Psycho-Pass Movie: Providence

The first season of Psycho-Pass is one of my favorite anime of all time, one that I have rewatched half a dozen times since its release. Like most fans, I felt disappointed by S2 and kind of "meh" about S3 and other spin-offs. I think this movie is the best Psycho-Pass entry since S1, which is pretty high praise from me. Although some plot elements were a bit contrived to give all the characters things to do and inject some more depth into the story (some could argue forcibly), overall it works to expand the series in a fresh direction that was better than both ... S2 and S3 in my opinion. Instead of retreading the same Sibyl system ideas (like S2) or make something so different that it didn't feel like Psycho-Pass anymore (S3), this new film instead explores and tries to answer the question of, "what happens if a similar system/society tries to develop to compete with Sibyl?"

This movie finally gives us interactions and banter between fan favorites from S1 (Ginoza, Kogami, Tsunemori) and some extremely well animated fight choreography/martial arts scenes. A new song by Egoist also helped give this movie a boost in terms of being close to S1 in feel and quality. There's also more much-awaited interactions between S1 cast and S2 cast, in case you liked the S2 characters as well. Lastly, the ending was a bit of a twist in a good way that ends up tying everything together, and did not feel overly safe like the first movie did. The movie's ending also develops Akane's character the most since S1.

Overall, this film was Psycho Pass at its best since S1 under Urobuchi. Does it beat S1? No, not even close. But it doesn't need to since it still added to the world and character building, and unlike S2, felt like a fresh take that deserved a spot within the franchise. If you're a fan of the series, check it out. It might not reach the highs of the original, but it might surprise you in a pleasant way.

May contain minor spoilers (talking about appearing characters), but nothing major.

I got to watch it in the cinema and really enjoyed it. Kogami, my favorite character, was as interesting and skilled as always and continues to fascinate me. A thing about Psycho Pass I like in general is the continous critical thinking about their own actions and morals, and this movie is no exception. It seems to play between SS Case 3 and Season 3, and fixed a lot of open questions I had when watching Season 3.

Style: That movie looked incredibly good. Music Beautiful as always, and even though they used a lot ... of cgi again it looked fantastic. I really enjoyed watching it.

Overall: great story, great characters ( not only kogami, all of them with their different personalities delivered a great cast), great voice acting, great visuals. Makes you think about some things in your life too. I can‘t state it enough, I can definetly recommend watching it, but if you did not like the previous Psycho Pass, you won‘t like that one either.

9/10

Providence is easily better than the First Psycho-Pass movie, which kind of says a lot on how the series can stand on its own without Urobuchi. The SS cases preceding this and Psycho Pass 3 onwards are also very close to season 1's quality, which makes you wonder - with the first film coming out AFTER Psycho Pass 2, why did Ubukata rush to make Season 2 with recycled ideas from season 1, destroying the series' reputation? If Season 2 didn't happen, Psycho Pass could've been up there this year and years prior next to Bungo Stray Dogs.

However, Providence also slightly suffers from its bizarre ... position in the franchise, being that it was probably written before season 3 but developed after that entry, requiring viewers to backtrack a bit or just wait to watch Season 3 to understand fully. There's also a heavy CGI scene that focuses on Teppei, who is still basically the forever background character of the series, and thus you wonder why we needed that scene at all.

Anyways, it does a great job exploring a fresh concepts and a fresh philosophical angle, that being religion. The return of a certain season 1 character also helps this as he provides insight and philosophical commentary.

Another thing the film does right is dethrone Kogami as the invincible martial arts god he's been since killing Makishima. In the first time since forever, he gets humbled by someone else, someone far stronger that he can't compare with. And it's not Ginoza, which makes it more surprising.

The other interesting thing the film does, without spoiling, is that it gives us a look at what Kogami could be if he slipped and lost control. Makishima is still dead, but he also lives on in Kogami as they had essentially synced thought processes at the conclusion of season 1. Kogami obviously isn't the villain here but the way it plays out is what one would imagine if Makishima took the driver's seat in his mind.

Providence also does a great job of setting up/addressing season 3, though it does not answer the question of why season 3 tried to set up Kei Ignatov as a rival to Kogami in fighting skills, with several mentions of Kei having a terrifying "dark side". The given explanation in season 3 is either due to Kei having gone to war, or taking after his brother, but Kogami has also participated in wars.

The movie is overall "good", I give it 8 for 2 reasons, each reason being 1 point minus.

1. The movie should've aired before S3. This is basically the story that lacks in S3 that explains the status quo of the season.
2. The movie didn't really bring anything new in advancing the major plotline. It's just ol' Sybil doing Sybil shit again, and ppl around it wondering if it's a good or bad thing. This is the formula used too often after season 1, and it's getting kinda predictable.

Other than these 2 things, the movie is alright, loved how it had so many ... characters in it from other seasons too, and some specific character interactions that we didn't get in a long time. The backgrounds are gorgeous.

Psychopass Providence is a strong addition to the Psychopass universe and serves as a celebration of the series’ 10th anniversary. Known for its deep exploration of politics, ethics, and the complexities of law and order, this movie stays true to the essence of the series while introducing new challenges and dilemmas. While not perfect, it remains a compelling entry in the Psychopass saga, offering plenty for fans of the franchise to enjoy.

Plot: 6/10
The story revolves around a rogue group backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who aim to create an autonomous nation free from the Sibyl System’s control. Akane Tsunemori, now Chief Inspector of ... the Criminal Investigation Department, leads her team in investigating the mysterious death of a professor whose groundbreaking research threatens to destabilize both Japan’s government and the Sibyl System itself. The plot delves deeply into the ongoing tension between individual autonomy and the collective governance of Sibyl, raising new ethical and philosophical questions along the way. Akane’s steadfast commitment to working within the system while subtly pushing her own agenda is as engaging as ever. However, the story does falter slightly in pacing, and some plot elements feel a bit convenient. Despite these flaws, the overarching narrative is gripping, with enough twists to keep viewers on edge.

Characters: 8/10
Character dynamics have always been a hallmark of the Psychopass series, and this movie continues to deliver in that respect. Akane’s growth is particularly noteworthy, as her shift to the Foreign Affairs Department adds layers to her character. Her internal struggle to balance personal morality with the rigid laws of Sibyl makes her as captivating as ever. However, the return of Kogami feels somewhat forced, serving more as fan service than a necessity for the story. While his presence is always welcome, his involvement doesn’t contribute significantly to the plot’s progression. The supporting cast performs well, though their roles occasionally feel overly convenient to push the story forward. The antagonist group, while somewhat one-dimensional, manages to hold their own and provide a believable threat.

Animation: 9/10
The animation quality remains a high point for the Psychopass franchise. The movie’s visuals capture the sleek, dystopian aesthetic of its technological world with precision, bringing life to the grim and sterile environments. The iconic Dominators are as imposing as ever, and the aerial battle sequences stand out as particularly breathtaking. That said, the fight choreography in some scenes could have been smoother. While the movie benefits from a higher budget than the TV series, certain action sequences lack the fluidity expected from a cinematic release. Despite this, the overall visual experience remains immersive and well-executed.

Sound: 9/10
The Psychopass series has always excelled in its use of sound to enhance storytelling, and this movie is no exception. The OST is a mix of nostalgic tracks from earlier installments and fresh compositions that effectively set the tone for each scene. The opening theme attempts to evoke the same intensity and mood as the original series’ OPs but doesn’t quite hit the same mark. Nonetheless, the music does a stellar job of immersing viewers in the film’s tense and atmospheric world, making the auditory experience one of its strongest aspects.

Enjoyment: 8/10
For fans of Psychopass, Providence delivers an engaging mix of action, philosophy, and psychological intrigue. While Kogami’s inclusion may not have been necessary, his return is still a treat for long-time viewers. The film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas and the ever-present question of whether the Sibyl System is a necessary evil remain as provocative as ever. Though the antagonist group is somewhat one-note, they serve their purpose well, creating tension and stakes that keep the story moving. Overall, this movie offers plenty of food for thought, making it a satisfying watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.

Overall: 7/10
Psychopass Providence is a solid installment that captures much of what makes the series beloved. While it stumbles in places with its pacing and character utilization, it more than makes up for it with its compelling themes, stunning animation, and evocative soundtrack. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or someone seeking a smart and intense psychological thriller, this movie is well worth your time.

Pyscho Pass Providence is easily up there with the first Pyscho Pass movie in terms of how well written it is, and how it just ties everything together in a neat little bow. All of the questions I had in season 3 and the Season 3 movie were answered here, and there was a lot of cool world building for the japan side of the Pyscho Pass universe. If it's been a while since you've seen Season 3 or any of Pyscho Pass, you are gonna have to do a rewatch to understand what's going on, because this movie kind of just hops right back ... into the past with the assumption that the audience at least remembers what happened.

I also like this movie because it once again features a lot of really interesting dialogue and critique on society and the government as a whole, and it brings up Akane's iconic line of thinking: The Laws should bend to the will of the people. Which is to say, they should exist in accordance to the people who will be following these laws, and not exist solely as the thoughts of a machine. People deserve to have a right to speak on what they think is right or wrong in regards to the law, and even in regards to who is guilty and who is innocent.

Some people don't like Akane, and I don't understand that because she's easily the best protagonist in the series (i personally find Kogami to not be as interesting to watch), so if you don't like Akane you're probably gonna not enjoy it since this is a VERY Akane centric film. The soundtrack is super nostalgic and I like the new Opening and ED they had, though I am gonna miss the iconic "Monster without a name".

My only real critique for it is that we don't really spend a lot of time with the other characters like Ginoza or Karanomori, even though they're in the film a fair bit.