Ghost in the Shell (1995)

'Ghost in the Shell' was directed by Mamoru Oshii and is considered one of the pioneer anime films of the early 1990's known as the 'Japanamation Era'. It tells the story of a future in which everyone is mostly augmented with mechanical and cybernetic parts, with only their 'Ghost' resembling their former humanity. The 'Ghost' in question being this film's equivalent of a human soul and the 'Shell' being the body it inhabits. When a international hacker known as 'The Puppet Master' begins causing a large incident within the area, a cyber policewoman named 'Major' Mokoto is on the case with her partners Batou and Togusa. However, the so called 'terrorist' is revealed to be a fully aware computer program that was created by the government and has now escaped and wishes to seek asylum.

The film had a strong impact on American culture when it first came out in 1995, when anime was nowhere near the stronghold of fans it is today. Even our own Hollywood films would soon take inspiration from 'Ghost in the Shell', with the most applicable being 1999's 'The Matrix' from its storyline to its visuals. The film has been adapted into a live-action remake set for release this month, and while that film will no doubt have some entertainment value I wanted to take the time to discuss the deep and simple brilliance of the original. This film has some strong thought provoking themes that will leave you either scratching your head or thinking about what you've seen for a long while. Both reactions are perfectly normal and are very telling about how important the film is.

The story discusses what makes one human, if a being is self-aware of its existence does that mean it has the same rights as humans, and just what makes an individual an individual? It's this cerebral thought processes that really make 'Ghost in the Shell' a film that needs more than one viewing, but in the end its well worth it. The film also deals with gender identity and sexuality in our cultures. The Major is not shy or modest about disrobing during the events of the film, often showing off her body. Is it because she's all machine and doesn't see herself as any gender because she doesn't see herself as a human being. On the other side, Batou is seen clothing her with his jacket and looking away when she is naked. Those kind of scenes makes one wonder if he is more human than her because of those feelings? 

I love this movie more and more with each viewing. It brings those questions you don't want to hear or may ignore to the forefront and the audience may feel uncomfortable but in a way that makes you think and in the end, for the positive. It makes you question your own reality, your personality, what makes you "you" and its those things that really expand the world around us and if nothing else, makes for a really good discussion with your friends after you see it.
 

GHOST IN THE SHELL:
(A+)

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#50