Year: 2017
Director: Rupert Sanders
Country: US
Language: English
Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga Ghost in the Shell explored the relationship between humanity, robotics, and an early form of the internet. Mamoru Oshii’s popular 1995 anime adaptation turned the story into a cult classic that shaped... almost every science fiction/action film since then. One could provide an example in The Matrix, but there are literally hundreds of other inspirations, "homages" and copy cats out there. Themes presented in Ghost in the Shell have been done to death in film long before 2017...so this should be refreshing, right?
In the near future, Major (Scarlett Johansson) is the first of her kind: A human saved from a terrible crash, who is cyber-enhanced to be a perfect soldier devoted to stopping the world's most dangerous criminals.
Much of the more brooding aspects of Oshii's anime have been brightened; cleansed of its more violent and sexual themes in favour of a box office friendly PG-13 rating that studio executives think will surely bring in more revenue. Very obvious cutting choices neuter an otherwise beautiful looking film. Indeed Director Rupert Sanders is a visual filmmaker who indulge in some great sweeping shots of a city much like that of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner.
While the original film was bleak and cynical, this version links characters backstories and gives them emotional connections. Though previous fans may not enjoy this aspect, I suspect the film will gain new fans because of this. The film actually does well when it explores Major's search for identity and context in her uneasy world, but takes us out of this familiar experience with out of place action set pieces.
Ghost in the Shell is torn between a typical action blockbuster and a profound exploration into humanity. It had tremendous potential to be an existential drama, but is far too presented in Blockbuster Hollywood's ideal specifications. It's not terrible, but could have been far greater.
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