Serial Experiments Lain is easily one of the most mind-bending anime I have seen to date. Do not watch Serial Experiments Lain if you need everything to make sense. From episode one all the way to the end you feel as if you are wading through a fog alongside the main character searching for it's meaning. It does progress and hopefully you'll be able to pick out enough information from the events that take place to continually take the next step forward, as the completion of this anime is, though complicated, extremely rewarding to those with enough of an open mind. The amount of confusion versus the amount of story progression teetered on a delicate balance for the first couple episodes which brings the score down a fair amount, but I will reassure you that the story truly is a unique and worthwhile experience if you are willing to take a journey through murky fog to find the light at the other side.
Art - 7
The artwork in Serial Experiments Lain at first seemed simple (almost bad) using color schemes that were pale (like pastels) and garish (lots of one color and the focus being almost completely opposite). But after a while you'll realize that the color schemes in this anime are totally appropriate for the entire mood and vibe of the anime. Again, do not watch this anime if you don't have an open mind. The artwork is not nearly as shiny and fresh as most animes out there. So keeping in mind that the artwork is nothing exciting and almost drab, save for a few intense sequences, but does a marvelous job of conveying the vibe of the story I will give it a score of 7.
Sound - 8
Another well used tool of conveying a particular mood, the sounds in Serial Experiments Lain are just as mysterious and haunting as the rest of the anime. White noise type sounds are raised to a pitch that you definately notice, and convey a sense of connection to the world being shown to you. And the opening them fits perfectly and is a real good listen. Good enough in fact that a full version of the song is in my library and plays randomly. The noises can be somewhat distracting in their own way and take a little too much of your attention then they should so the sound score loses 2 points for a score of 8
Character - 6
It is kinda hard for me to come up with an accurate score of the characters which brings the score down a few points alone. The characters not being solid enough to get a clear feeling of is deserving of a few point penalty. Even though I was quite attached to Lain and Arisu almost all the other characters showed little to no development from their initial appearance. Score for the characters is only a 6.
Enjoyment - 9
Mysterious, thought provoking, and strangely fascinating, despite several flaws, makes this a very enjoyable assuming you are in the right mood. My thoughts were to give this anime a full 10 when i finished it but it takes a penalty just for having as many other penalties as it already does.
Overall - 8
I truly liked this anime a bit more then the score represents, but this anime takes a hit or two due to its extremely unique and confusing nature. But I do completely and totally recommend watching this anime to anyone with a tolerance for mind bending sequences.
