Ghost in the Shell Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cyborg cop with amnesia shoots robot geishas and then finds out she used to be a teenage rebel, so she gets mad at her doctor and also some evil dude in a tank shows up, I think.

🍿 Ghost in the Shell: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Creation of the Major

In a near-future world where cybernetic augmentation is commonplace, Mira Killian is resurrected as the first of her kind: a human brain transplanted into a fully synthetic body. This project, spearheaded by Hanka Robotics, aims to create a perfect soldier to combat cyber-terrorism. Dr. Ouelet oversees the procedure, while Hanka CEO Cutter views Mira as a valuable asset. Mira, now known as the Major, grapples with fragmented memories and a sense of disconnect from her past. She becomes a key operative in Section 9, an elite anti-terrorist unit led by Chief Aramaki, working alongside colleagues like Batou and Togusa.

Investigating Kuze

The Major and Section 9 investigate a series of cyber-attacks orchestrated by a mysterious hacker named Kuze. As they delve deeper, they uncover a conspiracy linked to Hanka Robotics and Project 2571, the program that created the Major. Kuze’s motives become increasingly clear as he targets individuals involved in the project, revealing a shared history with the Major. Kuze and the Major are revealed to be former subjects of Hanka Robotics’ unethical experiments, which sought to create cyborg soldiers. Kuze, like the Major, had his brain implanted into a synthetic body, but his project was deemed a failure. This shared past fuels Kuze’s desire for revenge and his connection to the Major.

Unveiling the Truth

The Major confronts Dr. Ouelet, who reveals the truth about her past. The Major learns that she wasn’t rescued from a terrorist attack, but was actually Motoko Kusanagi, a runaway who was forcibly turned into a cyborg. Her memories were fabricated to control her and make her a compliant weapon for Hanka Robotics. Betrayed and disillusioned, the Major questions her identity and purpose. She embarks on a quest to reclaim her past and confront those who stole her life. This leads to a confrontation with Cutter and a decision to expose Hanka’s unethical practices.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Major (Scarlett Johansson): A cyber-enhanced human soldier struggling with her identity and past, while fighting crime in a futuristic world.
• Batou (Pilou Asbæk): A loyal and skilled operative in Section 9, serving as the Major’s partner and closest confidant.
• Aramaki (Takeshi Kitano): The stoic and experienced Chief of Section 9, dedicated to protecting the city from cyber threats.
• Kuze (Michael Pitt): A cyber-terrorist and a failed Hanka test subject, seeking revenge against the corporation.
• Dr. Ouelet (Juliette Binoche): The scientist responsible for creating the Major’s cybernetic body, wrestling with ethical implications.
• Cutter (Peter Ferdinando): The ruthless CEO of Hanka Robotics, prioritizing corporate interests above human lives.
• Togusa (Chin Han): A human member of Section 9 relying on traditional investigation skills in a cybernetic world.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Ouelet: “We cling to memories as if they define us, but… they really don’t. What we do is what defines us.” – Dr. Ouelet explains to Major that her actions and choices are more important than her implanted memories in shaping her identity.
• Major: “They did not save your life. They stole it.” – Reflects the Major’s growing realization of the unethical nature of Hanka Robotics’ actions and her manufactured existence.
• Kuze: “Everything they told you was a lie.” – Kuze tries to persuade Major to uncover the truth about her origins and question her reality.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $110,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,563,557
• Worldwide Gross: $169,846,945

💥 Ghost in the Shell Reviews

Personal Review

I went in expecting to hate it because of the controversy, but honestly, I was pleasantly surprised. Visually, it’s breathtaking – the cityscapes are incredible. The story does simplify the original, which is a bummer, but I still found myself getting invested in Major’s journey. The scene where she connects with her mother got me choked up! It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely worth a watch if you’re into cyberpunk.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of cyberpunk and science fiction”
  • “Viewers interested in visually stunning films”
  • “Those familiar with the Ghost in the Shell franchise”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense action violence”
  • “Some disturbing images”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Visually stunning, the film struggles to recapture the philosophical depth of the anime, resulting in a somewhat hollow experience. Johansson delivers a committed performance, but the narrative feels overly simplified.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “While aesthetically impressive, ‘Ghost in the Shell’ lacks the intellectual rigor of its source material. The action sequences are well-executed, but the emotional core feels underdeveloped, leaving the audience detached.
• IGN: “A visually captivating adaptation that captures the aesthetic of the anime, though it stumbles when attempting to replicate the complex themes. The casting choices were not the best, but the movie is still interesting to watch.

Audience Reactions

The cyberpunk aesthetic and visual effects were amazing: Viewers loved the film’s stunning visuals and futuristic world.

Scarlett Johansson’s portrayal of The Major had a emotional impact on viewers: A lot of viewers were not happy that the movie did not follow the original movie more closely. It strayed away to much in there eyes and gave it a bad movie score.

Overall Consensus: Visually impressive, but falls short in capturing the philosophical depth of the original anime. A decent cyberpunk action film for casual viewers, but may disappoint hardcore fans.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film incorporates numerous visual references and shot-for-shot recreations from the original 1995 anime film, aiming to pay homage to its source material.”
• “Weta Workshop, known for their work on ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, was responsible for creating the practical effects and prosthetics for the film.”
• “Director Rupert Sanders aimed to create a visually stunning world, drawing inspiration from Tokyo’s vibrant streetscapes and blending it with futuristic cyberpunk elements.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ghost in the Shell?

Ghost in the Shell (2017) is currently available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on Paramount+ with a subscription. It’s also available to rent or buy on demand through services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ghost in the Shell, you might like these similar films:

• Blade Runner (1982): Shares a similar neo-noir, cyberpunk setting with themes of identity, artificial intelligence, and what it means to be human.
• The Matrix (1999): Explores themes of simulated reality, questioning what is real, and fighting against a system of control.
• Minority Report (2002): Presents a futuristic world with advanced technology and explores themes of free will versus determinism.

🛒 Ghost in the Shell Related Products

• Ghost in the Shell (1995) [Blu-ray]: The original anime film that inspired the live-action movie. A must-have for fans seeking a deeper exploration of the themes and visuals.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – First Assault Online: A first-person shooter game set in the Ghost in the Shell universe. Includes cybernetic augmentations and tactical combat.
• Weta Workshop Ghost in the Shell Geisha Mask Replica: A highly detailed replica of the Geisha robot mask from the film. A great collector’s item for fans of the cyberpunk aesthetic.
• Ghost in the Shell Manga Box Set: The complete manga series by Masamune Shirow, providing the original story and artwork. Excellent for delving deeper into the characters and plot.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ghost in the Shell features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Utai IV – Reawakening” – performed by Kenji Kawai
• “Becoming” – performed by Clint Mansell and Lorne Balfe
• “Shelling Sequence” – performed by Clint Mansell and Lorne Balfe
• “The Choice” – performed by Above & Beyond feat. Zoë Johnston
• “Where is my Mind?” – performed by Pixies
• “Oneirology” – performed by Goldfrapp
• “Bedshaped” – performed by Keane
• “Midnight City” – performed by M83

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Scarlett Johansson’s 10 Sexiest Movie Roles

Hey! Check out this cool video that compiles Scarlett Johansson’s sexiest movie roles and ranks them. You won’t believe which one from *Ghost in the Shell* made the cut!

Ghost in the Shell – Movie Review

If you’re curious about what a famous movie critic thinks about *Ghost in the Shell,* then you have to watch this review. Chris Stuckmann gives his honest opinion on the film, and you might be surprised by his take.

Ghost In The Shell – Death By Invisibility | Anatomy Of A Failure

Have you ever wondered why *Ghost in the Shell* didn’t live up to the hype? This video takes an in-depth look at the movie’s many problems and explains why it ultimately failed to connect with audiences.

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