Rating: 
Summary: Oshii's Under-rated Masterpiece
Review: Though "Ghost in the Shell" got all the hype, I believe future critics will judge "Patlabor 2" as REAL masterpiece from Masamoru Oshii. Though there is a definite "Tom Clancy" feel to this political techno-thriller, the subtle symbolism that permeates the film (the falling snow, the often enigmatic presence of birds, and the opening scene at the jungle temple) point to much deeper, philosophical themes. Also, listen to the brilliant cadence of the dialouge...dramatic pauses, passionate tirades, and those moments of silence that speak volumes. Keiji Kawai's haunting and meditative soundtrack complements the often surreal and disturbingly plausible nature of the film. A must-see for any SERIOUS film buff. (If your idea of quality is lots of explosions and scantically clad women, you may want to skip "Patlabor 2.") Favorite scene: Irakawa's brutal deconstruction of the term "peace." Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: A Political Thriller equal to anything from Tom Clancy!
Review: When I saw the first Patlabor film I was captivated by it's story and loved the comical characters. Patlabor 2 is everyting the fisrt film was and more. Never befor have I seen such an elaborate story of lies, revenge and politcal espianoge pulled of so well. Directed by the same director of the first Patlabor film and the classic Ghost in the Shell. The animation is outstanding! The voice cast is excellent at making there characters come alive. The musical score is soothing yet haunting at the same time. The story occures three years after the events in Patlabor. A string a terrorist like events are occuring around Tokyo. Yet with each incident no causualties only fear and a growing conflict between the government and the military, with the Mobile police force caught in the middle. The only way to stop a civil war is for the Mobile Police Force to find the man responsible for these acts, ye the perpitrator is revield to be a former teacher and lover of the second in command of the Mobile Police Force. The best way to descibe this film would to combine the talents of Tom Clancy and Masamune Shirow into one film.
Rating:
Summary: Much more Philosophy than Action
Review: With more philosphical undertones than the first, this one has to take the cake when it comes to delivering a message. It clearly shows how vulnerable we are, yet how we as a society have done many immoral things. While I digress in the lack of action sequences, there are moments of humor (Ota's training sequence is a riot), and alot of "fisheye" shots. Still, to understand the message of the film is to look at society with a different face.
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