As a story, it is an enigma: it is simple, but it is equally complex. There are elements which guide you right from the beginning, but as the story progresses, you keep those elements in mind purely as markers of reference. Put another way... its like being lost in a maze and making your way through it, only to realize, there was nothing achieved once you are free from the maze. And frankly, there wasn't much else to say for the story other than it used the art for progression.
The same perspective applies to Character, frankly speaking. Although they seem developed, they are heavily reliant on the art and sound in order to portray their own arcs. Of all the anime that I have seen, this one has the most... subtle and mysterious characters I have ever seen. Very bizarre presentation to say the least. But the fascinating bizarre that grips you and pushes you forward.
Art and Sound:
I have absolutely no way of stating it other than: the most intriguing use of modern "abstract" art-style anime I have come across, with a succinct, atmospheric, and engrossing score. This anime's characters - with extremely limited dialogues - do not have a single voice actor saying anything. It is reliant almost purely on visuals - a clever trick to enhance the experience of this anime. However, both the sound and the art work side by side to present the themes that this anime discusses. And those themes range from the story's barebone plot, through to very visual critiques of a philosophical and sociological nature.
In a way, the art reminded me of Monty Python (but far less "humorous") and even some very obscure, and very lesser known anime like Tenshi no Tamago ("Angel Egg", 1986), and some even lesser known short films (Eastern European ones, mostly). It certainly is something worth watching once, and particularly when the ending is reached... leaving a haunting, empty feeling in its wake.
