Psycho-Pass

"Ghost In The Shell," "Innocence," or "Blade Runner" fans, those who seek thought-provoking realities into a story, or people who like watching stories that make you think about technology and humanity. Then, you may also like to watch "Psycho-Pass."

Technological advancement and lack of humanity is an open question all- time throughout the history. While we are seeking to enrich our lives by using gadgets and machines, we may lose something important as human beings. What if we are born in a safe society where criminals and even potential criminals are managed and isolated from the society in order not to harm other good citizens, and they are guaranteed to live in the society with given happiness. We may not even have questions about morality.

In the story, a person's mental state is simultaneously measured, and the value is determined whether the person is potentially a criminal and is killed depending on the state level. The police officers use a gun, but the gun is only fired if the targeting person's mental state is measured as dangerous, seemingly it also helps them avoid shooting the wrong person. Akane Tsunemori is a novice officer who is in charge of solving crimes with other members.

One of the things that astonishes me is the dialogues where characters talk, referring to quotes from famous authors such as Philip K. Dick, George Orwell, Gulliver Travels, Wiliam Gibson, Macbeth, Humlet, etc. The lines that characters speak casts philosophical questions as to what is justice and what is an ideal society.

I really like the story in which it depicts a different aspect of the technological world from Ghost In the Shell or Blade Runner, yet somehow it reminds me of those epic anime and films.

I enjoyed both the seasons, well made, very cleaver in using paradox's to build up the superb plots. The mind game between the police and criminals along with the justice theme reminds me of Death Note, just instead of magic we have technology this time around. The series is based on a future where technology has progressed so much that by a Psycho scan the state of mind of an individual can be predicted and action can be taken to prevent them from becoming criminals. Further to maintain the sanity of the detectives, they are encouraged not to do the killings, instead latent criminals who are already considered to be criminals do it for dirty work and are called enforcers. Psyco Pass got a lot of philosophy with deep meaning underlining the plots. Philip K. Dick, George Orwell and Jonathan Swift work are mentioned and discussed. The series start slow, building up pace gradually as it moves forward and by the end we are entertained with an excellent plot, realistic characters and gruesome scenes.

I am primarily taking the time to review this, as while the only other review here at the time of writing, makes good points, I disagree on it's quality, and the issues are fresh in my mind, as the last episode is presently still on my screen.

I was extremely pleased to learn the series had continued, I felt the first Psycho Pass was a surprising hit, which attempted to add to the GITS, Deus Ex or cyberpunk societal dystopia type anime, which is among the most interesting style of anime entertainment, IMO.

I do not believe Psycho Pass managed to reach '9/10' heights, but it did pose interesting questions and I did want more.

For Psycho Pass 2... the assistant inspector character is simply so illogically blind to the obviousness of the truths around here, from the beginning, that it is somewhat immersion breaking.

The previous reviewer seemed to feel that was explainable by only fools being chosen to be police officers. I'm seeing a bit of disconnect there however. Perhaps that is how this series chose to present the situation, but I didn't get that vibe from the original series, and it's just too ridiculous. The 'hounds' are far more capable thinkers, as were the officers originally. That is poor writing, bending the reality of the world they created to serve their point.

(Which better writing could've avoided)

Additionally there are, IMO, several aspects that are poorly written justifications for scenarios.

Although overall, I am still pleased there was more of this world to watch, I enjoyed the literary and historical references and the overall warnings the show presents.

I would simply argue that Psycho Pass '1' was the superior work.

I don't think anything plot or characterisation wise was better done here, and of course, Psycho Pass 1 was great, because it was better than many other things, not because it was actually an amazingly cerebral work of art, to the standards of GITS.

There are too many 'plot sheep', but I suppose there are in life as well.

However unlike our reality, the evils of society, are extremely obvious, unchanging and clear cut. IMO, more black and white, than a show discussing these themes should have - and far moreso than Psycho Pass 1 - but then this IS a continuation.

Still worth watching!

This is an anime that will undoubtedly be among the best of the best in the near future with its excellent plot, character development and intelligence. It is expected by the viewer that he/she has a certain knowledge of classic literature like 1984 and Gulliver's Travels in order to fully appreciate the story. GITS SOC brings to the table the question about AI, Robotics and social disruption/cohesion. This delves much deeper into the issues about what is the absolute best political/social order? Is it like in Foucault's panoptican where you have as few guardians as possible who watch from their watchtower the entire prison/society? Or Weber's thought on the political elites who must be the most unbiased in the society in order to lessen corruption as much as possible?

This series will be appreciated by the viewer who searches for depth, suspense and action.

You like Blade Runner, GITS SOC, Neon Genesis? Then DON'T rob yourself of this.

It's rare I love something so much I have to write a review about it, but that's just how I feel about Psycho-Pass

I'm still relatively new to the anime world, and I finished this series quite a while ago, but it is absolutely amazing.

the storyline is intelligent, creative, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. every character has so much depth and their stories are explored with so much care that you feel like you really know them. the ending is so beautifully well done and wraps up the story perfectly.

I will admit I found it hard to watch the second season (I have yet to get very far in it) but the first is and probably always will be one of my favorite shows.