Original Title: 攻殻機動隊 | Gōsuto In Za Sheru | Ghost in the Shell
Release: 1995
Country: Japan
Director: Mamoru Oshii
Running Time: 82 Min.
Cast: Atsuko Tanaka | Akio Ôtsuka | Tamio Ôki | Iemasa Kayumi | Kôichi Yamadera
Written by Miguel Douglas
Published: 11.11.09
In the year 2029, the world has become interconnected by a vast electronic network that permeates every aspect of life. That same network also becomes a battlefield for Tokyo’s Section Nine security force, which has been charged with apprehending the master hacker known only as the Puppet Master. Spearheading the investigation is Major Motoko Kusanagi, who — like many in her department — is a cyborg officer, far more powerful than her human appearance would suggest. And yet as the Puppet Master, who is even capable of hacking human minds, leaves a trail of victims robbed of their memories, Kusanagi ponders the very nature of her existence.
The relationship between humanity and machinery is vividly explored within the context of Ghost in the Shell, and it proceeds to bring attention to a philosophical dilemma that is becoming increasingly more realized, perhaps more so in our own time. This philosophical predicament permeates through the existence of artificial intelligence, a concept that is given thorough examination in the film. The film’s characters, more specifically Major Kusanagi and The Puppet master, give ample testimonies to the questioning of artificial traits versus human traits.
The use of “ghosts” in relation to humanities conception of “souls”, gives familiarity to us as viewers to perhaps understand the cordial association between man and machine. This reflection of self-awareness is effectively conveyed throughout the film, giving way to situations that question the ethical standards of what truly constitutes being human. This works exceptionally well in Ghost In The Shell because it promotes the film through these ideals, expertly weaving a tale of human consciousness amidst the world of artificial intelligence. The ending of the film delivers a particularly powerful statement regarding this notion, a notion that concurrently involves both technology and information in an ever-evolving state.
The animation of Ghost in the Shell was done by studio Production I.G. They provided the impressive visuals to the film, giving viewers some of the most visually absorbing animation sequences ever witnessed. The integration of CG into scenes was nicely done as well. There are many memorable moments within the film that are truly remarkable; from the strikingly detailed opening sequence to the shocking final confrontation, each scene is painstakingly detailed and shows the incredible effort put forth by the animators.
Another interesting aspect of the film is the sound. Produced by composer Kenji Kawai, it’s minimalistic in its composition, but adequately reflects the introspective nature of the film. The use of chants and heavy percussions give hints to this. As for the voice acting, it was exceptionally well done. Although heavy handed in its use of dialectic measures, I felt the voice actors comfortably handled their roles and they really brought to life the characteristics of those roles.
Overall, Ghost in the Shell is an exceptionally well made and I believe important film. It offers an introspective and philosophically stimulating message that question the ethical standards in which we base our human identity and it also examines the continuously growing ocean of information that surround us. For this, and many other technical achievements, it’s a film that will resonant with anime fans as well as cross over to many non-anime fans.
