innocence

Ghost in the Shell, Vol. 2: Innocence
$19.98
this is not the movie you would expect it to be. yes the movie follows section 9 in their never ending quest to bust the bad guys. the only problem is that motoko(the main character in the series) is not the main character anymore. she is what made the whole series. without her as the lead the story is kind of bland and pushed to seem more than it is. but in all it is a good addition to my full collection of gits dvds. (i have both movies and both seasons) so if your like me and need to complete your collection then yes get it. if you are not then i suggest renting it from somewhere and make your own call on whether or not to buy it.

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence [Blu-ray]
$39.98
This title divides fans a lot, and understandably so. When compared to the original, there is a distinct sameness present as well as a the mostly missing Major. While this detracts from many people enjoyment of this film, I still liked the characters, and plot enough to wholeheartedly recommend a viewing. Though not up to the standard of the original (and really, not much is) this effort forwards the tale exceptionally well.

Innocence
$12.95
Quite disappointed in this novel, as I really enjoyed author's first novel "Elegance." While the supporting characters in Innocence are likable, they are just caricatures. Reads like annoying stereotypes.

I had to start skimming to move along in this story. And it is not as funny as Elegance.

If you have picked up the hardcover of Innocence, you will notice all the praises are for Elegance, none for Innocence. So perhaps the professional reviewers didn't like the advanced copies of Innocence either?

SPOILER: In the end she says she marries a musician. Uh huh. Why isn't it clear which one? Why am I doubting the author's intent? Tessaro, if you give it a happy Hollywood ending, why give it that I-will-not-spell-it-out-for-you British ending as well? Pick one!

Innocence
$24.99
There have been a number of interpretations about this film. I guess the important thing is to contribute... Anyway, soon after it was over, I had the same feeling that overtook me during it's entirety, which was uncertainty. It took almost one day for the meaning of it to permeate through my mind and help me discern what was being shown. I truly dismiss any claims pertaining to lewd or inappropriate images... whatever abstract version of reality was being amplified, it drew me in perfectly. It was a very powerful allegory of modern life. Freedom is a myth, that's common-place. However, we continue to live one day after the next as if there weren't strings controlling our movements. We play within our confines. Such is this movie... there are walls, there is a hierarchy, discipline is enforced. They arrive at a young age, albeit in a coffin (already deceased). And they dance... Perfection is not demanded of them, the act is the goal. As the oldest girls move across the stage every night, the shadows of the spectators loom in the background as demons foreseeing perverse omens... Very poignant. I guess people lose their innocence early on in life, more and more prematurely in an exponential fashion, especially in this western hyperactive, hypersexual environment we have created. But I guess the damaged minds of the ones overseeing our children are the true monsters... no matter how secluded and whisked away the upbringing may take place, there is no escape from the wretched mold children are shaped with... they dance, and the genuine innocence in their actions is oblivious to what they are inexorably being groomed to become, even if it is only suggested in the subtext of the film. As we view the chronology of their time in this alternative reality, all becomes clear. However, seeing purity in its quintessential form, and then its slow death at the hands of those who are blind to its light, can become quite unbearable. Anyway, I recommend this film (not that my recommendation means anything), if for no other reason than to show us a mirror of the running-towards-the-mousetrap philosophy reigning over our world, perpetuating our frustrations by psychotic projective identification, murdering off the beauty of future generations as if it would erase our own erroneous undertakings throughout our insipid existence.