The further we get from Serial Experiments Lain, the more I find the themes of that series to be current and meaningful—a classic series, joining another one that’s perhaps even more meaningful, Haibane Renmei, as masterpieces from Yoshitoshi ABe. I implore you to check out our episode-by-episode march through Lain from a few years back… Read More Fanart Friday, Too: Serial Experiments Lain
We have double the treat for you on this episode of the TangleCast, and one of our favorite voice actresses, Macy Anne Johnson (Smile Down the Runway, Dr. Stone), joins Peter, David, and Holly to talk about one of site’s favorite anime, Serial Experiments Lain! The team chats with Macy about how she became a… Read More TangleCast 80: Serial Experiments Macy
One of the things I love the most about anime is how is it able to focus on small but significant details. At its best, 2D animation allows every look, every gesture, every landscape, every interaction between characters to be full of intentional meaning in a way that is all the more difficult to achieve… Read More Easter: Ten Anime for the Ten Commandments (and IV)
As I mentioned last week, one can view Serial Experiments Lain as the story of a machine learning to become human, though unlike most series, Lain puts the audience in a position where we don’t know that the “machine” isn’t a human at first. Episode 11 goes a step further as Eiri explains to Lain… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 11
At the series beginning, Lain exhibits few personality traits. She’s even keel, slow to speak, and doesn’t drift to any extreme. Through the course of the show, her personality has become more pronounced, like a robot learning what it means to be human. Unfortunately, that means with highs there will be lows, and Lain, learning… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 10
When I was younger, Serial Experiments Lain made me very uncomfortable. I was neck deep in my religion, and as a passionate but young believer that was part of a conservative congregation, I was quick to judge those around me and even the pieces of art I watched. Lain troubled me so much that I… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 09
It’s hardly a surprise that in a country where Shinto temples and belief in kami run alongside Buddhist precepts and practical atheism that the concept of god as presented in Lain is very different from that of a Christocentric view. Lain’s “God of the Wired” is omniscient, but not omnipotent; he is all-knowing, but unable… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 08
The easiest way to keep up with Beneath the Tangles is to sign up for our email newsletter, Above Anime, on Substack!
Each Friday, you’ll receive an original anime devotional along with links to all our reviews, analysis, videos, and other content for the week. It’s the easiest way to keep up with our ministry!