This show feels more like a series of short stories about its characters than one continuous plot, though it does have an overarching story. Some of the character stories are really interesting and explore great themes, other can be a bit boring. I think my biggest complaint I will throw out about this show, is that I don’t find many of the characters in this show relatable, so when I’m watching it, it’s more from the intrigue of the story, rather than just because I like x character.
For the most part this works, and the great atmosphere really carry’s this show it feels dark and spooky and the filter really accentuates the distorted city. It may not look too great, but it carries a heavy dark atmosphere really well.
This show does feel confusing at times (more so than the modern version, which a lot of people said was), and that is partly because its narrative is more about the characters with the story connecting it all being more in the background, you can piece it all together by the end but there will be some points early on when you might feel a bit lost in regards to this.
Whilst I would say 3 or 4 episodes of this series did kind of bore me, I did really appreciate the unconventional storytelling, the dark and absorbing atmosphere, and how it handled some of its themes and character stories.
Overall this is a pretty great work one where I find it hard to imagine a show being like this being made again.
For alternative recommendations if you loved the atmosphere I would point to Serial Experiments Lain, with a similar dark and heavy one.
Or if your more in to the character stories, I would recommend Welcome to Irabu’s Office, which is a psychiatrist breaking down his patients psychological issues in a weird and wonderful way.
