"Ghost in the Shell": Iconic, effective, and visually stunning
Going into this film, I was aware of the 2017 adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson, which I still haven’t seen first hand. That version was criticised, and rightfully so, for positioning a white lead in a Japanese centric story, though the central character’s ethnicity is less definitive. I ultimately felt not watching that film before the original property wasn’t a huge loss. Also, as per my rule from “Dragon Ball: Battle of Gods”, I did watch the version with Japanese audio for this review. And on an extra side note, my initial viewing experience was interrupted several times by technical issues (ironic, given the film involved). I wanted to reveal that to firmly separate my frustration from the movie’s quality, since it’s now part of my introduction to “Ghost in the Shell”. With that settled, how is the actual film? To put it simply….I understand the hype.
“Ghost in the Shell” is a rather unique title, and a rather straightforward description of its main premise. Directed by Mamoru Oshii, and based on the manga by Masamune Shirow, the story takes place in what’s presently the near future - 2029. In a cyber metropolis known as New Port City, we follow cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi, and her role in a secret government agency. Their missions include the assassination of foreign officials, and later the tracking of a mysterious criminal known as “The Puppet Master”. This elusive individual has hacked the brains of numerous cyborgs, and thus poses a threat to the team’s data and security - if not the city itself. Anyway, the title refers to these cyborgs possessing such advanced AI, they essentially have their own unique personas (or ghosts), housed inside their metallic “shells”. The film itself proved massively influential, inspiring other science fiction hits like “The Matrix”, and acclaimed filmmakers such as James Cameron. The narrative of “Ghost in the Shell” also draws from (or at least represents) several philosophical concepts; transhumanism, the ship of Theseus, and the evolution of consciousness, among others. Clearly, that’s a lot of material, and I’m sure there have been countless essays written about the film’s content. For the purposes of my analysis, however, I’ll balance my own thematic observations with the movie’s technical qualities.
For one thing, the film makes great use of motion in its animation style. The speed in certain sequences slows down to a crawl, often with scenes showcasing intricate urban backgrounds. The result of this is some serene, almost dream like sequences, the best of which being a montage around the halfway point. Even Kusanagi’s movements are rendered as smooth and deliberate, which is fitting given her mechanical joints and circuitry. In terms of artistry, the filmmakers realise a great amount of detail in their illustrations. When a wide shot captures the city, every advertisement can be read. When a cyborg is dissected, practically every wire, bolt and synthetic muscle can be seen. The film conveys the complexities of this world and technology, in a manner that’s precise and aesthetically beautiful. This extends to the Major’s assembly during the film’s opening, and the motif of her breaking the surface of water. The latter is a recurring image, and viewers could draw a number of meanings from it; rebirth, escape, and perhaps most accurately, ascending into a different realm or life. These have become some of the most recognizable sequences of the film, and deservedly so, I’d say.
The idea of robotic intelligence gaining sentience, beyond the confines of their programming, is nothing new. We’ve had a number of science fiction properties entertaining that basic concept. What makes “Ghost in the Shell” interesting is that it’s set in a world where self aware AI isn’t the exception - it’s slowly becoming the norm. The film’s conflict isn’t how robotic technology becomes sentient, but how we define sentience in our creations, and what happens after they gain it. What does the word “human” mean for a person made of electronics and metal? Does an enhanced individual consider being human-like a disadvantage? Even Kusanagi expresses a perception of her own limits, despite her accumulated strength and skill, due to her inner ghost. How much tissue must be replaced with titanium for someone to stop being human, and start existing as something else? All intriguing questions for an engineer or cybernetics expert, fields I have little knowledge of myself.
“Ghost in the Shell” also makes the bold choice of framing its story around a nearly emotionless protagonist. Kusanagi spends most of her screen time with a neutral expression, and speaks in a cold, detached manner. Her missions showcase a prowess and stealth, often through the Major’s use of thermoptic camouflage. Even when she’s off duty and conversing with her partner Batou, her aloof personality remains present. This is perhaps the film’s biggest gamble; It asks the audience to have faith in the Major, to extrapolate her own inner conflict, and even apply their emotional responses onto her inscrutable face. She could easily be a blank slate, but from my perspective at least, she never became one. Despite the distance, I believe the film does articulate Kusanagi’s journey with her dialogue, and brief changes to her facial animation. I did attach myself to the Major’s experiences, and Atsuko Tanaka does a fine and consistent job in her vocal performance.
After finally watching this movie after so long, it’s not hard to see why it became so revered and influential. This is a lean, strikingly presented picture with a grounded setting and compelling ideas. Some of its scenes have become iconic even among western audiences, from the title sequence and water fight, to the climactic moment where Kusanagi damages her artificial body. On top of everything else, it’s also an unnerving portrayal of the technological age - one that seems vaguely plausible with each passing year. I don’t often label something as ahead of its time, but Oshii’s vision for this movie’s visuals and commentary definitely fits. Much like the cyborg bodies of Major and her crew, “Ghost in the Shell” has a strong outside vessel, protecting a core of potent existential dilemmas. In essence, there’s in fact a soul in this movie’s metaphorical exterior.
Additional Reading:
https://ghostintheshell.fandom.com/wiki/Ghost_in_the_Shell_(film)
https://asianmoviepulse.com/2021/08/ghost-shell-1995-review-still-best-ghost-shell-movie/
https://www.businessinsider.com/original-ghost-in-the-shell-movie-influence-2017-3
https://www.cbr.com/ghost-shell-philosophies-cyberpunk-influences/#the-ghost-in-the-machine
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