GUEST EDITORIAL: "Ghost in the Shell" Is a Brilliant Adaptation of the Original Anime
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/CsMNgdHXzFs
Ghost in the Shell Is a Brilliant Adaptation of the Original Anime
by Lewis Robinson
The original anime of Ghost in the Shell was a hit with fans for its portrayal of a young woman injured in an accident whose body has been enhanced with cyborg abilities. The 2017 film Ghost in the Shell is a brilliant adaptation of that anime and is sure to please diehard fans as well as those new to the genre.
Man Melding With Machine
This film tells the story of a cyborg named Major who has the superior body of a robot and the brain of a young woman once known as Kira Killian. The storyline deals with the inevitable blending of humanity with machines and the struggles that come with it.
Just as machine identity management protects the uniqueness of individual machines, Major must also learn her true identity and protect it from her creators. Her designers are trying to convince Major that the memories flashing in her brain are simply glitches and not to be trusted. As the story develops, Major gains an understanding of humanity as she delves into Kira's past.
Spectacular Cinematography
Directed by Rupert Sanders, Ghost in the Shell stands out because of its spectacular cinematography. With its gorgeous backdrop, the film is a treat to watch with scenes similar to the original anime but fleshed out in a way that's gripping and realistic. Included with the backdrop is a wide range of CGI (computer-generated imagery) that could have been grating in the wrong hands. Under Sanders' direction, they blend perfectly and are visually satisfying.
Realistic Character Development
The original anime of Ghost in the Shell was a hit with fans for its portrayal of a young woman injured in an accident whose body has been enhanced with cyborg abilities. The 2017 film Ghost in the Shell is a brilliant adaptation of that anime and is sure to please diehard fans as well as those new to the genre.
Man Melding With Machine
This film tells the story of a cyborg named Major who has the superior body of a robot and the brain of a young woman once known as Kira Killian. The storyline deals with the inevitable blending of humanity with machines and the struggles that come with it.
Just as machine identity management protects the uniqueness of individual machines, Major must also learn her true identity and protect it from her creators. Her designers are trying to convince Major that the memories flashing in her brain are simply glitches and not to be trusted. As the story develops, Major gains an understanding of humanity as she delves into Kira's past.
Spectacular Cinematography
Directed by Rupert Sanders, Ghost in the Shell stands out because of its spectacular cinematography. With its gorgeous backdrop, the film is a treat to watch with scenes similar to the original anime but fleshed out in a way that's gripping and realistic. Included with the backdrop is a wide range of CGI (computer-generated imagery) that could have been grating in the wrong hands. Under Sanders' direction, they blend perfectly and are visually satisfying.
Realistic Character Development
Major, portrayed by Scarlet Johannson, is a well-developed character coming from a troubled childhood. Through Johansson's skilled performance, you can understand the development of Major's character as she moves from a machine to something more. As Major learns about Kira's past, she develops a greater understanding of being human.
Excellent Acting
Just like in her roles as in the Marvel action films, Johansson's skills shine in the fight scenes in this film, but her portrayal of the conflicting emotions Major feels is also spot on.
Delightful Score
The score to the film, written by Clint Mansell, is beautiful and haunting, the perfect addition to this brilliant film. The music draws out the conflicting feelings Major has about the troubling world in which she has been thrust.
Well Constructed Story
The story is well constructed so that it draws viewers in from the first and keeps their attention throughout the movie. With exciting action scenes as well as gritty dialogue, those watching the film will be on the edge of their seats the entire time.
Straightforward Action Film With Twists
If you're looking for a classic, good guy/bad guy film, you won't go wrong with Ghost in the Shell. It also has enough twists to leave viewers breathless. Not everyone is who they seem, and this was never truer than in this film.
Less Than Thrilling Villains
While the villains are interesting and have great twists, they aren't as gripping as those in the original anime film. Still, this is a small flaw in an otherwise entertaining film.
A Little Controversy
While it hasn't bothered Japanese viewers, American audiences have voiced their distress over a white woman playing a Japanese character. If the film doesn't do as well at the box office as it should, this might be the explanation. Don't let this keep you from enjoying this film. Scarlett Johansson's portrayal more than makes up for her lack of Asian heritage.
Combine the beautiful score along with the exciting cinematography, and you have a film that's a delight to the senses. Ghost in the Shell is a true winner.
, is a well-developed character coming from a troubled childhood. Through Johannson's skilled performance, you can understand the development of Major's character as she moves from a machine to something more. As Major learns about Kira's past, she develops a greater understanding of being human.
Excellent Acting
Just like in her roles as in the Marvel action films, Johannson's skills shine in the fight scenes in this film, but her portrayal of the conflicting emotions Major feels is also spot on.
Delightful Score
The score to the film, written by Clint Mansell, is beautiful and haunting, the perfect addition to this brilliant film. The music draws out the conflicting feelings Major has about the troubling world in which she has been thrust.
Well Constructed Story
The story is well constructed so that it draws viewers in from the first and keeps their attention throughout the movie. With exciting action scenes as well as gritty dialogue, those watching the film will be on the edge of their seats the entire time.
Straightforward Action Film With Twists
If you're looking for a classic, good guy/bad guy film, you won't go wrong with Ghost in the Shell. It also has enough twists to leave viewers breathless. Not everyone is who they seem, and this was never truer than in this film.
Less Than Thrilling Villains
While the villains are interesting and have great twists, they aren't as gripping as those in the original anime film. Still, this is a small flaw in an otherwise entertaining film.
A Little Controversy
While it hasn't bothered Japanese viewers, American audiences have voiced their distress over a white woman playing a Japanese character. If the film doesn't do as well at the box office as it should, this might be the explanation. Don't let this keep you from enjoying this film. Scarlett Johansson's portrayal more than makes up for her lack of Asian heritage.
Combine the beautiful score along with the exciting cinematography, and you have a film that's a delight to the senses. Ghost in the Shell is a true winner.
