Review of Ghost in the Shell (1995) by M. K — 13 Jul 2009
Like 2001, Mamoru Oshii's Ghost in the Shell is a film that concerns itself with human evolution. While 2001 begins at the dawn of man and climaxes at the next stage in human evolution, Ghost in the Shell begins in the transitional zone between human and post-human.
The film's main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi, is a government agent/assassin whose consciousness resides in a mechanical body. Oshii's usual brand of dense storytelling is at its best here--the film packs A LOT of ideas and plot into a scant 78 minutes, but somehow feels twice that length (another Oshii trademark--and I am making a complimentary observation here, not a criticism).
A first-time viewer will likely be overwhelmed by the plot's intricacy, but with repeat viewings, Ghost in the Shell reveals itself to be a transcendently profound examination of the nature of humanity, and the future of our species as a whole.
Oshii conveys his ideas about human individuality and consciousness through brilliantly symbolic images (the film's most acutely affecting is a sequence in which the Major, riding on a boat, looks up into an office building and sees another woman with the same body as her) and occasional lines of dialogue ("All data is both fantasy and reality" and "Your desire to remain as you are is what ultimately limits you" are among the most memorable).
Both 2001 and Ghost in the Shell end with their protagonist becoming transformed into a being of pure consciousness, free of their physical bodies, but whereas 2001 views it as a mystical transformation, Oshii frames it in coldly scientific terms--a visual representation of the evolutionary tree is demolished by gunfire, and the Major and the Puppet Master combine in a form of digital sexual reproduction (the Puppet Master arguing that one of the key facets of living organisms is reproduction leading to the variability of offspring).
Oshii would expand upon many of the ideas present in this film in its sequel, but the original still remains his masterpiece for its stunning originality of thought, brilliant visuals, iconic score and innovative plot.
One can only imagine how Steven Spielberg will fuck things up with his forthcoming American remake.
This review of Ghost in the Shell (1995) was written by M. K on 13 Jul 2009.
Ghost in the Shell has generally received very positive reviews.
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