Unless you have some kind of philosophy degree that allows you to quickly follow these discussions, I recommend to just sticking with the original.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Nov 10, 2023

The sequel to 1995's "Ghost in the Shell" -- which was one of the most successful anime films of all time -- "Innocence" is ambitious and gorgeous to look at, but is so lacking in humanity that at times it is almost painful to watch.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 26, 2023

With its themes of human arrogance, wastefulness, creativity, and the definitions and limits of life and the mind, Innocence is pretty heavy. It's also visually stunning.

| Jul 16, 2010

Much like Akira in the 1980s, this is the film that sets the standard by which all others of its kind are judged - and usually found wanting.

| Jul 4, 2008

Gone is much of the bombast of the original...

| Original Score: B+ | Jun 21, 2007

Mamoru Oshii's 2004 follow-up to his 1995 anime noir is that rare sequel that surpasses the original.

| Apr 18, 2007

Too talky and philosophical for kids, and dabbling in lavish imagery that lacks enough narrative coherence to hook adults, this is an animated feature that, well, needed to get a little more animated.

Full Review | Mar 31, 2007

The elegance, attention to detail, the invention and expertise all ensure that the movie's never less than visually breathtaking.

| Jun 24, 2006

For Japanimation fans it's a big-screen must-see.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

If you can get past the weighty aphorisms that pass for dialogue, the film has an obscure beauty and rich, melancholy tone.

| Jan 17, 2006

Muddled up with philosophising about the relationship between mind and the material world.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 6, 2005

It looks absolutely sensational.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Oct 29, 2005

The staggering beauty of Oshii's animation more than makes up for the fact that his plot is completely impenetrable.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Sep 30, 2005

One long, tedious rumination on the blurring distinction between man and machines.

| Original Score: C+ | May 3, 2005

If you're already an anime fan, this is required viewing. If not, this isn't going to convert you anytime soon.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 5, 2005

Japanese animated film which explores the nature of post-modern existence and consciousness is a mixed bag in terms of both narrative and images.

| Original Score: B | Feb 3, 2005

While one can't accuse Innocence of being dim, it is certainly long winded and clich.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Dec 16, 2004

Oshii allows the plot to be overwhelmed by a slew of cockamamie musings on the nature of existence that wouldn't float in a late-night dorm room smokeout.

| Dec 6, 2004

With this beautiful, thought-provoking, adrenaline-fuelled film, Oshii heralds a truly post-human era in which all forms of 'life' deserve our respect.

| Nov 19, 2004

Pure, wordless cinema, existing in a realm too deliciously mysterious to pull down.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Nov 11, 2004