Movie Review: Ghost in the Shell (2017) – Identifying Its Strengths

Ghost in the Shell (2017), directed by Rupert Sanders and based on the iconic 1995 Japanese animated film of the same name, is a visually stunning sci-fi thriller that tackles complex themes of identity, technology, and human consciousness. The film stars Scarlett Johansson as Major Mira Killian, a cyborg who is part of an elite counter-cyberterrorist organization. As she unravels the truth behind her origins, the film explores deep philosophical questions about what it means to be human in a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence.

In this review, we will delve into the strengths of Ghost in the Shell, examining its visual spectacle, exploration of technology and humanity, character development, and its faithfulness to the source material, while considering its impact in the context of modern sci-fi cinema.

1. Stunning Visuals and World-Building

One of the most prominent strengths of Ghost in the Shell is its exceptional visual design. The film, set in a dystopian future where technology has drastically reshaped society, excels in creating a visually immersive world that blends traditional Japanese cyberpunk aesthetics with cutting-edge CGI. The futuristic cityscapes are breathtaking, featuring towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and intricate details that capture the essence of a hyper-connected world.

The visual effects team does an excellent job in translating the animated world of Ghost in the Shell into live-action, maintaining the surreal, yet grounded feel of the original film while enhancing the experience with modern filmmaking techniques. The iconic scenes, such as Major Killian’s dives into the virtual world, are executed with mesmerizing effects, making the film a visual feast for viewers.

For viewers who appreciate films with strong visual storytelling, world-building, and futuristic aesthetics, Ghost in the Shell provides a remarkable display of how cyberpunk worlds can be effectively brought to life with modern technology.

2. Philosophical Exploration of Identity and Humanity

A major strength of Ghost in the Shell lies in its deep philosophical exploration of identity, consciousness, and what it means to be human in an increasingly digitized world. The central conflict revolves around Major Killian’s quest to uncover her true identity, as she grapples with the conflict between her human memories and her cybernetic body. This theme of self-discovery and the tension between the organic and artificial is timeless, drawing comparisons to other great sci-fi works like Blade Runner.

The film poses important questions about the nature of consciousness: if a person’s mind can be transferred into a machine, is the resulting entity still human? What happens to individual identity when one's physical body is replaced by technology? These are poignant questions that are not only central to the narrative but are also highly relevant in today’s world, where advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics challenge traditional notions of humanity.

For viewers who enjoy films that explore deep philosophical questions about technology, consciousness, and identity, Ghost in the Shell provides a thought-provoking narrative that invites reflection on the intersection of humanity and technology.

3. Strong Lead Performance: Scarlett Johansson as Major Mira Killian

Scarlett Johansson’s performance as Major Mira Killian is another standout feature of the film. Johansson brings depth and emotional complexity to the role of a cyborg struggling with the remnants of her human past while living in a future where she is both part human and part machine. Her portrayal captures the internal conflict of a character who is trying to understand her identity in a world where she is constantly reminded of her cybernetic nature.

While some critics have raised concerns about Johansson’s casting in the role of a character with an originally Asian background, her performance as a strong, stoic, and vulnerable protagonist is undeniable. Johansson's portrayal of Major is one of the emotional anchors of the film, and her ability to convey the complexities of her character—caught between her human memories and mechanical enhancements—adds a layer of emotional depth to the film.

For viewers who appreciate strong lead performances in sci-fi films or films where the protagonist grapples with personal identity, Johansson’s portrayal of Major in Ghost in the Shell is a testament to her ability to navigate complex roles in genre films.

4. Faithful Adaptation with Thoughtful Additions

One of the key strengths of Ghost in the Shell is its faithfulness to the original 1995 anime film, while also adding new elements to enhance the story for modern audiences. The film retains the core themes of the original anime, including the exploration of the human mind, the question of self-awareness, and the consequences of technological advancement. It also preserves several iconic visuals and moments, such as Major's iconic white body suit and the haunting theme music.

However, the 2017 film takes steps to expand the narrative. The addition of a new subplot involving the antagonist, Cutter (played by Peter Ferdinando), and his company, Hanka Robotics, provides a more clear-cut conflict and personal motivation for Major’s journey. While some purists may feel that this addition shifts the focus from the philosophical depth of the original, it offers a more streamlined and accessible story for general audiences without sacrificing the film’s core themes.

For viewers who enjoy faithful adaptations with meaningful updates to the source material or films that manage to capture the essence of a beloved anime while introducing fresh elements, Ghost in the Shell delivers a satisfying balance of reverence for the original while offering a new lens for contemporary audiences.

5. Cinematic Score and Sound Design

The sound design and score of Ghost in the Shell are other standout elements that enhance its emotional and thematic depth. The film’s music, composed by Cliff Martinez, perfectly complements the film’s futuristic setting, with a score that is atmospheric, haunting, and at times, tense. The use of electronic music gives the film a distinct cyberpunk feel, reinforcing its exploration of a world where technology and humanity are intertwined.

The sound design also plays an important role in the immersive experience, with the film’s use of sound effects and environmental sounds helping to build the world of the film and create tension in key scenes. The combination of visuals, sound, and score works harmoniously to create a fully realized cinematic experience that transports viewers into the futuristic world of Ghost in the Shell.

For viewers who appreciate strong sound design and evocative scores in films, Ghost in the Shell excels in creating an auditory landscape that deepens the emotional impact and adds to the immersive experience.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, Ghost in the Shell (2017) is a visually stunning and philosophically rich sci-fi film that succeeds in translating its iconic anime predecessor into a live-action format. The film’s strengths lie in its breathtaking visuals, its exploration of the human condition in the age of artificial intelligence, Scarlett Johansson’s strong performance, and its thoughtful expansion of the original story. While the film may have faced some criticisms regarding its handling of race and the addition of new plot elements, it remains a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of identity, technology, and what it means to be human.

For viewers interested in films that explore the intersection of technology, humanity, and identity, Ghost in the Shell is a visually impressive and intellectually stimulating film that tackles some of the most relevant questions of our time. Its philosophical depth and striking visuals make it a must-watch for fans of the cyberpunk genre and thought-provoking sci-fi films.