Having written a review for volume 3, and noticing that one for volume 2 STILL wasn't written, I quickly persuaded my rich friend (the source of a lot of my DVDs) into lending me this again. I'll warn you now that, because I've been watching it in extreme detail and writing notes, this is likely to be a looooooong review. Well, might as well get to it whilst you're all with me.

In my honest opinion, Gunslinger Girls is one of the most unique animes on the market, because it pushes highly unfamiliar territory in the female manga sector (I don't remember the proper word for female manga, male is "shonen"... I think...). Most animes aimed at a young female audience play to the cute romantic comedy side of things (Tokyo Mew Mew and Chobits are good examples of this). The protagonists in these examples are still battling the forces of evil, but the tone is a lot less serious than in male manga, you never honestly believe that they are in danger or that they might not save the day. The tone is set by light hearted jokes and cute misunderstandings (like a blond robot marching round town reciting "panties" with each step).
GG has a totally different feel to it. The light hearted tone is gone, replaced with dramatic irony and black humour; the tone serious and dark. As you watch it, you realise that it's not aimed at 13 year old teeny boppers, but at a most mature, and perhaps more educated audience. The sweet side is still there with the little girls in schoolgirl outfits, as well as the traditional anime theme of human bonding between friends, but it's quite a heavy sophisticated piece, with detailed, well thought out plot lines and dark undertones. It's very unpredictable, completely surprising and practically cinematic in it's editing. And strangely enough, it's thought provoking! It's anime for adults, WITHOUT the sex!
The soundtrack also slips away from other animes, with it's classical Italian style. It's also used rather sparingly, instead of thrown about all the time like in most Western cartoons. The animation is also absolutely beautiful, and as I watched I really felt a lot of effort had been put into it.

Episode 7: Protezione (protection)
This episode is focused around Rico and her handler Jean, and unusually, the soundtrack features a piece with vocals called Woke From Dreaming (which I happened to love, shame they didn't have that separately in the extras). Thankfully, this episode balances out the background information filler episodes with a plot involving a young accountant called Filippo who is under threat from the Republican Factionists. It's well written, very well edited, and has a lovely combination of information about classical Italian art and action. We also see a much harsher, never before seen side to Jean that made my stomach twitch in places. Mutilation someone for information and then wiping your knife clean on his tie in art gallery toilets? Classy.
4/5

Episode 9: Lycoris Radiata Herb (Be struck off herb)
To me, this episode symbolised what Gunslinger Girls is all about, and it was almost worth buying the DVD just for this episode. It focuses on a cold new recruit, Elsa and her heartbreaking desire to do anything to please her handler, who sees her as nothing more than a tool. Tension rises as she sees the way Henrietta is treated by Jose on a mission to assassinate a government official. The action here is well placed, and absolutely fantastic, whilst the blend of soundtrack and dialogue (I recommend you watch this one in English) forms a beautifully emotional episode. It really is the best episode of the DVD, and it's especially important to watch if you want to watch the 3rd instalment.
5/5

A little bit about dubbing: Anime is notorious for being badly dubbed with unsuitable voices, and a lot of diehard fans see the apple of their eye ruined with annoying American accents. However, with the exception of Rico's voice (SHEESH I wanted to strangle her!), I felt that the English speaking cast was very well chosen and played their parts to perfection.