Gunslinger Girl: Okay? Good?

[the_wolfs_howl]

The other day, while watching FMA, I decided to check out the 'Extras' feature, which I never had before, for whatever reason. I watched the trailers, and one in particular caught my eye: Gunslinger Girl. From the trailer, it seemed rather interesting, if rather bloody. I looked here, but there isn't a review for it, and on animenewsnetwork.com they rated it for "Teenagers (May contain bloody violence, bad language, nudity)."

Has anyone here seen some or all of this series? Can you tell me how appropriate it is in terms of language and so forth? I don't mind so much about violence (as long as it's less than Saving Private Ryan, I think I'll do fine ), but if you could fill me in on the other areas, that would be great. Thanks!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

It was a pretty good show. Towards the end it's very thought provoking. The violence isn't TOO heavy, but you do see people getting shot, and some child abuse here and there.

It's not like your typical "girls with guns" anime; rather it has a much more serious tone to it

[Fish and Chips]

It's not like your typical "girls with guns" anime

That these three words have their own sub genre leaves me deeply conflicted.

[GhostontheNet]

I thought Gunslinger Girl was very good. As a matter of fact, I typed up and submitted a review a couple of weeks ago, though regretably I still haven't recieved any word on whether it was accepted. The series can get pretty bloody in the middle of gunfights, but it should be noted all of the nudity is just Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Likewise, since they're selling the complete boxed set at sites like Amazon for about $21, I think now would be the time to pounce on it.

[the_wolfs_howl]

Okay, thanks! I think I'll look into it

[GhostontheNet]

The first season which I think you are refering to has very serious themes. The strongest emotions I had while watching it were mostly sad ones. Nevertheless, I still think it is worth watching. The second season, which is airing in Japan right now, does not focus so heavily on the child exploitation theme, so it has so far been easier for me to watch.

Child exploitation theme? Putting it like that and leaving it unclarified makes it sound like we're all singing high praises to an Anime about a child pornography ring (although I guess that also could be done well if it was handled delicately and sensitively). The exploitation you refer to is that Gunslinger Girl concerns itself with a program in the Italian government that turns young adolescent girls into brainwashed cyborg child soldiers. I think the first season has such rich emotions (yes, even rich sorrow) to it that I enjoyed watching it immensely. Whether the new company producing the second season will impress me as much remains to be seen, however.

[ilikegir33]

The first season is very serious but the second is a lot more "Noir". Just implied killings or killings that look more, ahem, stylish. I personally think that both seasons are good anime.

[Sheenar]

My friend Autumn and I are currently going through the 1st season. I really like it --some of it is very sad--but it's interesting to see the psychology of it--the girls really think what they do is "normal".
Also, the fact that almost no one would suspect a little girl of being an assassin ...and then she pulls a machine gun out of a violin case. That's new.
Good anime.