Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG
攻殻機動隊 S.A.C. 2nd GIGFollowing the closure of the "Laughing Man" case, Section 9 is re-established by Japan's newly elected Prime Minister, Youko Kayabuki, to combat the persistent threat of cyber-terrorism. A group calling themselves "The Individual Eleven" has begun committing acts of terror across Japan. While Motoko Kusanagi, Daisuke Aramaki, Batou, and the other members of Section 9 investigate this new menace, the Japanese government faces a separate crisis, as foreign refugees displaced by the Third World War seek asylum in Japan. But as the members of the special-ops team continually encounter Gouda Kazundo—a leading member of the Cabinet Intelligence Service—in their hunt, they begin to suspect that he may be involved, and that the events of the refugee crisis and The Individual Eleven may be more connected than they realize... [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Reviews
meda.leuschke - 2013-12-08 19:49:05
If you haven't watched 'Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex' , you will have to watch that one first. This review doesn't contain any spoilers.
After watching the the mindfucking 'Ghost In The Shell' movies and the super intelligent tv series 'Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex' , I was really looking forward to watch GITS: SAC 2nd GIG.
The first season of GITS SAC had really one of the best plots I've encountered in anime so far. And after watching 2nd GIG, I was even more impressed! So let me share my opinion about GITS:SAC 2nd GIG:
Story
Just like I said before, GITS: SAC had such a succesful plot. But even still, I prefer 2nd GIG over the first season. The story of 2nd GIG sets of a couple of months after the events of the first season. This time, the plot is more focused on political movements, and that really interests me.
A suicidal criminal group, known as the 'Individual Eleven', becomes the core focus for Section 9 while the country is in a 'war' with the refugees which are flooding into the country. There were also plenty of twists in the plot, which made you keep guessing of what is coming next. But be prepared, GITS SAC 2nd GIG is really intelligent and you'll have to pay a lot attetion to the explanations, or else you won't understand anything of it. Also, I loved the pacing and the very complex story telling. Plenty of action, mystery, sci-fi and even some psychological.
Art
When watching the first season of GITS: SAC, I couldn't believe how good the animation/art was for its age. But, compared to the first season, the animation quality in 2nd GIG had even improved. Another reason why I prefer 2nd GIG over the first season. Very detailed, colorful and rich backgrounds. The art style was very fluid and it fits the mood of the anime too. No complaints here, except for one thing. If they kept the character designs just a little more realistic, it would be perfect. For example, sometimes Motoko had really oversized eyes. Very realistic animation suits the anime more. But still the visuals are excellent and rich of colors, and action scenes were very fluid.
Sound
Maybe the best point of the whole 'Ghost In The Shell' series are the soundtracks. The OP and ED from both the first season of GITS: SAC and 2nd GIG, are fantastic. The opening song of Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex 'Inner Universe', (which is sung by Origa in 3 different languages!) is probably my alltime favorite opening song. The OP from 2nd GIG, 'Rise' (Which is also sung by Origa in multiple languages) is also a really a splendid opening song. The soundtracks fit the anime perfectly and are really catchy, which won't be forgotten soon!
Character
A strong point of GITS: SAC, are the characters. And I'm talking about the members of Section 9. They are all very unique and each of the members of Section 9 has their very own really interesting past. Simply astonishing. But still, some of them weren't developed really well, but maybe that's only a good thing. Because it could get in the way of the actual plot. But still, some of the supporting characters got some more attention in the 2nd GIG compared to the first season of GITS: SAC, and you even get to know more about their personalities.
Enjoyment
I love the whole Ghost In The Shell series and I really did enjoy watching all of them, especially GITS: SAC 2nd GIG. The main reason I prefer 2nd GIG over the first season, is because of the actual plot, which is more focused in political movements and the action. If you pay attention to the actual story, and you understand it, you will enjoy this superb series too.
Overall
This series is simply one of the best cyber punk anime series out there. The plot is simply one of the best in anime I've seen. Art and animation quality are astounding beautiful and suit the atmosphere of Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex perfectly. About, the soundtracks, perfect. Superb vocals and OST out of this world. No complaints about the soundtracks. A great cast of characters with very interesting pasts and personalities. A very enjoyable series.
This anime is a very intelligent and complex series, and you'll have to pay a lot of attention to the political plot, or you probably won't understand anything of it. I recommend this to people who like very MATURE anime with lots of thinking, great action, mystery and sci-fi. Also the first season of Stand Alone Complex must be watched before 2nd GIG. For me, GITS: SAC 2nd GIG is one of the best cyber punk anime out there and deserves a lot more hype.