Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (PG-13)

Visually dazzling, but no better than the first.

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About Our Ratings
Common Sense rates it
3
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Movie details
  • Studio: Dreamworks SKG, Dreamworks SKG
  • Directed By: Mamoru Oshii
  • Cast: Akio Otsuka
  • Running Time: 100 minutes
  • Release Date: 09/17/2004
  • Genre: Action/adventure
  • MPAA Rating: PG-13
  • MPAA Explanation: violence, disturbing images and brief language

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie is intended for older adolescents and adults. It's slightly tamer than its predecessor. Nudity and strong language are brief. The violence is stylized. There is a lot of shooting and some blood. Disturbing imagery blurs the lines between humans and robots, such as a lifelike robot opening its chest to reveal wires. The overall subject matter has a tendency to be heady and philosophical.

Families can talk about identity and the movie's themes about what it means to be human. They may also choose to discuss philosophical references in the film, such as quotes from Descartes, Confucius, and the Bible.

Message

Social Behavior:

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Graphic, video game-style violence.

Sex

Brief nudity of life-like robots.

Language

Brief strong language in the English translation.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Tony Nigro

GHOST IN THE SHELL 2: INNOCENCE begins three years after the original, with the disappearance of undercover cop, Major Kusanagi. The story centers on Kusanagi's new, more human partner, the mountainous cyborg Batou, and their investigation into the serial killings of "gynoids," robots (the future's answer to geishas). Like Kusanagi before him, Batou delves into dilemmas about the meaning of humanity in relation to cybernetics and his "ghost," or soul.

Is it any good?

3
Anime has come a long way since the first Ghost in the Shell (1995). The movie's gorgeous mix of traditional and 3-D animation makes for dynamic spectacle. Where the first Ghost had static dialogue scenes, Innocence has diverting visuals. Unfortunately, this sequel adds little new content. The plot is as convoluted as first movie's, and for all the metaphysics and philosophy involved, the story is not much different. Fans expecting a big payoff after a decade of waiting might be left wanting more.

Other choices

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 09/16/07 by awfuldude32 (Formerly gamecubefreak32/evildude32) Kid contributor, age 13

As good as the first. But no Motoko Kusanagi!

I really liked GitS 2, but not as much as the first. The violence is intact. However, there is only some brief nudity and the language is rather toned down; a lot of uses of the word piss, as well as a use of f*ck by the Yakuza and some other scattered expletives, but not as much as the first. Overall, GitS 2 will not be understood by most teens but it's still ok.
4

Posted on 02/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

interesting philosphical anime that might be too complicated for teenagers

there is much to think about when it comes to watching Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.I managed to enjoy and understand most of the film but other complain that it is too complicated to understand

Adult Reviews

There are 0 reviews.

There are no adult reviews.

Kids Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5


Posted on 09/16/07 by awfuldude32 (Formerly gamecubefreak32/evildude32) Kid contributor, age 13

As good as the first. But no Motoko Kusanagi!

I really liked GitS 2, but not as much as the first. The violence is intact. However, there is only some brief nudity and the language is rather toned down; a lot of uses of the word piss, as well as a use of f*ck by the Yakuza and some other scattered expletives, but not as much as the first. Overall, GitS 2 will not be understood by most teens but it's still ok.
4

Posted on 02/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 16

interesting philosphical anime that might be too complicated for teenagers

there is much to think about when it comes to watching Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.I managed to enjoy and understand most of the film but other complain that it is too complicated to understand
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