In the first Ghost in the Shell Mamoru Oshii retold the story of Section 9 and Major Motoko Kusangi's encounter with the puppet master based on Masamune Shirow's manga. Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell often ranks up with Akira as one of the best theatrical amine releases.

Innocence is set three years after the first film, and you really have to have seen the first film or read the manga before watching this (there will be spoilers in the movie and in this review if you haven't). The Major is still missing Batou, who is more machine than man, is now Section 9's most experienced operative. He is teamed up with the

blood and bones (bar a small brain implant, allowing him to access computers and talk to the other members of Section 9 through the brain) Togusa, to investigate why a series of prototype robots are killing and then committing suicide.

One of the first things noticeable in the first ten or so minutes of the film is that it's very reminiscent of the first film. This is more of a nod rather than a copy and there a several other nods to the first film throughout. The film looks amazing using a mixture of CGI and hand drawn images that both compliment each other to great success. Although as with many films that

use CGI they can age quickly if the CGI does not match the films style and stands out two much, fortunately this is not the case for GitS2:I. The CGI matches the visual style and bar one or two sequences you won't even know the CGI is being used. The visual style while similar to the first film is also ten times better, it also has a very Film Noir flavour. The audio also does this with the return of a Japanese choir that sounds, again, similar but different enough to appear new and fresh.

The (region one) DVD release is by DreamWorks, not a name you would immediately associate with anime, which

probably indicates why there is no English language dub which may be a problem for some. The subtitles (available in English and French) also include captions for the hard of hearing, which when your not hard of hearing can be distracting. DVD extras include a directors commentary (In Japanese with subtitles), a making of feature (watch the film though first) and trailers.

The film is very philosophical even more so than the first, though its not without its funny and dramatic sections. If you liked the first film (or manga) or enjoy Mamoru Oshii's other films then you're going to love this. If you didn't then better give this one a miss.