Ghost in the Shell [DVD] [1995]

This anime is one of the most unique films around. Not only is the animation realistic, it is mindblowing. You can tell that the producers,sound directors,artists and anyone else involved in the project really took great care to make the film properly. Not rushed and well planned the way that everyone likes. The plot is gripping, especially when you yourself is trying to figure out who the hell this 'Puppet Master'is (revealed near the end of the film). That is why the film is so brilliant. It involves the audience to participate a bit. The story involves Section 9 Public security in an investigation to find the Super hacker and nail him for ghost hacking and all other sorts of crimes. But there is a twist which I will leave for you to enjoy. After watching the film you are tempted to watch it again and again and again, not because of the story but the action sequences portrayed at every 10 minutes, living up to its name of action-packed sci-fi anime.

However you will be thrown into a fog of confusion if you do not read the glossary in the special features. Having knowledge of the terms used in the film really does simplify the story a lot.e.g what'ghost'refers to etc. Once this is out of the way though start bracing yourself for non-stop,action packed scenes and phenomenal dialogue in English or Japanese. A true master piece,Mamoru Oshii has done Ghost in the Shell justice of which it rightly deserves.

The DVD, features some previews of other Manga films and an in-sight to the charactors,(charactor profile).The 'making of' Ghost in the shell is interesting but optional to understand the story. If you are into special features then I suggest getting the special edition instead but be warned you need a region 1 DVD player or Multi-regional player wtih an NTSC tv to see it. Nevertheless the special feature is sufficient to feed your hunger for the knowledge and wisdom concerning G.I.T.S.

If you were blown away like me by its powers then I suggest you get the series aswell(G.I.T.S: Stand alone complex). Check out G.I.T.S 2: Innocence too if you really want to own everything that belongs to G.I.T.S. Enjoy!

the first time i saw GiTS was when i was sixteen and i have to admit, save the stunning action which on its own is absolutely a reason to watch this film, it was a bit lost on me. However I came across it once more two years ago, bought it, watched it without the stupid half-arsed American dubbing that had confused me originally, and now it is most probably the most watched film in my collection...

I'm sure you have read the Amazon review/ synopsis so I will try not to repeat, but it is all true. The pace and action style reminds me a lot of the film HEAT (Al Pacino, Robert De Niro) with long, reflective stretches cut up by hard faced, military style action. GiTS has enough to fill three films, weaving though a world of science fiction- terrorisim, political games, and an investigation that unpicks the two is on the surface of this story, underpinning this is a facinating love triangle where actions and vocal tones, not words, speak the volumes of need, desire and jealousy. Mamoru Oshii uses Motoko, and the film finally to spell out his own philosophical fears of the future, contemplating life, reality, existence and memory, but despite this i still find the puppet-master the most interesting character, although highly intellegent, commanding and controlling, under the surface he is jealous lonely and insecure.

Unless you are lucky enough to speak Japanese, using the DVD's English subtitle option is the only way to get the most from this film's heavy dialogue as using the American dubbing is futile, whoever arranged it must of either been very dumb, or not cared at all about preserving the subtleties of the voice acting or dialogue which has been altered to make the film more culturably watchable, but misses huge amounts of humour, character building and story telling in the process.

this film is great, buy it love it tell everyone else... After two years i still pick up on new things, its just great

For lovers of Japanese animation there are two titles that seem to be well known Akira and Ghost in the shell. Both carry a strong support of fans and with this film you may find yourself joining them.
Ghost in the shell is set in the future where cybernetics has led to a new evolution in mankind, allowing humans to become enhanced or completly immersed in prosthetic bodies. The further advancements in computer technology also allows these advancments to change the quality of life for the people of this time, and also allow for new waves of crime and terrorism.
We are introduced to the public security section 9 a group led by chief Aramaki who are hot on the tail of a cyber terrorist known as the puppet master.
Ghost in the shell features the same style of dialoge that the books from Shirow Masamune wrote. As such the science aspects are complex but interesting, however the true beauty of this film lies in the philisophical concept of the title. The ghost refering to the equivelent of a soul, and the importance of individuality amoungst those who are now encased in almost identical prosthetic bodies. The main charecter Major Motoko Kusinage is a full cyborg, who dispalys thoughts and feelings on her own individuality through the films amazing visuals or conversations with her own team members.
The film follows this theme to its conclusion while giving plenty of action and visuals along the way. Some may be quick to dismiss this film as an arthouse kind of film, but in my opinion it is a fantastic film that rewads the patient viewer. The soundtrack by Kenji Kwai is a beautiful and haunting score featuring traditional japanese instruments and music styles mixed with fantastic singing and ambient sounds.
In short this film is an amazing experience that truly feels like a good movie should, leaving you with something to think about. If your a fan of adult cinema but want to steer clear of overloads of sex and violence then this should be your first stop. Enjoy.