PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian" Review: Exploring the boundary between justice and sin

A comprehensive review and recommendation of "PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian""

■Overview of the work

"PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian"" is an animated feature film released on February 15, 2019. It was distributed by Toho's Visual Division and animated by Production IG. It is a 60-minute episode, directed by Naoyoshi Shiotani, based on the original story of the PSYCHO-PASS series by Gen Urobuchi.

■ Story

In the summer of 2112, an armed drone attacks the Ministry of Defense building in Tokyo. In order to investigate the incident, Aoyagi Ruisa, a supervisor from the Second Division of the Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Affairs Division, and Masakuni Tomoki, an enforcement officer from the First Division, head to Nago Base in Okinawa. There, they learn that Otomo, a senior colleague of Sugo who was believed to have died in connection with the incident, is involved. Sugo and the others begin their investigation to find out the truth.

■Cast

The main cast includes Hiroki Tochi as Teppei Sugo, Kintaku Arimoto as Tomoki Masatsugu, Masumi Asano as Risa Aoyagi, Masaki Terasoma as Itsuki Otomo, Sayaka Ohara as Rin Otomo, Tomokazu Seki as Shinya Kogami, and Kenji Nojima as Nobuchika Ginoza. These voice actors delve deeply into the personalities of their characters, bringing realism to the story.

■ Main staff

The main staff of this work include SS story original concept and director Shioya Naoyoshi, scriptwriter Fukami Makoto, chief animation director Abe Tsune, director Shimojima Yasuhiro, cinematographer Arai Eiji, 3D I.G3D, color designer Ueno Emiko, art director Kusamori Shuichi, sound director Iwanami Yoshikazu, music composer Kanno Yugo, character designers Onda Naoyuki, Asano Kyoji, Abe Tsune, series original concept creator Urobuchi Gen, and character original concept creator Amano Akira. This staff has worked together to create a work that is both visually and aurally excellent.

■Main Characters

Teppei Sugo is a pilot with the rank of Captain, belonging to the drone unit of the 15th Joint Task Force of the Defense Forces. He is known as a young ace, tasked with supporting special forces from the air, but due to his earnest personality, he works hard at his job without being arrogant. He later becomes an enforcer of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Public Safety Bureau. Meanwhile, Tomoki Masamune is an enforcer of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's Public Safety Bureau's Criminal Affairs Division, Section 1, and is a veteran detective who has solved many cases. After the full-scale operation of the Sibila System, he is recognized as a potential criminal and chooses to live as an enforcer. He is also the biological father of Section 1 Inspector Ginoza Nobumoto.

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian"" is an important work that deepens the worldview of the series. In particular, the character of Sugo Teppei is placed at the center, and his growth and conflict are depicted. Sugo is torn between his sense of responsibility as a drone pilot and his new role as a Public Safety Bureau enforcer. This inner conflict evokes deep empathy from the viewer. The character of Masami Tomomi is also important, and the conflict between his past and present adds depth to the story.

The visual aspects of this work also fully demonstrate Production IG's technical capabilities. The drone battle scenes are realistic and powerful, making a big visual impact. The color design and art direction are also excellent, recreating the atmosphere of a futuristic city. On the audio side, sound direction by Iwanami Yoshikazu and music by Kanno Yugo add to the tension of the story.

In terms of story, the script by Fukami Makoto is skillfully written and has the power to draw the viewer in. In particular, the complex human relationships that are revealed in the process of investigating the truth of the incident and the critical perspective on the Sibyl System are impressive. The combination of these elements makes this work one of the most highly acclaimed in the series.

■ Recommendation points

Here are some reasons why we recommend "PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian"".

1. Deep character portrayals

The characters of Sugo Teppei and Masamitsu Tomoki are explored in depth, and their inner conflicts and growth leave a strong impression on viewers. In particular, Sugo's conflict between his sense of responsibility as a drone pilot and his new role as a Public Safety Bureau enforcer evokes deep sympathy from viewers.

2. Realistic visuals and sounds

The visuals, which fully demonstrate Production IG's technical capabilities, combined with the sound direction of Yoshikazu Iwanami and the music of Yugo Kanno, make for a work that is both visually and aurally outstanding. In particular, the drone battle scenes are realistic and powerful, creating a strong visual impact.

3. Great storytelling

Fukami Makoto's script is skillfully written and has the power to draw the viewer in. The complexities of human relationships revealed in the pursuit of the truth of the incident and the critical perspective on the Sibyl System are impressive. These elements combine to make this one of the most highly acclaimed works in the series.

4. Deepening the worldview of the series

This is an important work that further deepens the worldview of the PSYCHO-PASS series. In particular, the critical perspective on the Sibyl System and the internal conflicts of the characters are depicted, allowing for a deeper understanding of the series' themes. This will deepen your understanding of the series as a whole and enrich your viewing experience.

■ Related works and viewing order

"PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian"" is positioned as part of the PSYCHO-PASS series. The recommended viewing order for the series is as follows:

1. "PSYCHO-PASS" Season 1
2. "PSYCHO-PASS" Season 2
3. "PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.1: Crime and Punishment"
4. "PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian""
5. "PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.3: Beyond Gratitude and Vengeance"
6. "PSYCHO-PASS 3"
7. "PSYCHO-PASS 3 FIRST INSPECTOR"

Watching them in this order will give you a deeper understanding of the series' story and character development, as well as a sense of how each installment adds to the overall themes of the series.

Conclusion

"PSYCHO-PASS Sinners of the System Case.2 "First Guardian"" is one of the most highly acclaimed works in the PSYCHO-PASS series. It leaves a strong impression on viewers with its deep character portrayals, realistic visuals and sound, skillful storytelling, and deepening of the series' worldview. It is a work that can be highly recommended not only to fans of the series, but also to those who are experiencing PSYCHO-PASS for the first time. Please try to experience the world of PSYCHO-PASS through this work.