Teenagers (May contain bloody violence, bad language, nudity)
Vintage:
March 25, 2003
Status:
Completed
Summary:
The series takes place in Japan during the year 2030, and revolves around the activities of Public Security Section 9, a fictional intelligence department under the Japanese Ministry of Home Affairs. The series' main storyline focuses on Section 9's independent investigation of the Laughing Man incident after Togusa, a member of Section 9, receives information from an old friend concerning possible government interference in the official police investigation of the incident. As the series unfolds, Section 9 uncovers government and corporate involvement in the events which took place after the initial incident, and ascertains the identity of the Laughing Man himself. The series is split into two kinds of episodes: Complex episodes, which follow Section 9's investigation of the Laughing Man incident and represents the main storyline, and self-contained Stand Alone episodes, which follow Section 9 as they investigate other cases, serving as opportunities for character development and showcasing the futuristic Japan that Section 9 operates in.
This was the series that kindled my love of anime years ago. Both this and the 2nd gig are true masterpieces. Every episode has a well thought out and involved plot which evolves as the series progresses; however, there are "stand alone episodes" with a unique plot as well. The plot is among the most interesting in any anime series, the music is perfect, and you will genuinely care about the characters. I cannot give this series, be it the first movie or the TV show, enough praise.
