
Rather than providing real understanding, these anime often overwhelm viewers with confusing visuals, unclear conversations, or plot changes that don’t lead to satisfying conclusions. Shows like Serial Experiments Lain and Ergo Proxy are frequently celebrated for having many “layers,” but often what viewers discover beneath the surface are inconsistencies, not meaningful discoveries. This doesn’t mean these anime are bad; they can be genuinely unique and even emotionally impactful. However, as stories, they aren’t particularly profound. They’re valued for their artistic style and boldness, but they’ve also left many viewers frustrated, wondering if the confusion was deliberate or simply a result of weak writing disguised as intelligence.