Amazon.com essential video: The skillful blending of drawn animation and computer-generated imagery excited anime fans when this science fiction mystery was released in 1995: many enthusiasts believe Ghost suggests what the future of anime will be, at least in the short term. The film is set in the not-too-distant future, when an unnamed government uses lifelike cyborgs or "enhanced" humans for undercover work. One of the key cyborgs is The Major, Motoko Kusanagi, who resembles a cross between The Terminator and a Playboy centerfold. She finds herself caught up in a tangled web of espionage and counterespionage as she searches for the mysterious superhacker known as "The Puppet Master."
Mamoru Oshii directs with a staccato rhythm, alternating sequences of rapid-fire action (car chases, gun battles, explosions) with static dialogue scenes that allow the characters to sort out the vaguely mystical and rather convoluted plot. Kusanagi's final quote from I Corinthians suggests that electronic evolution may compliment and eventually supplant organic evolution. The minor nudity, profanity, and considerable violence would earn Ghost in the Shell at least a PG rating. --Charles Solomon
Video Art. I'm not a big fan of anime, but I am a fan of Sci-fi. This film is very good. I reminded me of "Blade Runner". One of my favorites. I've heard comparisons to the "Matrix" films. I guess because of the whole cyberpunk aspect. Humans "jacking" into a computer with the use of an interface plugged into the brain, has been used in literature for years before this film. All things considered, this film is a treat for ears, eyes, and brain. It's thought provoking, and beautifully rendered. There is some nudity, and gore. Not intended for children.
Dumb People Should Not Watch! What can I say? This movie spawned an entire new genre of sci-fi and cyper-punk. Every major sci-fi film maker in the last ten years had cited this as major influence: hello....Matrix!!!
I admit that I like the Stand Alone Complex series a lot more, but this is certainly one of if not THE best feature length anime. There is a great synopsis if you would like to know about plot specifics.
If you are a sci-fi, cyper-punk fan, buy this. If you like Eureka Seven, Cowboy Beebop, Ergo Proxy, Full Metal Alchemist; BUY THIS. If you like crazy, in your head, trippy movies: BUY THIS.
Pros: Everything, it seriously gets inside your head. Cons: Dumb people cannot understand it
Viewing Preference: Japanese with English subtitles
Shock your senses If you are a looking for a good story, then this is for you. The movies from Oshii, always up the time and rise new production features. The Wachowski brothers allways must be tankfull with Oshii director.
Angel Eyes Though having had a lukewarm reception in Japan, director Mamoru Oshii's film adaptation of Masamune Shirow's manga was hailed in America as one of the most groundbreaking animated movies of its time and has made anime itself a staple in mainstream pop culture. But whether the relentlessly hyped "Ghost in the Shell" still maintains its beauty rests in the eye of the beholder.
In a world where technology dictates everyday life but fails to erase nations and ethnic groups, the agents of Section 9, a secret organization, are on the hunt for the Puppet Master, a mysterious hacker infiltrating the digitized brains of government officials. As "Major" Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg soldier, delves deeper into the mystery, what she finds leads her to question her own existence, as well as the bond between man and machine.
Among the first films to use traditional cel animation with computer animation the visuals, while nothing new to most of us, were quite a feat in the film's heyday. From the creation of the Major's cybernetic body to her wandering through the inner-city streets, the results simply speak for themselves. As for the story, one of political intrigue, espionage and spirituality, is actually simple to follow once you get pass all that jargon. Like the manga, eye candy is also prevalent here; since Major's body is completely prosthetic, she doesn't seem to mind showing off all that (fake) skin. But if anything complements the film to perfection, it's the soundtrack composed by Kenji Kawai, featuring a haunting Japanese wedding song which goes well with the image of the "marriage" of man and machine. The DVD itself features interviews, credits and an English trailer.
This film is unrated: Graphic Violence, Nudity, Adult Situations.
Absolutely Awesome! This is the best anime to it's best. The story, sound, and animation explains it all. This is English translated unlike the 2nd one, Innocence.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
