] In its strong application of existentialist philosophy and
] undeniably astounding animation, Innocence is a film that
] both challenges the mind and perception of what is and
] what is to be.

I saw GITS2 this evening.

Most of the critics don't understand either the philosophy or the computer terminology, and so they hate it. Furthermore, they have no real understanding of what the influences are for this film. GITS1 influenced the Matrix, not the other way around. This movie has nothing to do with "AI" or "A Waking Life" and everything to do with Bladerunner and Neuromancer. And its Hong Kong, not New York, damnit! This critic wasn't so confused. (And, ironically, this critic wasn't some professional, but a writer at a high school newspaper run by a rather amazing public school in Maryland! I want my kids to go there!)

This movie is absolutely stunning visually. SEE IT IN THE THEATER. Its one of the most amazing sites you'll see in a theater ever.

But be forewarned that it is a challenging film. Its in Japanese. You are reading subtitles, while you are trying to piece together a very deep idea about the nature of existence, while you are trying to parse a custom set of computer jargon that is both technically accurate and which requires an understanding of the technology to truly grok, while you are trying to follow a plot in which the lines between reality and the virtual are hopelessly blurred, while you are gawking at the most amazing animation you've ever seen.

I found it heavy, so I'm not surprised that less geeky critics are throwing up their hands and saying "lets go shopping."

The critical comment I'll make about it is embodied in the opening theme song. The song is almost exactly like the original, only a little different. Improved maybe. Thats what I felt about the film. Its an evolutionary change from the first film. Similar structure. Similar themes. I guess at times it felt like it wasn't an entirely new experience. But, its an experience that I enjoy, although frankly I'll enjoy it much more when I can hear it in my native tongue.

A standout Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence - Silver Chips Online