Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System Case.2 - First Guardian

It is very difficult to rate this as a stand-alone movie since what it does is simply to enlarge the PP universe by offering the viewer some insight on some characters (thus developing them) --> The whole package heavily relies on PP background. The overall mark should be close to a 9. Why? [spoiler] Considering the apparent purpose of the movie (developing characters), I'll start off with them. Most of First Guardian takes place prior to S1, thus we'll have a different suite of figures. The one's that stand out the most are Masaoka, Teppei and Aoyanagi, especially since this movie reveals in detail the tragedy behind their characters that we've come to acknowledge in S1 and S2. Teppei's justice is still a slave of the system, ending up killing his comrades, including his mentor, in the war (very similar to how he unconsciously "offered justice" to his inspector, Aoyanagi, in S2). His noble intentions are met with the cruelty of current society's reality. We also get to observe the father-like of figure of Masaoka. Behind the mask of a hot-blooded enforcer and impressive detective, stands a kind father and mentor who would do anything to protect his family (as it is seen in S1). Finally, the viewer gets to find out a new side of Aoyanagi, in the clever, but kind inspector, whose trust, while well placed, will end up consuming her (as it is seen in S2). I also want to mention the "villain" of this movie. Even though it's not as impressive and remarkable as Makashima, or Kamui, there is a lot to learn from the actions of her revenge which will make the viewer generate thought-provoking self-questions about justice and truth (one of this movie's main ideas). The soundtrack is a mix of S1 and S2 (you'll definietly notice them) with a few modified tracks (ex: the violin from min4). It embeds with the story almost perfectly: not too melodramatic, not too cyberpunk...simple and elegant at times and complements the dialogues in the same manner that S1 and S2 have done so far. The only issue I have is similar to the 1st movie, that is: the fighting sounds (punches and kicks are loud to the unreal). There's not much to say about animation here since there's not as much chase or fighting as in 1st movie. However, the artstyle is completely different. You can observe colors almost spoiling the weight of the message of their corresponding scenes (ex: red-brownish colors in Teppei's reminiscence are immediately switched to the darker tones of war). What also stands out more is the fight's choreography (not as much as the fight in the 1st movie). There's also a bit of CGI (especially in the drone scenes), but you can easily get around it since it's not overused (CLING-CLANG-ersek). The premise of the movie is a bit different than what we're used to, since S1 and S2 had to do a lot with Sybil System, whereas here it's a bit more subtle. However, as the movie proceeds, all of the elements mentioned above are orchestrated really well to unfold the actual theme of this movie: justice (especially self-justice). We are taken back in time in order to observe the judgement behind Teppei's answer in present and how strong individuals get treated in uniformed society. There's a lot to say here, but I'll keep short by saying that this memory of the past finds it's way in the future of PP universe. I may have failed to notice the true philosophy and motifs behind the movie, but this didn't necessarily stopped me to enjoy it to its end. In the end, it is often good to remind that "the most dangerous prison is the one you don't see". [/spoiler]

This is gonna be a tough one to review, I think. I guess we'll do what we can. So, I think straight away, I want to talk about the characters in this film because they really shined. I've said this before about Psycho-Pass, but each character's personality and their relationships to each other are always written so well. This film wasn't an exception to that, and in fact, it did it especially well. For this being a prequel to everything Psycho-Pass, I wasn't expecting much. However, the plot to this film was able to develop certain characters very nicely and establish others more firmly. While we're on plot, it's important to note that the story for this film exceeded that of the previous SS film by quite a bit. The balance between the militaristic, investigative style and the quintessential tone of Psycho-Pass as a series was beautiful. The story itself was interesting as well as it explored a facet of the Sybil System that hasn't really been touched before. All in all, it was a really solid film, and you get to go back to a familiar time with familiar faces that makes it all the better. On to the final SS film!

After really disliking Case 1, I was expecting Case 2 to be equally bad. But it is actually good. Now, one hour is way too short for a movie, so it still feels a bit rushed and some characters get so little camera time that their appearances feel more like a cameo. But the story is solid. Nothing outlandish, just a plain old revenge tale, but solid indeed. And we get a great deal of character development as this takes place before season 1, so we get a peek at some characters life before that time. It also gives us a look at how the military functions under the Sybil system, so we get some nice world-building for the PP universe in the same package. All in all, a 7/10. And it could have been an 8 or even a 9 if it had got some 30-45 extra running time to tell the story at a nicer pace.

In my continuous questions of why cashgrab sequels keep being made, we arrive at another Psycho Pass movie. Perhaps a little introduction on my philosophy about the subject is needed. Continuations have a specific purpose, since they should not only tell what happens next. Your work should feel whole regardless of future events, with no worth in simply showing what happened next, everything and nothing are both valid retorts when thinking about the future in fiction. So when writing a sequel, it is important to expand on why it’s different, maybe on the setting, tone, characters you are following, to generally excuse the different time of release. In addition, maybe expand on something, progress an idea, make it seem like you are writing the natural evolution for events. You need to have some god dawn point, behind opening an ended story. Sometimes the result could be a new appreciation, or context on an earlier work, a new light or way to see an experience. This is not an example of anything said earlier. Even if going for more Psycho Pass, just for the curiosity in regards to what happened next, you are going to be disappointed. The movie is a weird prequel, telling the story of our group of officers before Akane Tsunemori joined the gang, mixed with a backstory for one of the more forgettable characters in the franchise, Sugou Teppei. Which finds its biggest achievement on either front, in giving Sugou the minimal emotional investment in his struggles and conflict? The issue of only achieving the bare minimum in terms of characters extends to the entire cast. There is a stark lack of focus, coming with a difficult to find just one narrative to tell. Instead, it opts for several stories, that of one soldier looking for revenge on the nation that allowed him to die (It reminds me of Patlabor 2 in several instances). Alternatively, one about intrigue, corruption in several military factions, and undistinguishable higher ups in the army. And a detective story, a la Psycho Pass norm, focusing on another flawed aspect of the Sybil system (Gee, where have I seen this before). There are not many threads connecting each story. The way it comes together as whole is usually forced, the disjointed parts barely relate, inform or progress one another. Sure, the same characters get tangled and involved in several things, but besides their presence, the connective threads come mostly from convenience. The end result is something that barely seems to have been written as a movie, but more of a blueprint and introduction to future events. The central theme is clear, even if not present on most scenes, this presents a conflict of several characters trying to maintain their sanity, be part of the normal society. In addition, they face a world that forces them to take maddening, self-destructive actions, for the good of that same system. Basically the same question of the first season, with actually less depth and way less dramatized struggles. On a certain way, this movie actually reminded of the original forgettable Psycho Pass Movie, with its setting of guerrilla warfare, corrupt military and shaky dealing of Sybil with the outside world. Yeah other nations were basically hell, and the movie offered more of a simplified justification on why people followed Sybil in the first place, because new places were even worse. Nevertheless, it was still an expansion, giving a better picture of international affairs. The current one does not even have the luxury to amount to such excuse, because it repeats the setting and the same twists about the military. Not all is awful as I am trying to portray. We still did not get the legit awful movie, so it can be elected as the second coming of Psycho Pass 2. Action scenes are serviceable (Ok no they sucked, but they are beautiful some of the time). The highlight may only come from an almost throwaway moment of Masaoka, telling the person he loved the most his life ideals and ambitions. Really, I sure as hell love this scene. Perhaps it is wrong for me to expect fiction more focused on questions, studies of human nature. Give me a sci-fi with strange aliens and technologies, which does not ask how a technology works, but instead how it affects society and life. That is all I need for a great time. In here, we have a somewhat watchable action series, (no longer a detective show because it is somewhat autistic in regards to intentions), which is occasionally fun but gives me no motivation to watch more.

This is where I drop the series. For me (as well as many others) the first season was an announcement for a great franchise. It was extremely promising - great characters, an original and fascinating world, decent art and sound with some pretty good action and animation. The writer wasn't afraid to kill-off a likable character, erasing them from the main cast, in order to progress the story, convey a message, develop a different character, etc.. But after the first season the writer has changed, and with that change a slow, agonizing death of a franchise has begun. Even if you didn't know that change has occurred, you should not be surprised, as I am sure you have noticed the differences in writing. The new writer is just plain awful - he does not develop characters, he is afraid to kill them, his own additions to the series are horrendous, his way of storytelling is atrocious. He is just simply a bad writer. Either Yayoi or Shion should have died or been developed a long time ago (preferably before Case.1). Why? Because they are still just husks. They are of no use to the plot or story - you could replace them with anyone new, and it would make 0 change whatsoever. Why have them? Same goes for the 2 new enforcers that joined Division 1 in season 2. The story is just nonsense at this point - you can assume that whatever evil/bad happens is because Sybil has planned so or a person, whose Psycho-Pass cannot be accurately measured, is behind everything. Characters just spew random nonsense all the time, they come up with impossible, illogical conclusions that are magically correct, etc.. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

TL;DR - What a letdown... This movie focuses on an enforcer named Teppei Sugou, who used to be a soldier, telling the story how he became an enforcer. The entire movie (except for the first five minutes and last two minutes) is a flashback a few years back, which, in my opinion, is a bad thing by itself because it feels like the first minutes of the movie are a spoiler of the entire thing. Not that the actual story is really noteworthy - An attack on the ministry of defense building resulting in multiple casualties is carried out using a drone who appears to be operated by an ex-soldier who was declared MIA, presumably dead, in a military operation a few years earlier (yes, a flashback within a flashback, yikes!). The public safety bureau arrives in a military base and questions Sugou as a suspect of being an accomplice but the reluctance of the military personnel to cooperate with the investigation hints that they may be trying to cover something up. Yup, yet another coverup story, been there, done that. Seriously nothing impressive. The link between the movie and the main Psycho-Pass world is very thin, to the point where you could just change the character names and turn it into a standalone movie, but then again, who would watch it? Really too bad, because the first episode of Sinners was quite good. Like I said, what a letdown. Art and sound - Same as the TV anime, nothing surprising here.

Having seen the Psycho-Pass: Sinners of the System trilogy, only First Guardian stood out to me as being worthy of a rewatch, and I enjoyed it even more the second time around. I think much of that stems from my own predisposition to noir films, because First Guardian absolutely hits that nail on the head, following all of the genre’s cardinal rules: a flawed protagonist, a femme fatale, a less-than-happy ending, and the bad guys getting what they deserve. Genre trappings aside, First Guardian provides a cinematic experience that’s good for the casual viewer but truly great for franchise fans, completing a dark and compelling narrative with meaty helpings of character-building moments, all gift-wrapped in an engaging and well-polished 60 minutes. I do want to stress just how much First Guardian fits the noir genre because, while it’s not for everyone, it allows for a certain brand of market appeal, namely in having strongly motivated, highly emotional, (of course) attractive characters in a suspenseful, often violent plot. Psycho-Pass veterans will immediately see how this formula applies to the first season. However, while First Guardian does well to really capitalize on some of the tropes of the genre, the film does have its flaws. I’d say that the femme fatale aspect of First Guardian is easily the film’s weakest link. The bond between Rin and Sugou is rather lacking and it’s difficult to even say that they’re friends. All of their interactions indicate nothing more than that they work for the same people, Rin is the wife of a close friend and comrade of Sugou, and they both struggle with maintaining their “mental stability”. Their relationship is definitely dramatic (they have to deal with the loss of their mutual loved one), but that drama is not fully utilized in the context of their interpersonal relationship. It would have been interesting to remark, even offhandedly, that they were instructed to avoid each other so as to not drudge up their emotional distress and raise their crime coefficients, demonstrating and commenting on how adherence to the Sibyl System can strain relationships. But we don’t get anything like that; there’s almost no conflict or tension between them, and her slapping him that one time just felt weirdly surficial given how little time they spend together. While Rin and Sugou’s relationship is woefully underdeveloped, this lack of interaction between them allows the film to maintain a greater sense of momentum. Specifically, instead of dwelling too much on his and Rin’s emotional turmoil, Sugou has bigger problems to worry about i.e. the military-conspiracy-thriller plot of which he’s caught in the middle, and here is where Sugou’s fatal flaw comes into play: his undying loyalty to his military superiors. I mentioned earlier that the drama Sugou and Rin go through after her husband goes missing did not really change their relationship in an interesting way; it does, however, play into this theme of loyalty to morally bankrupt people. It’s never explored whether or not Sugou would have sided with Rin if he had the same information she did, and I think that was a smart writing decision because it makes the entire incident more impactful on Sugou’s life, causing him to reflect more intensely. And personal reflection is a core concept in this film; it tells most of the story as an extended flashback. The present time introduces a new recurring character, Frederica Hanashiro of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (with which the military is affiliated; she basically represents the C.I.A. and Homeland Security rolled into one). Her offering Sugou an operative’s position with his previous (and previously corrupt) employers’ ministry is used as a framing device for him to look back on how he lost all his friends, met Masaoka and Aoyanagi of the Ministry of Welfare’s Public Security Bureau, was betrayed by his bosses, and became a latent criminal. All of these aspects influence his decision at the end of the movie of whether or not to join up with Hanashiro's outfit. If you’ve seen season 3 of Psycho-Pass, then you know that his choice really just serves to symbolize his feelings toward the Ministry of Welfare, but it’s an important moment that helps flesh out a character that, both before and after this film's release, is otherwise underdeveloped and underutilized. And while on the topic of fleshing-out characters, we now get to mentioning everyone’s favorite grizzled, one-armed, kick-butt, old-timer detective, Enforcer Tomomi Masaoka! In the interest of letting you potential viewers experience those juicy scenes for yourselves, suffice it to say that I’m glad his character was done justice. First Guardian truly does function well as a swan song for not just Masaoka, but also for the actor who portrayed him, Kinryuu Arimoto, who passed away shortly before the film’s release. Rest in peace, sir. As for voice acting, there’s nothing new to say about casting and voice direction in Psycho-Pass. It’s totally standard fare for the franchise, that is to say fantastic and top-of-the-line. It was nice to hear Akira Ishida return as Kagari and Kenji Nojima bring out Ginoza’s previously edgy self again. The same can be said for the music; Yugo Kanno’s score kicks just as much butt as in the franchise’s other entries with some notable tracks (see “The State of My Life”, "A World of Contradictions", etc.) returning in full swing. The remixed opening and ending also work for me, but I’m really just a big fan of Masayuki Nakano’s electronica style. BOOM BOOM SATELLITES forever, baby. As for the visuals, Production I.G. did not disappoint. Characters aren’t quite as emotive as in season 3, but there are plenty of fluid action sequences, sharply angled shots, solid usage of CGI (the sounds also worked wonders here!), and some beautiful backgrounds. Putting it all together, First Guardian makes for an easily digestible and enjoyable watch. Some of its flaws are not exactly surface level, but they are very few and easily overlooked. Seeing as I am not much of a proponent for Psycho-Pass: The Movie or the other Sinners of the System films, this entry in the canon provides a more pleasant and recommendable theatrical experience; First Guardian is, in my opinion, a highlight of the franchise’s release history between seasons 1 and 3. It’s a film I’ll keep coming back to for a long time to come. I doubt it’ll ever get an English dub, but here’s hoping. Happy watching! - LC

As a fan of Psycho-Pass and pretty much as a hater for the movies this was the lowest low yet. The best part about the movie was that it wasn't full length but only 50 minutes of suffering. Basically the plot is something out of a game description for a used T-shirt and even at the most intense moment of the movie I felt so very bored. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the System Case 1 movie it was still decent, but this one blew my mind it's such a waste of time I don't recommend it to anyone. It's arguable that it give insight to the story and developments the characters but personally I feel that any development which happened due to this movie is so superficial that it's meaningless. If you liked Psycho-Pass this will be very boring, if you liked the characters there won't be many of those, if you are die hard fan then u maybe like this if u like pointless back stories as well. Also you will not miss anything meaningful if you don't watch this and go straight to season 3.

*This is a SPOILER-FREE review* With Sinners of System case 1 being just a letdown, I was ready for another lackluster story. Instead, Production IG actually ties it up this time while also ending on a cliffhanger. However, there were a lot of scenes that made me scream internally "YOU GOT THAT IDEA FROM (insert name here)." Anyone who was born before 2000, and managed to exposed themselves to a variety of games or movies regarding military stuff should know what I'm talking about when they watch this film. Nonetheless, this is a good film the continues the Psycho-Pass universe. Story 7/10 Though this time much of the plot is a flashback, but still enjoyable and gives more depth to the character they are focusing on. (sugou) Art 10/10 As always, Production IG really takes care of all animation sequences in the Psycho-Pass universe. Just like previous installments, movements are very fluid and any visual information that you can pick up with your human eyes should be quite appealing. Sound 6/10 Nothing new is added to the Psycho-Pass franchise, any OST have been reused many times from Season 1. Opening and Ending theme is still crap because they added a funky remix. As always, the proper OST is used for scenes that demands it. I just wish they could've added one new OST. Voice-acting without a doubt will always be amazing. Character 10/10 Well, objectively speaking, I think characters should be a 8/10 as far as new characters are concerned. However, given my bias for already known characters that Psycho-Pass universe has shown, seeing old characters somehow made watching this much more enjoyable. Overall I'd rate it 8/10. Lets see how Part 3 closes up everything. After that, onwards to SEASON 3.

SS Case 2 is perhaps the most trivial entry of the film trilogy, but it pulls through because it's a trip back in time to the better days in season 1. But as for why the film is trivial - Teppei has always been and feels like a background character. It's his story and the resolution has to do with him, but he doesn't feel like the MC like Akane, Ginoza, Mika, or Kogami do. But as for why the film works? Division 1 is back. Kogami, Ginoza, and Kagari's teamwork is a delight to see, especially Kagari who we thought was never to be seen again. Aoyonagi and Masaoka also return, and the film serves as a fitting final appearance and send-off to Masaoka, given the unfortunate but also perhaps blessed timing that this was his VA's final project.

Disclaimer: minor plot spoilers in the story discussion. After sitting through the mediocre showing of the prequel movie, I followed with a break of 3 days knowing that it's okay if not every entry of the franchise managed to capture the awesomeness that was the TV series. When it came back to it, I sighed. Good, it's only an hour-long, let's do this. But Oh boy was I lowering my guard way too much sarcastically. Story (8/10): Very different from the first SS case movie, even in tone, it shifts its attention to more action, but actually nails it on the fingers just right enough for you to enjoy, even though, the beauty of the original was all in the subtle strategic 4D chess war between the inspectors and the suspects. At the very core, this movie was a war story, centering around the past of enforcer Teppei Sugou, handling our hands along his military days, past-forward to the prest day, a backstory I never thought I wanted until I was to sit through it. The vibes of the movie Pearl Harbor were very thorough and strong, a beautiful friendship in the military, where one part goes missing in action and then assumed dead returns back to seek revenge and steer the action wheel. Art (8.5/10): I might be going crazy, but I definitely think the animation team uped themselves in this one. A visual upgrade from the first SS case movie on every aspect, or perhaps, the much open and varying setting of this one helped deliver a better visual screening that the dark and gloomy closed mental facility of the first movie. Sound (8.2/10): Again with the vocal treatment. I just love the first opening and I really appreciate it being used yet again here. The featured ending song, however, was the second of the first season, which is also pretty amazing. More or less, the voice acting was just as on point in this movie, although I have to give more credit because, you know, Kougami, Kagari, and Masaoka. Yes, you know you gonna feel the excitement when each of them says as simple of a world as “yes”. Characters (8.5/10): Well well, I must say, this alone put this movie above the past one, and by miles. Masaoka received such a treatment, so glad that we got to see a movie-long screening of him, in a case that he took the golden flare in. Very surprising to see the past Ginoza though, I forgot how angry and Miku-like he was. And of course, Kougami and Kagari, man I just miss the OG team so much that I wish to forget all about this series and binge it again back to back. Sugo received such a highlight during this one, I never personally cared much for him in the TV show, but now, he really shows so much growth from when he was still in the military and the resolution he came to at the end of the movie. The villain, however, was weak when it came to his motive, albeit, his and Sugo's friendship made up for the better part of the case. Enjoyment (9/10): I never expected anything to go past what the first movie set-up for, it seems, even in the past, there are exciting stories to tell in the franchise. I won't object to a similar treatment in the final movie. Overall (8.44/10): Just watch it, I'd even go as far as putting up with people for skipping the first movie just to see this one as eagerly as possible. It juts so purely good. Although it might be an unpopular opinion in the fandom, seeing that most people complained at the “bad” direction and how they don't like military stories, it manages to make a spin on that in my eyes, and to be frank, if not for the featuring of the OG team, the story is one that's mediocre at best and can have interchangeable events at any point and still won't make a difference.

Watching this right after the first movie in this short trilogy made me realize one of the reasons why I think season one of Psycho Pass worked so well, it had well written and interesting characters like Masaoka. The story of this movie is a prequel to Teppei Sugo and how he becomes an enforcer. Because it’s a prequel, it also involves characters like Masaoka. A big pro of this movie is the added backstory to many of the characters, one being Masaoka, a character I think we all like. So the fact he gets a lot of spotlight here is a plus. I think the backstory for Teppei was also interesting and added to his character, something that was severely lacking in season two. The movie isn’t perfect though, I believe this movie still suffers from pacing issues, mainly because of the hour long runtime. Unfortunately the impact of this plot is also limited because we know the fate of a lot of these characters already, so some stakes can be a lot low. This movie is still solid though, a good upgrade from the first movie, which I thought was just mediocre. Overall Score: 66% on the moist meter 😑