Psycho-Pass Review

Sibyl-Approved.

 Ghost in the Shell was a groundbreaking anime back in the 90's. It's philosophical themes of the human soul and cyborgs made it a compelling anime to watch. Now comes Psycho-Pass, an anime similar to Ghost in the Shell in style, but different in themes. Join me as we review this futuristic and familiar anime, Psycho-Pass.

STORY- Set many years in the future (2113, to be exact), The Sibyl System scans the mental state of the population as well as identifying if you will become a criminal or not. Those who have yet to commit a crime are called "Latent Criminals" depending on how high their Crime Coefficient is and will either be put in therapy or killed if necessary. 

 The story follows Akane Tsunemori, a new Inspector of Unit One of the Bureau and Shinya Kogami, an Enforcer of the same unit. During their missions, Inspectors and Enforcers use a "Dominator", which is a unique weapon that can neutralize latent criminals with a dangerously high crime coefficient. However, Shogo Makashima, the show's villain, is impossible for the Sibyl System to scan, making crime for him easy. Thus, Psycho-Pass presents us a unique world managed by a flawed system that gets interesting as the story goes on.

CHARACTERS- Akane is a very complex character at first, whom will later have major character development. She's seen as naive, kind, and serious when it comes to work. Shinya Kogami, on the other hand, is the show's male lead. He's tough, smart, and believes that he is the only one that can kill Makashima. Shogo Makashima is one of the best villains in recent years. He's deadly just as he is clever, believing that the Sibyl System is flawed and will do anything to expose it. However, I would have liked to learn more about this ideals and background prior to the show. Moving on, the fights between Kogami and Makashima are strong, intense, and blood-heavy, though makes you wonder who are you really rooting for at times since both have their own ideals. 

 Supporting characters such as experienced and strict Inspector, Nobuchika Ginoza, Tomomi Masaoka, former detective with a cool prosthetic hand, and more are interesting, but most of them get their own standalone episodes which gives more info. on their previous lives.

PRESENTATION- The Ghost in the Shell-inspired visuals, handled by studio Production I.G are stylishly neat and reflects the flawed modern society. Character design and background are neat and fits the futuristic cyberpunk world it presents. In terms of sound, I've watched the English dub, which is great by the way, but the Japanese sub is there if you prefer it. Furthermore, the themes of Psycho-Pass centers on life without crime, how Sibyl decides you're fate after you were born. Its reasons like these that there are many latent criminals who don't want to accept the future Sibyl decides for them, which furthermore shows that its not a perfect system. Themes like this that makes the show entertaining and interesting to watch.

OVERALL- Psycho-Pass is a well-made anime. It has an interesting plot and characters as well as it's themes, but doesn't fully reaches the levels of Ghost in the Shell just yet. Nevertheless, its an anime you should watch if you like Ghost in the Shell or cyberpunk in general.

- Psycho-Pass is targeted at a mature audience. There are scenes of sexuality, profanity, and gruesome violence in it.- 

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