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Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig

(Rated TV-14, Science fiction , Starring Kevin Brief, Barbara Goodson, Loy Edge, Where to watch: Cartoon Network, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Complex, mature anime for serious genre fans.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series serves as an overall metaphor on the problems of relying too much on technology, as well as a treatise on the horrors of war.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Suicide bombers, terrorists, and more.
  • Sex:

    Female characters have exaggerated curves and some revealing outfits -- as per normal in anime. The unedited Japanese version (which isn't what airs on U.S. TV) includes partial nudity.
  • Language:

    Some use of words like "hell" and "damn."
  • Consumerism:

    There are video games and a movie related to the storyline/characters.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some characters smoke and drink.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig

Parents need to know that although this mature anime series is a fairly intelligent example of what science fiction is capable of, it's not for those who take their sci-fi lightly. It's extremely dense and complicated -- following the plot requires lots of effort -- which means it's likely to appeal most to teens and adults who are already deeply committed to the genre. Those who watch can expect frequent violence (including suicide bombings and terrorists) and some language.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about anime. What are the distinguishing characteristics of the genre? Why do you think anime series are so popular? What sets adult shows like this one apart from those meant for younger children (like Pokemon)? Do those series even "count" as anime? Why or why not?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    BAD

    Ghost in the shell SSSUUUUXXXX!!! It was so nasty, I couldnt even wath the end of the trailer!!!NOT GOOD for anyone under 18, and even if you are 18 and you watch it it means you have a sick mind!!! If you are a parent and you yet your teenage child watch this:SHAME ON YOU!!!

  2. I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    BAD

    Ghost in the shell SSSUUUUXXXX!!! It was so nasty, I couldnt even wath the end of the trailer!!!NOT GOOD for anyone under 18, and even if you are 18 and you watch it it means you have a sick mind!!! If you are a parent and you yet your teenage child watch this:SHAME ON YOU!!!

  3. I rate this title off for age 16 and give it 1.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    BAD

    Ghost in the shell SSSUUUUXXXX!!! It was so nasty, I couldnt even wath the end of the trailer!!!NOT GOOD for anyone under 18, and even if you are 18 and you watch it it means you have a sick mind!!! If you are a parent and you yet your teenage child watch this:SHAME ON YOU!!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I love this show, not for children of the younger persuasion.

    Ok, this show is a SENEIN genre of anime, meaning "Young Adult Male" There is some sexual inndoendos, and the female lead is nude( Although she is just a robot and she's waring underwair, so, Topless would have been better.) There is copious bloodshed and violance( Especially in the Cyber Geshia episode.) The later episodes have a tonna language, but it's mostly bleeped out. They're freaking cops, so it's not like they're killing innocents or anything. Cyberpunk anime for teens and up.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Even more awesome than SAC 1!

    I really like GitS 2nd GiG because like the films and manga, it ventures deep into the human psyche. Yes there's sex, I mean Kusanagi is prancing in lingerie! But the violence is the biggest issue. It reaches new heights in how graphic TV anime can be when showing violence. There's not just blood, but there's a lot of gore. Even BRAIN FRAGMENTS are seen when the members of Section 9 give the enemy a bullet in the head. No wonder The Matrix was inspired by GitS. Overall it's a good show, better than the first season by a long shot. But it's extremely violent.

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