Introduction
In a world where minds are quantified and criminal intent is predicted, the line between justice and morality becomes blurred. Such is the compelling setting of the futuristic anime series Psycho-Pass, whose dystopian mystery and philosophical roots have captured spectators' attention. Now, an exciting new entry in the series, Psycho-Pass: Providence, reveals an intriguing missing piece that connects the seasons and tells a story that stands alone while enhancing the main plot.
PSYCHO-PASS: PROVIDENCE - Official Trailer | In Cinemas July 28
The official trailer for the movie.
The story begins with a violent attack on a ship off the coast of Japan, carried out by the mysterious paramilitary group known as the "Peacebreakers", which leaves authorities baffled and alarmed. Enter Inspector Akane Tsunemori, a resolute enforcer of the law, and her team of latent criminals, each armed with their own enigmatic pasts. As they dive headfirst into the investigations, they discover a chilling truth: the Peacebreakers are no ordinary adversaries.
The Peacebreakers' unique ability to deceive the powerful Sibyl System, avoid its all-seeing scans, and carry on fighting even after suffering fatal injuries—such as continuing to move normally after being shot in the head—sets them apart from other combatants. The stakes have never been higher, and as the investigation advances, Shinya Kogami, a former companion with experience in fighting the Peacebreakers, proves to be an unexpected ally for Akane and her crew.
Akane Tsunemori, as seen in the movie.
The movie’s main cast, featuring familiar faces from the first season.
Psycho-Pass: Providence takes place before the events of the third season of the TV anime and The First Inspector movie, offering crucial insights into pivotal characters and unexplored storylines. The movie masterfully unravels the mysteries surrounding Atsushi Shindo, the catalyst behind Arata and Kei's journey, and delves into the enigmatic CID Division 01. Furthermore, it illuminates the unforeseen circumstances that led to Akane's unexpected imprisonment in the third season.
Akane is in prison, as seen in the third season.
Returning to the series are the iconic characters that fans have grown to adore in the first season. If you are a fan of the first season and skipped the subsequent seasons because of its arguably messy writing and focus on other characters, you should definitely watch this movie! Though the reunion of Akane and Kogami is far from seamless as they grapple not only with external threats but also their own internal conflicts, they quickly settle back to their old dynamic and we get to see many scenes with the two of them together, something that fans have been waiting for since the end of the first season. This also strengthened the bond between Kogami and Ginoza, which had been strained from the start, but became even stronger now that both of them had Akane to protect.
Akane and Kogami support each other just like in the old times.
The narrative deftly integrates Atsushi Shindo's storyline, shedding light on his motivations and the intricate threads he wove into Arata and Kei's lives. The presence of Homura, briefly introduced in the third season, adds an extra layer of depth to the story. Bifrost, the enigmatic puppeteer behind the scenes, remains an enigma, manipulating events from the shadows while exposing the intricate dependency of the Sybil System on human agency.
Behind the scenes, the creative forces involved in the creation of the original Psycho-Pass anime have returned to work on the movie. Under the directorial helm of Naoyoshi Shiotani, Production I.G. delivers animation of unparalleled quality. Every frame is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, ensuring that fight sequences are a seamless dance of fluidity and emotion. Unlike mere filler, Providence presents fresh ideas that beckon viewers to ponder the delicate equilibrium of a society ruled by the Sybil System.
What actually establishes Providence as a pivotal addition to the series is its importance to the overall plot. Akane's constant presence harkens back to the spirit of the series' inception, offering a critical link between the franchise's origins and progress. The thematic conflict between dystopia and paradise takes center stage, leaving audiences wanting more.
From the beginning, the series transported us to a cyberpunk world, where in this seemingly content society, the enigmatic Sybil System stood as an alternate path, promising harmony but also seemingly demanding the sacrifice of individual freedom.
Initially, the Sybil System appeared nearly flawless, almost supernatural. It exuded rationality and promised perfection. However, this facade crumbled when its true nature was revealed: a collective of human minds. This revelation shattered the illusion for those who saw through it.
The Sybil System’s true form: a collection of human brains.
Enter Akane, later unveiled as criminally asymptomatic. She rose to challenge the System. Though she recognized its benefits, she vehemently opposed ceding complete control to it. Akane's enduring belief in humane ideals remained a constant thread throughout the series. In Providence, her convictions took on new dimensions amid debates about the System's role within Japan and the broader world.
Akane's journey revolved around reimagining crime and humanity's nature. She believed society's progress hinged on understanding the complexity of individuals. This belief led her to a bold action aimed at nudging the System forward. Ironically, this step resulted in her both being imprisoned and freed by the same System she challenged tirelessly.
In essence, Providence encapsulates the series' exploration into the complexities of human existence. The conflict between control and personal autonomy, the complexities of morality, and the eternal battle to combine societal stability with human liberty resound throughout the story. As the film finishes, we are left to ponder these enormous concepts, with Akane's unrelenting spirit serving as the personification of the story's essence.
As the final scenes of Psycho-Pass: Providence entwine with The First Inspector, a clear message emerges: Tsunemori's journey is far from over. The clash of ideals—the push and pull between dystopia and utopia—has barely reached its climax. In a world where the human mind is a canvas for scrutiny and judgment, the saga of Psycho-Pass continues to unravel, leaving us yearning for the next thought-provoking chapter.
Psycho-Pass is currently still being shown worldwide so check your local theaters if they have it. And of course, don’t forget to rewatch the anime and read the manga so you’ll have a refresher. You can get all those plus more merch of Psycho-Pass here at ZenPlus!
What do you think?
Who is your favorite Psycho-Pass character?
Will Akane and Kogami ever end up together?
What will be the fate of the Sybil System at the end of the series?
Let us know in the comments or drop us a line on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)! We’d love to hear from you!
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You can watch Psycho-Pass on Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, and Netflix.
About the Writer
Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.
