Ghost In The Shell (1995) Synopsis:
In the near future, where humans have embraced cybernetics and artificial bodies, a female special agent hunt a mysterious master criminal known only as "The Puppet Master". What she uncovers is a conspiracy to cover up a terrible secret.
Ghost In The Shell (1995) Movie Review:
Intrigue, giant hard sexy mecha, a sophisticated storyline and visuals worthy of any art house film give "Ghost in the Shell" a place in my classic anime list. In 2029, humans and machines have mingled to the point where it is hard to delineate the difference between them. Some, like members of a special division of the police force, have become cyborgs, their minds existing as "ghosts" in their synthetic bodies, or shells.
"Ghost in the Shell" starts out like a simple police investigative thriller: sudden acts of murderous violence break out all over the city, suspected to be the work of a criminal mastermind known only as the 'Puppet Master'. He (or she) is so known because of his insidious ability to download into and control the minds of victims, causing panic among the "true" humans of the city. As Motoko Kusanagi and her partner Bateo (cyborg members of Section 9) investigate, they uncover hints of a cover up that extend to the government. The final confrontation between Motoko and the Puppet Master will be something that no one, not even Motoko herself expects.
"Ghost in the Shell" continues the tradition of screwing with the viewer's mind by exploring complex issues: in this case, the idea of intelligence, humanity and the concept of the 'soul'. The film examines the state of mankind's humanity, where its place is in light of the almost uncontrollable advancement of technology. The line between what is real, and what isn't is blurred as science becomes so advanced as to be indistinguishable from magic and the provenance of divinity. And if that doesn't grab you, then the exquisite animation will.
Atmospheric (thanks to the soundtrack), moody and contemplative, the film explores and accomplishes much in a short space of time (well, seems short to me anyway). If you are prepared to think and be challenged, this is a must-see.
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Ghost In The Shell (1995) review written by: Eden Law
12th October, 2008 
