Ghost in the Shell 2.0

Directed by: Mamoru Oshii

Synopsis:

Tokyo, 2029: Security Service (Section 6) Major Motoko Kusanagi is an enhanced human whose brain and body have been extensively augmented with state of the art technologies, her and her team of agents are on the trail of the “Puppet Master”, a dangerous and elusive virtual virus which is threatening national security.

The programme invades human beings via their cerebral implants and subverts their consciousness. The detection and pursuit of the Puppet Master brings the team into conflict with another security division who have their own agenda, and will stop at nothing to complete it.

The film blends traditional cell animation with computer generated sequences and includes dozens of updated scenes as well as completely new footage.



Review:

Not only a well conceived and highly respected original narrative, but a carefully and sympathetically conducted reworking. Ghost in the Shell 2.0 is a rare beast indeed, a seamless update. It could have been made last year.

This I feel is thanks to such intriguing subject matter. For those who may not be aware, The pursuit and capture of the Puppet Master inspires the Major to begin questioning her own sense of self. She is a Cyborg with barely any human organic matter left, She begins to wonder if the definitions we take for granted are still relevant. Is she still ‘human’ ? The Ghost referred to in the title is the human soul, now detectable by technology and also itself vulnerable to computer invasion.

The ideas the film explores are endlessly compelling and I have to admit kept me thinking long after the film was over. But this should in no way detract from the fact that it is a hugely gripping SCi Fi Actioner as well. The CGI sequences are an hypnotic feast for the eyes and alternate with the cel work so suitably. The significance of how and why the production switches between cel and cgi becomes apparent throughout the narrative.

The characterisation is well done. The individual members of the Major’s team stand up well to development, and keep realism throughout the increasingly strange encounters. Also the CGI is, if I haven’t mentioned it before, brilliant. So many little details pop up to arrest the eye. Distant planes in the sky flash in just the same way they do in real life. Sequences showing the Major’s robotic frame being coated in new ‘skin’ after a repair cram in so much information it’s almost hard to comprehend.

Verdict:

Ghost in the Shell is a thoroughly intriguing film, and it’s easy to see why it’s held classic status since it’s first release. It’s likely to impress an entirely new generation of viewers when this new version is released this year.

7 out of 10 (Sulaco)

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