Before I start I will say, anyone who really didn't like Psycho-Pass most likely doesn't appreciate this type of anime in general or didn't get it. That's not an attack on anybody, because even though I enjoyed it, I didn't really get it the first time either. I'll talk about that later though.
STORY: If you're looking for crime mystery, don't look here, is the first thing I'll say. Most (if not all) mysteries are cleared up before you get the chance to think too much on them - that isn't what the story is about.
To really appreciate the story, I'm of the opinion that you need to watch it twice. Once to get swept up in the world of Sibyl and watch the drama unfold and probably not really understand the messages behind it; then again to focus on the character developments, interactions, the philosophical discussion and appreciate the relevance of the little things you missed the first time.
To me, Psycho-pass is mainly one big philosophical discussion on the value of the law and determining when governance and idealism has gone too far. How much of our free will can we hand over before our humanity is lost? After all, everything is a matter of degree.
There's also the theme of human nature itself, but I feel like that ties in with the rest of the discussion.
ART: I love the art in this anime so damn much. Their use of colour in a character's eyes is absolutely splendid for one thing, but more broadly I think the art style matches the tone of the story perfectly. I also really like how Akane's features matched her development without changing her face, and I was quite fascinated actually with how Shinya's face had changed.
Another thing would be the 'camera' effects at times - shutter effect, blurring, cutting - all very good stuff that adds to the necessary effect on the audience.
SOUND: I don't know what to tell you. Sibyl sounds sophisticated as hell and I really like the sound the Dominators make. The use of music is feels like you're watching a movie and that's coming from someone who usually doesn't even notice movie music.
Character: They're so *human*, mate. You might complain about their actions or their attitudes or anything else, but that's because they behave like people. And people do stupid shit, are naive, behave like brats, and all the rest of it all the time - all in the name of how they feel.
I will say in particular, that I paid more attention to Kagari the second time around and I appreciate what he represents a lot more now. He's not the most interesting character, just one that it's very easy to wrongfully ignore.
ENJOYMENT: It's a serious anime without a doubt. People are dying in horrible ways, fucked up shit's happening, the philosophy and psycho-analysis will no doubt have you rewinding a few times and frankly, if you want something where you don't have to think I'd suggest knocking maybe 3 to 5 points off of this rating in your head.
It's not without humour, although it's often quite subtle and what you might describe as 'dry' humour. It made me grin a little, but I won't describe it as being a funny anime.
Enjoyment will come from how much you're able to immerse yourself in the Sibyl run world.
OVERALL: I can't say Psycho-Pass will appeal to everyone. It's too gritty and complex for that. It's not something I'd watch purely for fun or even when I was a bit tired. But if you're looking for something a little different to your usual psychological anime, I feel like the Psycho-Pass 'Utopia' provides a whole new platform for analysis and you'll probably love it as much as I do.
