 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig
- Cartoon Network
- Genre: Science Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Complex, mature anime for serious genre fans.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
GHOST IN THE SHELL: STAND ALONE COMPLEX 2ND GIG is the follow-up to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex -- which was based on a 1995 theatrical film that was inspired by a popular manga that ran from 1989 til 1991. The 2nd Gig story takes place after world wars three and four (one of which was nuclear) in a Japan that survived thanks to its advanced technological capability. As the world's leading power, this future-Japan passed the Refugee Special Action Policy, which enabled immigrants from all of Asia's decimated countries to enter Japan as a low-wage workforce. As their identities are stripped away, the refugees become more and more disenchanted. 2nd Gig's plot centers on a group of terrorists called the "Individual Eleven" who demand release from the policy and the Japanese special forces unit ("Section 9") tasked with taking them down.
Is it any good?
Stand Alone Complex featured two types of episodes: "Standalone (SA)" episodes, and "Complex (C)" episodes. Episodes designated "SA" were self contained, while those designated "C" were tied in with the ongoing storyline. 2nd Gig is a 26-episode arc with three further episode designations: "IN" episodes are part of the "Individual Eleven" storyline (the overall arc of the season), "DU" (for "dual") episodes are tied with the Cabinet Intelligence Service storyline and the main storyline, and "DI" episodes are stand-alone installments that aren't strongly tied to the other storylines.
If all of this sounds incredibly confusing, 2nd Gig probably isn't the show for you. But if you've got a 15-year old who enjoys films like Akira and series like Naruto and Paranoia Agent, this could be just the ticket. Tweens might be drawn in by 2nd Gig's cool spider robots, but the philosophical discussions (in one episode, the cool spider robots spend the entire show discussing individuality, identity, and conformism and its sociological ramifications, at one point waving around copies of James Lovelock's Gaia: A New Look at Life on Earth and Richard Dawkins' The Selfish Gene) will likely leave them cold.
What 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
November 18, 2010
AGE
awsome defantily for tweens
this is awsome and another YOUR WRONG MRS. TV 14 LV all there is a few uses of d#mn and hell and there is a little bit of gore but thats not a MA rating more like a 14 rating but thats your opinoin so i guess i'll have to live with it
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
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!!!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Program misrated again!
From my examinations, this program should be rated TV-MA!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Very engaging
First off, this is a very violent show (blood and gore, the full works), the characters swear almost constantly (fortunately I didn't hear the F word), and if they aren't naked, they're near enough. That said, it's still VERY good. The characters are well developed, the plots are complex, and it makes you think.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
The show is fine
It's not that bad of an anime, just confusing on some parts.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Deep, engaging but not for children
A note for all the parents out there: Cartoon does not equal "For Kids".
In Japan animation is a legitimate means of presenting deep and engaging stories regardless
of age or demographic.
2nd Gig is one such adult title. As mentioned earlier it is a Seinin title which means it is
aimed at young adults. The themes are serious, dark and complicated. The portrayal is gritty
and confronting in some ways.
This is a show designed to challenge adults, not babysit your kids for you.
Tv-14lv launched a rant earlier about the content showing a woefully inadequate
understanding of the show, and a naivety more befitting the 14 yr old child he/she claims
to have. If you are also so afflicted you had better go back to barney the dinosaur and
leave 2nd Gig to the adults to watch ;)
Was this review useful?
|
|
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Cartoon Network |
| Cast: | Barbara Goodson, Kevin Brief, Loy Edge |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
vote now
Will you see Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig?
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
