinking fan's anime that will surely become a classic. --Amp |
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