Here is a world of computers and everything is controlled by Cybil, a system that determines all walks of life. The difference between good and evil, law and order and the prevention of crimes is all in the hands of cybil.
Everyone has a psycho pass, a detector which determines their potential as a criminal. If their hue is dark, they are deemed latent criminals, if they are beyond redemption they get executed, if not, they get therapy to manage their hues.
Some of these latent criminals are used in the police force to assist them in cases. After all, the best way to catch a criminal is to think like one. These particular latent criminals are called hunting dogs.
Enter, Shinya Kougami, a former detective turned hunting dog, fueled by the need to avenge the murder of a comrade. Also enter, Shougo Makishima, the murderer of the said comrade.
After three years of dead ends, Kougami is met with a spark of hope when he sees the signs of the devil's return in a recent murder.
So Kougami under his supervisor, Akane (female protogonist) and band of detectives sets off in a goose chase that can only lead to mayhem and murder.
Psycho-pass isn't exactly a suspense anime. I mean, sure, it creates a dire need in the viewers to know what will happen next but not in a 'what will the bad guy do next and how will the good guy respond way' but in a more 'how will it all end way'. The strategies and the twists don't come on as a shock and they are, dare I say, predictable. It almost seemed intended as the viewers are given obvious clues from the start leading to the big discovery. This begs the question of what makes Psycho-pass a great anime?
It's the way the story flows. The philosophical and spirtual outlook gives the anime an outstanding feel. The dialogues seem to be the essence of the anime. The lines of the characters are so fetching, that you hang on to their every word and Makishima definitely has a way with words and we love how Kougami thinks too.
The character development is great. Every character has a story and they aren't made to be fickle or hollow. Akane's character seems to evolve the most. A rookie at first, she emerges into a strong determined woman fighting for what she thinks is right.
Kougami, our protagonist has his own distinct style, a rough exterior but a genuine kind personality. He is smart, intellectual and driven. Sure, he is bloodthirsty for revenge but his goodness can be seen in his interactions with Akane.
The supporting characters too have their own standing and they mould the story nicely.
And then there is Shougo Makishima. Well . He is surely one of my favorite anime characters. He is such a charismatic villain that he will charm your wits off. All along the anime, I kept making excuses for his actions even if it was obvious he was in the wrong. He wanted the society to break free of restraints and act on their own free will. Though, he wanted that just so he could enjoy it. Life was a game to him and he was winning. He had an attractive personality and a face to match. To put it simply, he is quite the badass.
As a fair warning, I have to say Psycho-pass is not for the faint hearted. After all, it is rated R+. Its based on police work and so rape and murder is daily news. Also, the anime doesn't really strike until after the thirteenth episode, now as it has fully accomplished in setting a background story, from here onwards, the plot skyrockets and I found 20-22 episodes to be quite beautiful.
The art was spectacular, the opening credits make you want to mimic the choreography, frankly put ; it is so damn cool. The music, though not exemplary, is good enough to set the mood and create an epic backdrop.
While it is not on the same pedestal as death note or code geass, Psycho-pass is definitely worth watching.
