Review of Ghost in the Shell (1995) by Simeon M — 31 Mar 2009

One part anime, one part Matrix, two parts sci-fi cyborg philosophy. Great plot, good action, thought provoking story, probably wouldn't watch it again. I am interested in the sequels though.

I didn't find this as confusing as people said it was, though you really had to pay close attention. I can definitely see where movies like The Matrix picked up themes and stylization from this. I enjoyed the reflections on "what makes someone retain their humanity? The existence of a few human brain cells?" While it's the philosophy behind the film that makes it famous, I was surprised at the amount of action, and the quick pace it uses to tell the story. (much faster than Akira) I didn't really think it was *that* great, but perhaps I have seen similar things that have been made since Ghost in the Shell.

The English dub was rather stale at points, but the visuals are too grand to miss because of reading subtitles.

It seems like their conclusion was that there's nothing organic about the soul. (which is positive, IMO) Even DNA is strains of code, allowing the "soul" to be carried in an organic or synthetic brain. It ends on the idea that the soul, even sexuality, will be redefined in this age of technology.

I found it interesting that the Bible is twice quoted, most notably "When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child. Now that I am a man I have no more use for childish ways.".

In the end: worth watching for the sci-fi/anime history, and some interesting philosophy on the soul and sentient beings. But considering my experience with Star Trek and other science fiction, very little of it was new ideas to me.