Serial Experiments Lain
Produced in 1998, Serial Experiments Lain was an experimental anime TV series compromising of 13 episodes. This anime explores identity, reality, and communication through cyberpunk, computer history, conspiracy theory, philosophy, and cyberpunk literature.
This series is one of the most famous works of Chiaki J Konaka, the writer Yoshitoshi Abe, the character designer, and Ryutaro Nakamura, the director. It is one of those perfect storm projects that made a name for all involved in the show.
Serial Experiments Lain, an anime with a weird name, was based on what the world will look like when the Internet is accessible everywhere. Now that we are in the first quarter of 2021, it’s fun comparing this old anime with the tech revolutions that are already introduced in the modern world and the implications of tech.
Before I begin, let me clarify that Lain is abstract and written in a non-linear way. It’s hard to explain its plots because it’s filled with twists and turns.
The bare-bones is that Lain Iwakura, a schoolgirl who is disinterested in the Wire (the Internet from the year ‘98) and other tech, suddenly receives an email from a fellow school girl. Here comes the best part, the girl died after committing suicide. Are you interested already? Wait, there’s more.
She tells Lain that she has become a part of the Wire and has left her body. Everything is great. After learning about this mystery, she gets a powerful computer and slowly gets lost in the charm of the virtual world. She loses touch with reality, who she is, and what it means to be alive.
Be warned; it is going to get HARD to follow the show. I am a massive fan of the sci-fi genre, yet I scratch my head on certain scenes. But you won’t get annoyed by the complexity of the series, thanks to its beautiful animation and well-drawn characters.
Some people have even argued that the show is entirely plot-driven, but I believe that it’s a character study and the plot of the show only moves forward under its characters.
The voices are low-key, and there is an old silent movie-like vibe throughout the series. There is very little background music, which kicks in during an intense scene mostly. What’s interesting is that even if it’s a traditional anime, I didn’t lose interest. The unique art style benefits the story. Don’t put your hopes up; it’s not a high-quality art series.
It’s interesting how close we are to living in the cyberpunk world presented in this show. Some of the what-if horrors of the Internet craze are in full swing in the modern world, such as stolen personal information, joining a group of people whom you have never met, and more.
There is a UFO conspiracy to top up everything as well. All these twists and turns make for an oddly enjoyable and satisfying viewing experience.
Lain Iwakura
Lain shines brightly throughout the series. Her character is deep and relevant, the type you will only see in the best animes of today.
She is a 14 years old girl who uncovers her true nature throughout the show. A shy junior high school student with few hobbies and a few friends, Lain rediscovers herself. Later in the show, she grows multiple personalities and starts making friends as well. Lain is challenged to accept herself as the goddess of the Wire (oops, spoiler!)
Masami Eiri
He is a key designer of protocol Seven. He tries to embed his own into the protocol illicitly and ends up getting fired.
Yasu Iwakura
Lain’s father is passionate about computers. He pushes his daughter towards the Wired and monitors her development. He eventually leaves Lain, expressing that he genuinely loved her like a real father.
Alice Mizuki
She is Lain’s classmate and the only person who genuinely cares for her. She helps Lain socialize.
Taro
He is a young lad obsessed with VR games. Taro also asks Lain’s wired self to go out with him in exchange for information.
Mika Iwakura
She is Lain’s eldest sister, who enjoys mocking her. She is the only average member of the family.
Digital Vs. Real Lain
In “The Wired,” Lain is a different person, much darker. Fortunately, she quickly admits that her digital presence is gusty and cruel. The digital Lain is a bully, where the real Lain is confused, struggling to compared her personality.
Throughout the series, real Lain tries reconciling with digital Lain. She starts ditching her friends and even taunts her father, and reaches the stage of rage. But she cannot escape the Wired or tell her friends what’s wrong with her. Serial experiments Lain couldn’t predict social media as a popular mode of the world of the Internet, but it sure prefigures its addictive and harmful qualities. Indeed, the Wired is a prophetic depiction of the Internet world – a cipher of misinformation and sickness.
Lain eventually dispenses with the Knights of Calculus, who wrestle for dominance. It’s then understood that the web is equipped for destroying a person in his own structures.
Despite the catastrophes, Lain does not give up and unplug. She wins over Masami’s plan to demolish the distinction between the real world and the wired. In the end, Arisu barges into Lain’s room and drags her from this cave.
As abstract as Serial Experiments Lain is, I still recommend everyone to watch it, even if you are not into Sci-Fi. Much of the concept of the show is relatable even to this date.
I didn’t get the concepts, and you may confront the same issue, but I recommend sticking with it till the end, and you will say the show was impressive.
This anime is classic, so I would say take the time to appreciate the work of art. Possibly watch this show with a friend so that you can discuss the scenes for weeks. Trust me; it’s going to be an exciting journey.
