Lee Moretti

I’m only a few episodes in but I am hooked. This is such an epic suspense / mystery with truly unique perspectives that doesn’t fall into the same pitfalls of camp and nonsense that many predecessors do. Plus the soundtrack / score is absolutely lit. Brava.

Those complaining about the vagueness or character development need to take a look at the point of this piece of art. I’m not going to spoil the plot here, but if you know anything about Japan’s history and the country’s struggles with isolation, identity, industrialization and ultimately, widespread social despair; then you’ll understand why Lain is important as an allegory. Not only did it frame the feelings of many in their society at a pivotal point in their culture, but it has a lot to say about the human condition, who we are, if there’s a god, and where we might be going if left unchecked. Lain is not a typical anime, it’s more like a piece of art that uses anime as it’s form of expression. I have been watching anime since the early nineties, and yes, if you’re looking for a more typical anime, lain is not for you. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, one that falls in the same category as Evangelion, then check it out.