As I was preparing to watch the newly released 4K blu-ray of this classic, I thought it was high time to finally review it on this page particularly since it seems I will be reviewing the Matrix trilogy as the fourth film is released in a few weeks. Yes this first Ghost in the Shell anime is the source of creativity for so many people and properties that it has become really hard to let all that go and just view it as a single piece of story. Well, I’ve had long enough to hang my head in shame as I say that. I will attempt. So let us begin by having a chronological look.
Synopsis:
Cyborg federal agent Major Kusanagi is in search of ‘The Puppet Master’, a criminal mind who illegally hacks cyborgs’ computerized brains. In futile pursuance of a man authorized to alter the appearance of different people, she wishes to analyze her own preparation and think about what kind of life would bring her more of humane characteristics…. In_credit is still astonishing that this film came out in fifteen years 1995, the animation which includes 2d, blended CG, both are still gorgeous and extremely well done and fluid.
Also, a number of concepts are rather foresighted, although I suppose that is more meant as a compliment to the original manga than to this film, nevertheless. A lot of what is presented here went on and has become a big source of inspiration to so many people and one does not need to downplay that. Amazing as well is the fact that the soundtrack as a whole is great too, containing background thumping tracks embedded with choir bits that does not feel out of place in the setting of cyberpunk (as akira in that particular sense…)
Ghost in the Shell is an action-packed film but combines sci-fi / cyberpunk aesthetics and action with a strong high-concept narrative that explores sexuality and human identity. A remarkable achievement in a slender 82 minute time-frame! We meet the main character The Major, whose other identity is Matoko Kusanagi, a division member of “Public Security Section 9”, a cyborg who has no physicality except for a few of her artificial, robotic limbs and a soul that has been uploaded to the cyberspace; a ‘ghost in a shell’. She and her fellow agents including Batou (with building enhanced body) and Togusa (without any cybernetics) are after a terrorist called “The Puppet Master”, a notorious cyber man that implanted himself into other people’s ‘Cyberbrains’ and had them do terrible deeds unwillingly.
Despite their attempts at pursuing a couple of leads, the Major and Batou do not go too far until one complete cyberized body is handed over to them and this body is very quickly established to have a human consciousness, that of the Puppet Master.
The Puppet Master wants out of Section 6, where he was created. He argues that he now possesses intelligence, in any sense of the term, and deserves this privilege which is ascribed to all sentient beings. But even his whining ensues in no time he is abducted in an uncanny manner which leads section 9 after them. Major Kusanagi especially, is fascinated by the Puppet Master’s notion of self-discovery, of achieving humanity as well as consciousness, and goes to the extent of fighting a Spider Tank with the aim of getting to him and losing most of her artificial body in the process. Ideas in philosophy about selfreness, aliveness and consciousness are discussed and a boulot of variance concludes with Matoko and Puppet making a deal to “ghost jouste”, thus transffering all the musubiti’s power and wisdom to bouquet. This is precisely what happens when the Course Section 6 analytic rw23503 blow two bodies and area around hoping to conceal these injuries, but we upstairs see Batou so, at least Makato’s mind was rescued from the natin name body and was fitted into a child-like. Something in between neither The Major nor The Puppet Master new entity leaves The Batou’s place and ponders next where will she go from here… Or he from here step up with something already. You know was parsing. I’m sorry, but the language is awful and I can’t seem to give it any validity. It doesn’t appeal to me. I’m just saying.
It is less than an hour and a half long, contains jaw-dropping animation STILL nearly thirty years on, and a plot which has a lot of action to fit within the really intriguing and intellectually stimulating ideas and concepts. Is one of those films, that if you haven’t watched, you will complete the viewing and know exactly what is it that people has been raving about for such a long time… or if you are like me, then you are just watching it again and enjoying it.
What possibly more can be added? Ghost in the Shell is one of the best anime pictures you will ever watch, not because it is one of the best anime pictures of all time or one of the best animated films in history but one breath taking film in history with historical consequences even in the modern world. World class animation, world class music, world class story, action and inclinations and thoughts wise, this short movie which was made in 1995 is still just as good in the present day. Fantastic.
Watch Ghost in the Shell on Kimcartoon
