Ghost in the Shell

Having seen the movie twice in short succession, I still don't understand any of the politics, which is a pretty hefty chunk of plot and expository dialogue. But I don't think it's important neither really the point of the film. The images are stunning and the sound is superb.
The main points of the movie about consciousness, life and also some of the more dark aspects of cyberpunk dystopias are very well executed. The first two hinge a bit too much in exposition, but the latter is kind of scary. Not about the deep philosophical issues, but the mundane practical stuff of everyday business. This is a universe in which (some) people's brain can be hacked and implanted with false memories, don't own the body they inhabit and are in complete dependence of third party constant maintenance. You realise that the darkness about becoming more like machines than human is not an abstract sense of humanity, feelings or some esoteric division between biological and mechanical entities; no, it's about how limited machines are and how you lose so much of the benefits of biology.

I first watched this movie with my brother back in 1997, at the beginning of an epic animé phase we both went through that lasted almost two years. It remains, in my opinion, the finest animated film in this genre to date. It's almost prescient in it's examination of philosophical humanity, and the rise of AI. Watching it again, it makes me realise it is the reason why I love robot Sci fi. The only sci fi I love better is Robots in Space.

My brother died last year, and this is the first time I've watched this film in a decade and it made me miss him a great deal. Miss him, and appreciate that this was our 'thing' back when we were young and foolish.

One note: I've watched both Japanese sub-titled and American dubbed versions over the years. While I appreciate the American dub, my favourite still remains the original Japanese language film.

#BeKindToCylons #KeepEmClose

Excellent movie. There was a lot more nudity and a lot less violence than I expected, but the correct amount if cybernetics and philosophy of mind (which is to say: a shit-ton). There's some strange ambiguous motivation on the part of [spoiler]the Pupper Master. It's never really clear why it needs Mayor to be complete or to reproduce[/spoiler].

The philosophy behind this movie is frightening and stunning. I build my own philosophy and imaginary palace with this film. I build my own personality with the lines of this movie in mind. It’s probably the most important film in my life and I saw it when I was 7.

Ghost in the Shell is one of those rare 'one-of-a-kind' movies that is entirely unique, that has no counterpart, there is nothing else like it.


It is beautiful, it is serene and cerebral.


But I think the best word to describe it is 'ethereal'.


Technically, it is far from a perfect movie: The pacing of the movie is highly uneven (though, in my opinion, this somehow ends up benefitting the atmosphere of the movie). Parts of the movie feel like the writer is trying to cram an entire philosophical lecture on the topic of consciousness, self-awareness and (artificial) life into the space of a few scenes. This in turn interferes with the story, and as a result the actual plot of the movie becomes an incomprehensible mess for most first-time viewers.


So if you came here after watching this movie for the first time, wondering what the hell you just watched, and are unsure why it is rated so highly, I will now explain why:


It is the feeling this movie gives off, it is the atmosphere that permeates it. It is the art, it is the music, and it is the way that director Mamoru Oshii uses these elements to create a beautiful synthesis that I have never encountered in any other movie, ever. Bold choices by the director resulted in the creation of a true work of art that is simply a joy to experience.


To give you an example, there is a three and a half minute scene right in the middle of the movie where *absolutely nothing happens*.


For three and a half minutes, we are shown various cityscapes while music plays. There is no dialogue, not a single action is taken. No advancement of the plot, no development of the characters. Just...introspection.


Do you have any idea how insane that is, especially for an animated work? To essentially waste three and a half minutes of movie time and meticulously detailed artwork on...nothing?


But, somehow, the scene does not feel out of place, it fits with the vibe of the movie, it bizarrely makes sense. The art is gorgeous and insanely detailed, the music is haunting. The depictions of the city feel so crowded and lonely at the same time. There is symbolism everywhere, but it is not required of you to understand it, you can instead simply sit back and enjoy the beauty of it all, watch the bustle of this futuristic city that is filled with gleaming high-rises but at the same time looks run-down and dirty, and take in the incredible atmosphere of it all.


Its okay if you did not 'get' the movie, or if you did not like it. But, if you like thoughtful movies, if you like movies that focus on atmosphere and feeling, or if you have an interest in cyberpunk, then Ghost in the Shell is a must-watch.


And if you have an interest in movie theory, in how movies are made, how they are structured, then Ghost in the Shell is pretty much required repeat material. There are so many interesting choices made by the director and animators to depict scenes, so many amazing shots, such an insane attention to detail and symbolism. I could go on and on about things like the climactic fight scene (with its heavy focus on realism in spite of the futuristic setting, the poignant symbolism, and the brilliant choice by the director and composer to use a slow, atmospheric music track instead of the usual fast-paced, tension-laced tracks that accompany action scenes), but this review has gone on long enough.

Ghost in the Shell is not a perfect movie in the classical sense. But it is incomparable when it comes to creating atmosphere and feeling, and using art and music to their fullest potential.

10/10

Ghost in the Shell is a visually stunning film with a complex and thought-provoking story. The film explores themes of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human in a world where technology is rapidly blurring the lines between the two.

The film's animation is still impressive today, over 25 years after its release. The film's use of CGI was groundbreaking at the time, and it still holds up today. The film's world is awash in neon lights and rain, and the character designs are both stylish and iconic. The story is also complex and thought-provoking. The film explores themes of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human in a world where technology is rapidly blurring the lines between the two. The film's questions are still relevant today, and they make the film a must-watch for anyone interested in science fiction or philosophy.

I've always loved this film, so everything I say would only be praise, and that is just boring. What I can talk about is the 4K transfer I just watched. Ghost in the Shell has never looked this good. I thought the old blu-ray were good, but damn... this was something else. If you like this film, this is a must-have.

Deep dives into the nature of consciousness with a side platter of police action, gunplay and high-speed pursuit. At first glance this may come off as stiff and impenetrable, but like the thematically-similar Blade Runner, Ghost in the Shell offers untold rewards to repeat viewers. The nature of our memories, how they define us, and the dangers of nefarious interference upon them; these are some pretty heavy topics, and it should come as no surprise that it takes some time to really let it all sink in.

Reflective and immersive, the film spends a lot of time ruminating on the meaning of life - both in conversation and in the long, lingering glances of city still-life it indulges upon between bursts of action. In these scenes, Kenji Kawai's magnificent score really gets a chance to shine; haunting and alien, it's a strange beauty and a perfect pairing for the uneasy-in-your-own-skin themes explored by the film. The art direction is a similar brow-raiser, effectively bringing the residents and landscape of New Port City to life in a style that remains loyal to Masamune Shirow's original work while also carving out a bold, fresh identity of its own.

It's rare for a twenty-year-old film about technology to still remain relevant in a modern light, but this one somehow seems even more appropriate today. The advent of smartphones and tablets alone has brought the essence of human interaction up for debate, and this lonesome vision of a near-future Japan now seems hauntingly prescient.

A conceptual powerhouse, it does have faults - far too many stationary talking heads, breathlessly spouting plot points - but inarguably deserves its status as one of eastern animation's cornerstones. I fear its subtlety and nuance will be lost upon Hollywood's forthcoming live-action adaptation.

The story picks it up pretty much right in the beginning and being a fan of science fiction, it was quite a rewarding experience. Interesting premise, a haunting and beautiful soundtrack and pretty much a solid storyline.