It is not easy to find a story within Serial Experiments Lain,as it gives the viewer an impression of non sense and that the story never goes in a straight direction. However, the series story can simply be viewed as a concept more than a definitive story line. By concept, I mean the concept of reality. The two opposing worlds, "The Wired" and the real world makes a good contrast questioning the sense of reality. The bad point of the story, is how it flows during the series. It is very difficult to follow the events and fully understand them. Some scenes might have nothing to do with the story, but you will still be questioning yourself if it did. In overall, the story is the weakest point of the anime as it is more confusing than ever.
The art is not fabulous or beautiful, and this is why it's perfectly fitting for the series. High contrasts, absence of details in the background, and very light colors gives a definitive feeling of what this show is about. Character design is minimalistic and simple, but gives a mood of melancholy. The contrast effect, through the show is a reminded that what you're watching is a mind-fuck. And so, the art is perfect for this show and any other style wouldn't be as perfect.
It would an error to review the soundtrack as it is more fitting reviewing the almost total absence of music through the show. Simply bizarre, Serial Experiments Lain prefer having the buzzing sound of a strong light rather than music playing the background. While the show does include melancholic music it is also kept to a minimum. The seiyūs would be the little turn off for me, I was never impressed with their performance for the most part.
Lain is the star of the show. A shy girl in the real world and someone to be feared in the wired and then there is the one who claims to be Lain. Through the series, the viewer can be confused on who Lain really is as she is not one personality. Even Lain herself doesn't know who she really is, and neither the other characters. Simple thoughts, Lain is a great character and the only great character of the show. I could easily complain about the side characters, but the main point of the show was to focus on Lain.
After all, I did enjoy Serial Experiments Lain even though I had a hard time to complete the series. If you are looking for entertainment, you will have a hard time finding it in this show since it is not meant to be entertaining. However, Serial Experiments Lain is an experiment and I wonder why, today, animes lost the sense of experimenting with new ideas.
