Review of Ghost in the Shell (1995) by Badi K — 15 Dec 2010
"Existential action movie" is not a phrase I throw around a whole lot. Which is to say, I've NEVER used such a phrase in my life. Well, maybe once. Beautifully animated with great symbolism and smooth action, its impossible to not be entertained by this film, even if you don't completely grasp what is occurring onscreen. It doesn't take a philosophy degree to grasp, I must assert, but if you're afraid of thinking then you should try and dodge this one or risk your perception being challenged.
The story is solid, but the movie falls short in a few small places. Certain characters aren't fleshed out enough (an ironic turn of phrase, given how many of the characters are cyborgs) and potential side-plots are discarded as the film develops. Understandable, the relatively short runtime demands a lean, fast-paced experience, but it is ultimately disappointing when such an interesting world has been created but is not explored. Perhaps that will be left to the sequels.
Its a great film in its own right, it just needs to find its niche. If its niche is your niche, you'll love it.
This review of Ghost in the Shell (1995) was written by Badi K on 15 Dec 2010.
Ghost in the Shell has generally received very positive reviews.
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