Ghost in the Shell

Story

The skillful blending of drawn animation and computer-generated imagery excited anime fans when this science fiction mystery was released in 1995: many enthusiasts believe Ghost suggests what the future of anime will be, at least in the short term. The film is set in the not-too-distant future, when an unnamed government uses lifelike cyborgs or "enhanced" humans for undercover work. One of the key cyborgs is The Major, Motoko Kusanagi, who resembles a cross between The Terminator and a Playboy centerfold. She finds herself caught up in a tangled web of espionage and counterespionage as she searches for the mysterious superhacker known as "The Puppet Master."

Mamoru Oshii directs with a staccato rhythm, alternating sequences of rapid-fire action (car chases, gun battles, explosions) with static dialogue scenes that allow the characters to sort out the vaguely mystical and rather convoluted plot. Kusanagi's final quote from I Corinthians suggests that electronic evolution may compliment and eventually supplant organic evolution. The minor nudity, profanity, and considerable violence would earn Ghost in the Shell at least a PG rating. --Charles Solomon

DVD Features

English Dolby Digital 5.1, Japanese Dolby Pro Logic Surround Sound Japanese and English subtitles, Closed Captioned, Original Theatrical Trailer, 30 minute "Making Of" documentary, Special Interactive Menus, Complete Movie Production Report, Wides Screen version presented in a matted format preserving the 1:85:1 aspect ratio of the Original Theatrical release, Enhanced for wide screen TVs.

Movie Details

Cast:

Atsuko Tanaka
Iemasa Kayumi

MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 82 min
DVD Aspect Ratios: 1.85:1

International rating:

Europe: 15

DVD International release dates:
North America: Mar 31, 98
Europe: Feb 28, 00