Anime Recoms, III

This chapter will be on Serial Experiment Lain, a fascinating-horrifying philosopical take on the world, reality as we do or do not know it, the internet, self-identity, identity of self as directed by the views of others, the increasing boundary-less spread of communication, etc etc etc. Released in the November of 1998, it is perhaps a very suitable winter tale as it managed to present itself as an intriguing tale that would take many re-watchings to fully comprehend.

I started on this anime a few days back and had thought up to yesterday that I had it mostly figured out. Today, when I finally embarked upon the final 4 episodes of this 13-epi series, I found out that I had actually absorbed none of what the anime really means. It is because of this that it would be perfect as a winter ‘toy’, as you’d have the whole of the dreary season of cold in which to rewatch, and watch, and watch again this spiral of complexity in an attempt to make sense of what others could not.

As for myself… well, I have failed to comprehend it in this one session. Undoubtedly some other day, when my brain dares once more to take up the challenge, I shall borrow the DVD from the anime library again, and strive to my utmost to see what it is that Chiaki (screenplay), Yoshitoshi (character design) and the others were trying to impress upon us on the reality of this world and the power of the mind (or imagination).

Comments so far? A highly fascinating anime, but not recommended to those who want just a short break from life.