A Science Fiction Classic: Ghost in Shell

Synopsis

In an alternate future humans have developed Cybernetics to the point that machinery will be able to replace majority of the human body. Major Motoko Kusanagi is one such person who bears a cybernetic body. Alongside her second in command Batou and information specialist Ishikawa, the set to solve the mystery of a dangerous hacker named, “The Puppetmaster”, but the further they delve, darker truths come to life…

The Good

The plot and the philosophies of human existence are the things which made this film stand out from so many others with how it spoke on human existance as if it were a part of a scientific theory. At many points of the film a viewer would find themselves pondering on what is being thrown at them while still being able to enjoy the lovely graphics at work.

Being a piece that became a part of the early works of computer graphics for anime the action scenes stand out, especially in the clever use of outlining visible to the viewer for when the character turns invisible. The art style as well is something of its own and something you don’t really see these days anymore sadly.

The characters, most especially the protagonist was well developed and was given proper room for their portrayal with the clever execution of the plot. There are many points in the film to enjoy but they way it mixed science, mystery and even philosophy with a well developed protagonist and well done art and animation really makes the film a stand out.

The Bad

For being a well established world of mechanics merging with humans, little is explained to the viewer on how the world of the movie works. Here is all this conflict, drama, and action being thrown to the viewer but little is explained nor even given a proper background.

And being a part of early computer graphic works there is some parts that did not work out as well as action scenes. For example, there are some slow moving shots as the general roams the city but the could have done more than pannings and zoom ins. Then there are certain scenes the dialogue seems just long winded in a personal opinion and didn’t properly get to the point.

If the film had even a scene of exposition or gave room for world building and better camera work, the film could have turned out even more of an artistic work.

Conclusion

Thought-provoking, well executed and well developed, there is much going for with this film. If you’re looking for an interesting concept of science mixed with mystery the this is the tale for you. Add it with well done art and animation and everything ties in.

Rating: 7/10