18 Jun 2006
Posted by Martin [Tags: Gunslinger Girl]
It's been one seriously rough week, for a number of reasons that I won't bore you with. I haven't had time to do more than one review for
AUKN in the past seven days with another yet to write and the second disc of
Gunslinger Girl has been sitting on my shelf, unreviewed as well. It was worth the wait though, because this instalment is goddamned fantastic.
The first two episodes on offer here are more action-orientated with Henrietta and Rico being sent out to take care of terrorists, corrupt government types and any other nasty individuals who are causing problems that only Section Two can sort out. There's plenty of opportunity to show some gripping suspense, gorgeous European cityscapes and another Delgados tune in the background incidental music (this time, the delightful
Woke From Dreaming). They are both pretty much self contained though so offer little more than entertainment value and more reason for the series to receive Luc Besson comparisons (not that I'm saying it's a bad thing, of course). As before, this series does not glorify violence but instead portrays it as what it is: an integral part of the protagonists' lives.
It's the second half that contains the greatest impact and is the most thought-provoking though - we are introduced to two new characters: Angelica and Elsa. Angelica was the first Section Two 'recruit', a girl who almost died from a car accident but became the guinea pig for the cybernetic inplants and conditioning. Both her past and the effects of her treatment are nothing short of tragic, and will guarantee to give your heartstrings a thorough tug. Very different but no less powerful is the tale of Elsa, whose apathy to her fellow cyborgs is in stark contrast to her devotion to her adoptive 'brother'. Both of these stories give insights into the ways in which the Section works, as well as ways in which it sometimes doesn't, more often than not to the detriment of the girls themselves.
I was extremely impressed with the first volume but this one delivers even more drama, intrigue and suspense. The plight of its unfortunate heroines is still very much the focus: I couldn't help but feel disturbed by the cruelty they are subjected to but in addition to feeling immense amounts of pity for them it was heartwarning to see condemned youngsters enjoying some sort of a life that would otherwise have been denied to them. The closing scenes point to more drama and misfortune that is in store for these poor kids so it's quite disappointing to think that there is only one more disc to go. At this point
Gunslinger Girl is truly outstanding.
[Filed under Anime Reviews] [Tags: Gunslinger Girl]
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