Story: 10
the story is mind boggling, and can be hard to follow due to the fact that it strays away from what a linear plot line is, but that fact is probably the main thing that makes the story so incredibly unique, and therefore not for everyone. However, the series would not be as good if it werent for the fact the the story is told in a non linear way. Thats because there are actually a lot of cyberpunk anime that tackle similar concepts as Lain does, but none of them do it as good because theyre all the same. Lain doesnt try to pander to its audience; it treats its viewers intelligently and forces them to think. The themes are brilliantly portrayed, not only through the non linear story telling, but also through the use of imagery, which brings me to my next point.
Art: 10
even though the anime was made in the 90s, the art is incredible. The atmosphere and mood contribute to the story, and are enforced by the colors and settings. The use of shadow and light contribute to the general message being conveyed as well. When the art goes beyond being something pretty to look at to something that contributes to the story telling is when it's a 10.
Sound: 10
the ambient noise throughout the scenes combined with the empty or sometimes dark settings created the eerie atmosphere that this anime hit with a home run. You feel uncomfortable, as the tension is building up in a scene, since you're just waiting the whole time to get answers to questions the series keeps planting in your head. You feel like something's not right the entire time, due in part to the sound, which contributes to the theme of what constitutes reality. The viewer is constantly wondering or trying to determine who and what is "real" and the off putting sound, and sometimes lack thereof, re enforce the viewers suspicions. when the sound goes beyond being background noise to something that contributes to a theme or motif in the story is when its a 10.
character: 10
Lain is one of the most well written anime characters ever. The story is in a way, centered around who or what she is. The mystery in her identity, and if shes even real, was executed to perfection. In the story, the real world and The Wired begin to 'blend together' and the differences between the shy and quiet "real world" lain and the more abrasive "wired" lain begin to blend together as well. This transition is done gradually, which makes it really believable and therefore disturbing, because the two Lains being "one in the same" becomes something you feel, even though you dont want to believe it.
Enjoyment: 10
even though everything else is a 10, the enjoyment may not be a 10 for everyone even though it's a 10 for me. This anime is unconventional and isnt really accessible to the casual viewer. If you're not willing to bend your way of understanding a story when it bends the pre established formula for story telling, then you wouldnt enjoy this anime, in fact you'll be bored with it. Something this anime does which may put off some people is that it builds up a lot of questions for a long time without answering them, so the viewer has to exercise a lot of patience. If you can not stay interested without being instantly gratified, then you will get bored with this anime. however, i find stories that keep you wondering and puzzled more interesting and fun so for me, the enjoyment was a 10.
Overall: 10
it's flawless. Forget about being a good anime, it's an incredible work of art. You learn so much about the nature of humanity, personal identity, and the blurry lines that outline reality. It makes you uncomfortable, but you're enlightened because of it. For true anime nerds, you may want to watch it for its importance to the progression of anime, and its lasting influence it's had on anime that have followed it.
