Serial Experiments Lain: A cyberpunk anime series for the real critical thinking
Cyberpunk. No, it's not just part of the name of a famous video game franchise, no. It's also a wonderful sub-genre of science fiction. It's also a wonderful sub-genre of science fiction that has a lot to do with artificial intelligence, the existence/individualism of human beings and above all, the end result; nature paying the high price of human hubris pretending to be the master of absolutely everything, at all times... Serial Experiments Lain is a bit of this, but with the magic of anime.
It's a series that runs deep philosophical themes and challenges the viewer to pay close attention to each and every episode. What's more, on platforms such as YouTube, there are videos explaining parts of the plot of this series. Not because it is particularly difficult or abstract, no, but because it was made for a very different society to the one we have today. In 1998, both Japan and the whole world were totally different from what we are today.
At that time the fear was about the technology of the moment; the internet and its influence on all of us. It was believed that it was going to change everything. From the way we consumed information to the way we dated. And they were right. Some of those ‘fears’ are a palpable reality for you and me. However, this series shows in a more human way the importance of decisions and their consequences. Uses as part of the plot the typical Greek tragedy. Oracles, prophecies, antagonists and a powerful message are part of the appeal of this production.
I think by that point, you already know my tastes well. And for those of you who are reading me for the first time, just look at my timeline in this community and see the kind of anime I select for my reviews and analysis. Far from being pretentious, I'm excited by a good and gripping story. My mind, at times a bit fuzzy, is not very good at simple, shonen consumption. I like the complication, but not for having pretensions of anything. In fact, I think it's the complexity that makes animation itself appealing. Ghost in the Shell, Death Note, Paprika are some examples of iconic anime that follow this logic.
However, what you can expect in Serial Experiments Lain is a story told in no more than 8 chapters about the human yearning to pretend to be what we don't know. We want to be gods without admitting it. We dominate, partially dominate nature, and in that way we think we are important, outstanding. I like that this series shows the human consequences of our pretensions and makes this a production. Believe me, the tone of this series is not at all dense or overly complicated. It does demand your full attention, though, and you can't possibly understand it if you're on your mobile phone at the same time you're watching it. I will insist on this, Serial Experiments Lain is one of those anime that aims directly at critical thinking and challenging your mind.
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"Lain" is certainly not for those who seek good and beautiful in anime... There is no substance in it, just ugliness and nothing whatsoever to inspire critical thinking. IMHO "Lain" is a blatant war-against-reality propaganda, turning viewers' brains into mud. https://hivel.ink/hive-158489/@onlyjob/serial-experiments-lain-1998-13
"Harmony" is a much better show to promote thinking: https://hivel.ink/category/@onlyjob/harmony-2015
9h, thanks for your kind words and for the recommendations as well. I will definitely watch Harmony. Didn't expect many people had watched Lain but I'm more than happy about that!
Thank you for sharing this post with the community and for preferring us, it is a pleasure for us to have you here.
We hope to see you soon. Best regards!
This is my favourite community. I will always comeback,love @theanimerealm
It seems unbelievable that the world has really changed a lot since the advent of the internet and the digital age. Anime with criticism and substance are not for everyone. I love Death Note, for example, but I've noticed that many people can't identify with it and don't get past the first few chapters.
That's pretty much what had happened with marvelous pieces of art, in every aspect of life. People just loss their interest about it. But, what one was a masterpiece, always wil be a masterpiece. Make no mistake about it.
The last century envisioned the Internet differently. It is incredible that from that vision, fear was used to compose a story.
The construction of the central argument is enveloping. It catches my attention, I have read several reviews about this anime, but I have not seen it yet.