Its intriguing story is its best asset but the pacing could have benn better.

Layering sci-fi, war theory, Japanese politics, and a whole score of motifs (Christian mythology, Hitchcock inspired bird imagery, bridges as symbolic of communication etc.) sounds like a recipe for an over-complicated mess. Patlabor 2 kind of is that, but Oshii manages to bring the threads together quite impressively - resulting in a thrilling intrigue mystery. The animation is also staggeringly brilliant at several points. A worthwhile precursor to GITS.

Great story and characters and high quality animation. A must see for an anime fan.

Oshii still hadn't figured out how to combine high concept (here taking the form of long speeches) with stories, characters and plot. Kind of like Ann Rynd without the crazy bullshit.

Lovely animation and a twisty techno-thriller plot to make Tom Clancy go green with envy. Not one to watch while tired.

I love the plot but, again, I can never connect with Oshii's stories. I understand he's trying to set some sort of mood, but panning over silent rooms while two people muse on philosophy while not moving or looking at one another... I just don't get Oshii yet. I felt the same way about Satoshi Kon, but over time I grew to like his stuff a lot, so maybe I'll get into Oshii someday, but for now I can't totally recommend this.

god dammit ito write a fucking book and stay away from my anime robots