Ghost in the Shell may be a classic anime, but the 2017 live-action movie is not quite considered a classic, even though it certainly had its merits. The Ghost in the Shell manga emerged in 1989, defining cyberpunk culture for many at the time and resulting in the iconic 1995 anime movie. The follow-up movie, 2004’s Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence had mixed reviews and has a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. And yet, out of all the Ghost in the Shell movies, the American live-action picture may be the most misunderstood.
From Ishikawa’s backstory in Ghost in the Shell to the Major’s haircut, many elements of the 2017 picture were thought through in great detail. But it got a lot of flak from fans from manga readers and anime watchers for many fair reasons. Directed by Rupert Sanders and written by Jamie Moss, the movie famously starred American actress Scarlett Johansson in the lead role of the Major. Johansson cut an imposing figure as the cybernetically enhanced counter-terrorism operative. However, Johansson’s casting led to fair claims of whitewashing, obscuring the movie’s achievements.
Ghost In The Shell 2017 Has A Lot Going For It
Rupert Sanders’ Ghost In The Shell Is Unique In Many Ways
The Rupert Sanders Ghost in the Shell movie has many unique achievements, despite its failings. Viewers should be reminded to revisit Masamune Shirow’s epic Ghost in the Shell manga if watching the 2017 movie, as well as the 1995 movie, and its 2004 sequel. This ensures that they can enjoy the story as originally intended, with its Japanese artists backing it. Meanwhile, the 2017 picture can definitely be appreciated for its strong sci-fi aesthetic, visuals, and effects. Although the movie’s visual effects weren’t appreciated by all, they are of a high general quality.
Utilizing a crisp cinematographic sheen and a cool palette, the movie is well-suited to telling its cyberpunk story. The design of Johansson’s Major visually and tonally fits with the manga and anime, despite the movie’s diversions from the original story and significant lapses in faithfulness. But the movie didn’t set out, necessarily, to be a faithful live-action adaptation of the manga or anime. The villain in the live-action Ghost in the Shell adds an intriguing element, riffing off elements of the anime, but adding a new spin. This story brings strong Hollywood action scenes to the table.
Ghost In The Shell’s Live-Action Movie Is Better When Viewed On Its Own
The Live-Action Ghost In The Shell Is Its Own Story
Being based on one of the best anime of all time, the live-action Ghost in the Shell movie from 2017 inevitably suffered from comparisons to the anime. Certain comparisons to the anime and manga are, of course, needed to judge the movie fairly. This maintains high standards in Hollywood, both narratively and ethically. However, viewers may be more likely to enjoy the movie if they appreciate it on its own merits. While it is important to understand the context of the movie to take something away from it, it is quite enjoyable as a viewing experience in its own right.
Viewers may be more likely to enjoy the movie if they appreciate it on its own merits.
In not overtly seeking faithfulness as an adaptation of Shirow’s story, the movie set itself apart and managed to tell a story that was new and original. This brought something different to the Ghost in the Shell franchise, building on its lore and legend, inspiring a new demographic to look to the manga and anime. The soundtrack and smart action scenes weren’t among the best of the year when it came to sci-fi, but they were certainly entertaining and warrant a fair examination alongside the Japanese Ghost in the Shell material.
