Reviews

The story picks up some time after Ghost in the shell. The exact events leading up to Innocence are left in obscurity. What we do know is that after Kusanagi's existential meltdown. Our new star, burly biomechanical Batou (Kusanagi's former partner), investigates a series of murders caused by malfunctioning androids. As Batou digs deeper into this mystery, he slowly begins to uncover a conspiracy and the shocking identity of the source of these malfunctions is eventually revealed.

Art & Animation: 10/10
a large part of Innocence's appeal is in its appearance. The film is made of pure gorgeous. The characters are smoothly and realistically animated (particularly striking is a touching scene between Batou and his adorable Basset Hound). The art direction is much more dynamic, with the drab, grey, metallic world occasionally overflowing with brilliant explosions of color and texture at very well-timed intervals. All said this is probably one of the most beautiful animated features you'll ever see.

Sound: 10/10
This is one of those anime that occasionally make you forget you’re watching animation. Due to the phenomenal voice acting. Richard Epcar delivers a great performance as Batou. Other voice acting veterans, such as Crispen Freeman and Mary McGlynn, provide a very strong supporting cast. Topping off the gripping aural experience is a moody yet adequately subtle soundtrack by legendary composer Kenji Kawai.

Story: 9/10
Similar to Ghost in the Shell, in Innocence I liked the plot about robots having a ghost (soul) inside them, and the exciting, mysterious feel they give in typical cyberpunk detective stories. but unlike the first movie the characters now spends less time discussing philosophy and more time interacting with each other, making the story simpler and more understandable-

Character: 8/10
the change in perspective from the brooding, preachy Kusanagi of the first Ghost in the Shell to the much more likable and down-to-earth Batou, his interactions with Togusa, the other characters in the story, and even with himself seem much more sincere and come from a place easier to relate to.

Enjoyment: 8/10
Compared to its predecessor Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence spends less time trying to impress and more time being a good movie, with simpler story, great sound & beautiful animations, it certainly is entertaining.

Overall: 9/10
Innocence is about as close to a Hollywood blockbuster as anime will ever get, and I highly recommend it to just about anyone providing that you’ve seen the original or at least understand what it’s all about.