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So what's the difference from the first to second movie? Once again, robots are going bonkers in the world (and you thought car manufacturers had recall problems) but this time they're slaughtering politicians and business leaders. To complicate matters, and keeping things hush-hush, the robots are skilled in certain... biological functions. A cover-up ensues but that still leaves a question; why are these 'sex-roids' murdering people? Batou and his new partner Togusa are dragged into a giant labyrinth of corporate scandal, digital crimes, and questions of consciousness and sentience. .
Sounds like any other cop/buddy film with a few extras... accept the details are all VERY different. Like the original, 'Innocence' takes place in a far future filled with amazing technical wonders like skyscrapers that are many kilometers high, computer technology that controls everything in your life, and of course these disturbing robots. However, like 'Blade Runner' on acid, this ISN'T the pristine word of 'Trek'; pollution, corruption, crime, and all the other problems of humanity are alive and well.
Another key difference is this is PG-13 for a reason. The level of violence and destruction are all very real. Not to the point of being nauseating, but a few shoot-outs are very John Woo in their level of blood and use of ammunition.
The big difference, like the first movie, is a question of philosophy and reality. What is the fine line between a robot that THINKS it's a live, versus a human who is really a mass of chemical and electronic reactions? In a world where your memory can be electronically enhanced and HACKED, what's reality? 'The Matrix' asked these question, but both 'Ghost in the Shell' films force you to face these questions and make you wonder what really is humanity, what separates us from the mass of circuits.
In the end, this is a must-see. Be warned, leave visions of ANYTHING you've seen in American animation at the door. Instead, remember what Morpheus said; free your mind. Trust me, you'll enjoy the ride.
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