Serial Experiments Lain (spoilers)

[fallenangel]

I saw it, i bought it, i watched it, but I don't understand it.
I am a science person, but i also have one module of philosophy under my belt (first year, knowledge and reality, friday afternoon, no coffee = nap time). I pride myself in being able to see both sides to any arguement (but science is better), never take things for granted, and also like midnight strolls on the beach.

yet...

what the f**k?!!? ?!?

can someone please explain it to me? not just certain points, not just subtle nuances or colour schemes, but the whole thing.

is she God? how did she exist before the Wired did? what did she gain from erasing all memories of herself? what the hell was the liquid on the floor of her bedroom?

compared to this, my biology actually makes sense, and that is a scary place to be.
I don't want to have to watch it all again, bacause I covered it in a couple of days anyway, but i will if i need to.

[Indefinite Description]

As resident second year philosoher I'd like to be able to help, but I've only seen the first two discs thus far, and although I've been intending to get the other two I shan't have the chance until after the end of term. If you're still confused next year hopefully I'll be in a position to get back to you.

[Admin]

Yeah its pretty damn confusing. When I had it on fansubs a couple of years ago, there were complete sections of dialogue that the subbers didnt even bother to translate! Didn't help much. Anyway I suggest you google for some fansites that explain (or attempt to ¬_¬) the series.

[Indefinite Description]

In case anyone's wondering why I never got back to this -- it's because having got and watched the third and fourth discs, I somehow contrived to lose them, and still can't find them, so I can't check details for the second half of the series. I imagine the discs are in storage somewhere, but despite having checked through various belongings while packing for the new term I haven't the foggiest idea where they are...

[Indefinite Description]

About time to resurrect this thread, perhaps... I think I found three discs in the end. I now have a B.A. in Philosophy, and continue to agree that Lain is a hermeneutic tangle. As far as fansites are concerned www.cjas.org/~leng/lain.htm is the only really helpful one of which I'm aware.