1995, Japan, Dir: Mamoru Oshii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: Classic cyberpunk caper in the Akira league, with great visual ideas, a rushed plot and diabolical soundtrack and dubbing. Definitively worth seeing if you like good animation
The first thing that strikes one when watching Ghost in The Shell is just how little the visuals have dated, yet another proof good ideas beat technology wizardry any time. Then come the shock at seeing just how much the makers of the Matrix have lifted from it. And then the actors start talking – eeek! I know Anime always suffer from overdubs with the most phony American accent, but this is so bad it hurts.
This is the most classic of cyberpunk, basically Neuromancer with a manga twist, complete with babe. The story plods along nicely, until the long pseudo-philosophical lectures delivered by actors so hammy you wished they gave the part to one of those flashy cars which warn you when you leave the door open. Then you mind start wandering, you realize the reason your fists have been clenching is because the backing music is atrocious, you go and make yourself a cup of tea, and before you know it – zap! – it’s all over.
This is a movie from an era when the net was still virgin territory – it’s amazing how a mere 10 years have changed our outlook on technology. However, visually it more than holds its own, and for that reason alone I’ll be watching this again.
But with the audio track turned off.
