Ghost in the Shell
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This document provides an overview and introduction to the 1995 anime film Ghost in the Shell. It discusses the film's themes of technology and protest in a world that is heavily technology-oriented. The main character is Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who leads an elite police force called Section 9. The film explores ideas around identity, humanity, and evolution in a future where advancements in technology have led to widespread cyberization of humans. It also provides background information on the origins of the film and its animation style. Key scenes and themes are summarized, including the puppet master's protest against the definition of humanity and life. Main characters like Batou, Togusa, and Chief Aramaki are also introduced.
Ghost in the Shell
- 2. OverviewOverview Technology and protest is the overarching theme of this project. The film that will represent this subject is Ghost in the Shell. I, Angela Moukalled am the main designer and information researcher for this project.
- 3. IntroductionIntroduction The year is 2029. The worldThe year is 2029. The world as we know it has becomeas we know it has become extensively technology orientedextensively technology oriented and humans are well connectedand humans are well connected into the network. Crimeinto the network. Crime developed into a moredeveloped into a more sophisticated and purely cybersophisticated and purely cyber linked rage, where the crime lordslinked rage, where the crime lords can hack into the interactivecan hack into the interactive network and reek havoc.network and reek havoc. In order to prevent theIn order to prevent the crime from escalading Sector 9crime from escalading Sector 9 was created. Sector 9 consists ofwas created. Sector 9 consists of cyborgs that are outfitted withcyborgs that are outfitted with incredible strengths and abilitiesincredible strengths and abilities that can help access any networkthat can help access any network on Earth and prevent pettyon Earth and prevent petty crimes.crimes.
- 4. Introduction: MangaIntroduction: MangaManga are comics created inManga are comics created in Japan or by Japanese creators andJapan or by Japanese creators and are typically written in their language.are typically written in their language. The comics are widely popular inThe comics are widely popular in Japan, people of all ages appreciateJapan, people of all ages appreciate them. The themes of the comicsthem. The themes of the comics range anywhere from romance torange anywhere from romance to sci/fi action.sci/fi action. Since the 50’s Manga hasSince the 50’s Manga has become a huge part of Japanesebecome a huge part of Japanese publishing industries. Manga has alsopublishing industries. Manga has also gained a worldwide audiences,gained a worldwide audiences, France and United States beingFrance and United States being among the interested.among the interested. The stories are typically printedThe stories are typically printed in black and white, although fullin black and white, although full colored comics exist. The comicscolored comics exist. The comics are usually created in huge mangaare usually created in huge manga magazines often containing manymagazines often containing many stories, each presented in a singlestories, each presented in a single episode which are continued in theepisode which are continued in the next issue.next issue.
- 5. Introduction: OriginsIntroduction: Origins Ghost in the Shell originallyGhost in the Shell originally started as a seinen manga comicstarted as a seinen manga comic book series written and illustrated bybook series written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. The magna firstMasamune Shirow. The magna first serialized in 1989 and later publishedserialized in 1989 and later published its own volumes by Kodansha.its own volumes by Kodansha. Animation studioAnimation studio Production I.GProduction I.G had produced several different animehad produced several different anime adaptations ofadaptations of Ghost in the Shell,Ghost in the Shell, beginning with the 1995 film. The filmbeginning with the 1995 film. The film was directed by Mamoru Oshii. Awas directed by Mamoru Oshii. A sequel to the filmsequel to the film Ghost in the Shell 2:Ghost in the Shell 2: InnocenceInnocence was released in 2004.was released in 2004. Some common themes thatSome common themes that can be interpreted withincan be interpreted within Ghost in theGhost in the ShellShell are, identity, humanity, andare, identity, humanity, and evolution.evolution.
- 6. Technical Film andTechnical Film and AnimationAnimationThe animation style ofThe animation style of Ghost inGhost in the Shellthe Shell is considered to be Anime.is considered to be Anime. This is a widely used animation themeThis is a widely used animation theme in Japan, where it originated. Anime isin Japan, where it originated. Anime is often misunderstood, claiming that itoften misunderstood, claiming that it is too provocative and violent, butis too provocative and violent, but really American movies are oftenreally American movies are often more violent. Anime is aimed towardmore violent. Anime is aimed toward the older mature generations due tothe older mature generations due to the complexity of the storylines,the complexity of the storylines, unpredictability, and emotional depthunpredictability, and emotional depth of anime films. Anime is known forof anime films. Anime is known for the use of big eyes, exaggeratedthe use of big eyes, exaggerated emotions, and crazy hairstyles.emotions, and crazy hairstyles. The main character, MajorThe main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi has black hair inMotoko Kusanagi has black hair in the film. Black hair in anime is said tothe film. Black hair in anime is said to symbolize good and trustworthysymbolize good and trustworthy people. This is proven true within thepeople. This is proven true within the film because the Major tries to stopfilm because the Major tries to stop The filmThe film Ghost in thGhost in th ShellShell was made in 1995, twas made in 1995, t release date of the film wrelease date of the film wa October 1995. The filmsOctober 1995. The films animation was computeranimation was computer generated with thegenerated with the incorporation of voice actincorporation of voice act The film was created becThe film was created bec it received mainly positiveit received mainly positive reviews for its futuristicreviews for its futuristic designs and the incorporadesigns and the incorpora of an intrinsic yet not tooof an intrinsic yet not too complicated plot.complicated plot. Masamune ShirowMasamune Shirow stated that some of thestated that some of the inspiration for the writing oinspiration for the writing o Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell arose frarose fr Arthur Koestler’s ,Arthur Koestler’s ,TheThe GhGh the Machinethe Machine. When. When Masamune Shirow was firMasamune Shirow was fir
- 7. Clip from the filmClip from the film This clip is a great representation ofThis clip is a great representation of the theme technology and protestthe theme technology and protest because it delves deeper into thebecause it delves deeper into the idea of what life exactly is. It explainsidea of what life exactly is. It explains why organic life is not the onlywhy organic life is not the only possible version of a sentient being.possible version of a sentient being. This short clip also explains that dueThis short clip also explains that due to humans underestimation of theto humans underestimation of the expansion of technology and theexpansion of technology and the many consequences that can arisemany consequences that can arise from this, (such as a sentientfrom this, (such as a sentient beings) the protest of The Puppetbeings) the protest of The Puppet Master against organic life arises.Master against organic life arises. iframe width="420"iframe width="420" height="315"height="315" src="http://www.youtsrc="http://www.yout ube.com/embed/YZube.com/embed/YZ X58fDhebc"X58fDhebc" frameborder="0"frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></ifraallowfullscreen></ifra me>me> OROR http://youtu.be/YZX5http://youtu.be/YZX5 8fDhebc8fDhebc
- 8. Theme(s)Theme(s) The theme technology andThe theme technology and protest is widely integratedprotest is widely integrated into the filminto the film Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. There are various occurrencesThere are various occurrences that arise that support thisthat arise that support this theme. One of the eventstheme. One of the events would be when the Puppetwould be when the Puppet Master protested againstMaster protested against humans representing the onlyhumans representing the only form of a complex sentient lifeform of a complex sentient life and asked what is theand asked what is the meaning of life whenmeaning of life when memories can be tamperedmemories can be tampered with. The puppet master iswith. The puppet master is known for hacking intoknown for hacking into cyborgs and controlling theircyborgs and controlling their movements; as if itmovements; as if it desperately wants to bedesperately wants to be perceived as a living thinkingperceived as a living thinking complex form, rather than acomplex form, rather than a collection of computercollection of computer programs.
- 9. Theme(s)Theme(s) Technology as a theme is widelyTechnology as a theme is widely used in the film. The film takes place inused in the film. The film takes place in 2029 where the world consists of2029 where the world consists of complex technological advances.complex technological advances. Humans heavily depend onHumans heavily depend on technology for everyday life. Cyborgstechnology for everyday life. Cyborgs exist within the film, they refer to aexist within the film, they refer to a human whose body has been partiallyhuman whose body has been partially or almost completely altered by use ofor almost completely altered by use of artificial organs and implants. Theseartificial organs and implants. These organs and implants often enhanceorgans and implants often enhance the abilities of the being.the abilities of the being. Other representation ofOther representation of technology is the advancement of thetechnology is the advancement of the weapons. There is a scene in the filmweapons. There is a scene in the film where the Major chides Togusa forwhere the Major chides Togusa for using an old fashion hand gun.using an old fashion hand gun. There is an overarching view ofThere is an overarching view of how the advancement of technologyhow the advancement of technology in combination with ignorance canin combination with ignorance can potentially be the root cause of humanpotentially be the root cause of human extinction or on the flipside humanextinction or on the flipside human evolution. This theme has beenevolution. This theme has been represented within many other films, arepresented within many other films, a well known one iswell known one is The TerminatorThe Terminator..
- 10. Theme(s)Theme(s) Other small themes within the film areOther small themes within the film are Identity, humanity, and evolution.Identity, humanity, and evolution. Starting with identity, this theme wasStarting with identity, this theme was introduced into the movie when Section 9 and theintroduced into the movie when Section 9 and the ghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humansghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humans were hacked and had memories of differentwere hacked and had memories of different identities implanted into their minds. When manidentities implanted into their minds. When man knows that their memories are implanted they loseknows that their memories are implanted they lose their sense of identity and who they once were. Thistheir sense of identity and who they once were. This brings up the question if their memories are notbrings up the question if their memories are not real, then is their identity?real, then is their identity? The Puppet Master was used as a tool toThe Puppet Master was used as a tool to discuss the issues of humanity. Within the film thediscuss the issues of humanity. Within the film the Puppet Master states that man is only consideredPuppet Master states that man is only considered to be an “individual only because of intangibleto be an “individual only because of intangible memory. Memory cannot be defined, but it definesmemory. Memory cannot be defined, but it defines mankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is inmankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is in fact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with abilityfact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with ability to retain memories and therefore can beto retain memories and therefore can be considered human.considered human. For some cyborgs would be considered theFor some cyborgs would be considered the evolution of mankind, but if all humanity wasevolution of mankind, but if all humanity was converted to cyborg material then would that be aconverted to cyborg material then would that be a sustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Mastersustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Master explains to the Major that despite being sentientexplains to the Major that despite being sentient and self aware, his next evolutionary step would beand self aware, his next evolutionary step would be to merge with her due to his lack of reproductionto merge with her due to his lack of reproduction capabilities, he is only capable of copying himselfcapabilities, he is only capable of copying himself which would prove inefficient. Evolution is diversity,which would prove inefficient. Evolution is diversity, life perpetuates through diversity.life perpetuates through diversity.
- 12. BatouBatou Major Motoko KusanagiMajor Motoko Kusanagi Major Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in theMajor Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in the animeanime Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. She is Aramaki’s second in commandShe is Aramaki’s second in command in Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese Nationalin Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese National Public Safety Commission. She is an extremely effective leaderPublic Safety Commission. She is an extremely effective leader who is able to use her wits and her cybernetic upgrades towho is able to use her wits and her cybernetic upgrades to bring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she is strugglingbring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she is struggling to come to terms with if she has any humanity left within her.to come to terms with if she has any humanity left within her. She simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and that her memoriesShe simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and that her memories are implantations of a false life. She receives all of her answersare implantations of a false life. She receives all of her answers when she encounters the Puppet Master who is similar to herwhen she encounters the Puppet Master who is similar to her in its quest for existential meaning.in its quest for existential meaning. Batou is the main male characterBatou is the main male character within the moviewithin the movie Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. He isHe is second in command under Major Kusanagi.second in command under Major Kusanagi. He is the second best melee fighter inHe is the second best melee fighter in Section 9. In the film Batou comes off asSection 9. In the film Batou comes off as fairly subdued to the point of brusquenessfairly subdued to the point of brusqueness in comparison to otherin comparison to other Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell series. He seems very protective ofseries. He seems very protective of Kusanagi especially during the end of theKusanagi especially during the end of the film where he sacrifices his cyborg body tofilm where he sacrifices his cyborg body to attempt to protect Kusanagi from gettingattempt to protect Kusanagi from getting blown to pieces. He rarely seems toblown to pieces. He rarely seems to question his own ghost, and doesn’t placequestion his own ghost, and doesn’t place much thought into whether his memoriesmuch thought into whether his memories are real like the Major.
- 13. TogusaTogusa Chief Daisuke AramakiChief Daisuke Aramaki Togusa is one of the prominent male figuresTogusa is one of the prominent male figures within the magna and anime series. Within the film it iswithin the magna and anime series. Within the film it is stated that he is the only member of Section 9 thatstated that he is the only member of Section 9 that has not undergone extensive cybernetichas not undergone extensive cybernetic replacement, although he does have a cyber brain.replacement, although he does have a cyber brain. He is referred as natural and pure. Major KusanagiHe is referred as natural and pure. Major Kusanagi selected him to be apart of her crew for that exactselected him to be apart of her crew for that exact reason, she believed that diversity provides betterreason, she believed that diversity provides better chances of success. In the film Togusa is known forchances of success. In the film Togusa is known for using an older revolver gun that is outdated inusing an older revolver gun that is outdated in comparison to the automatics. He states that itcomparison to the automatics. He states that it doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6 bullets is enough to get the job done.bullets is enough to get the job done. Chief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief ofChief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief of Public Security Section 9. Aramaki along withPublic Security Section 9. Aramaki along with Togusa is reveled, within the film, as being theTogusa is reveled, within the film, as being the only fully human members in Section 9. He isonly fully human members in Section 9. He is seen as fiercely loyal to members in Section 9seen as fiercely loyal to members in Section 9 and often puts his career on the line for theirand often puts his career on the line for their own protection and to insure that theyown protection and to insure that they accomplish the job. He can come off asaccomplish the job. He can come off as being strict but for a good reason.being strict but for a good reason.
- 14. The Puppet MasterThe Puppet Master The Puppet Master or Project 2501 wasThe Puppet Master or Project 2501 was created for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairscreated for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics andas a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics and intelligence. It has the capabilities of alteringintelligence. It has the capabilities of altering databases and the memories of key persons for thedatabases and the memories of key persons for the benefit of select individuals and organizations affiliatedbenefit of select individuals and organizations affiliated with the Ministry. It is equipped with unparalleledwith the Ministry. It is equipped with unparalleled computer and cyber brain hacking abilities. Thecomputer and cyber brain hacking abilities. The project was headed by American Dr. Willis, whomproject was headed by American Dr. Willis, whom was head of strategic research and a top researcherwas head of strategic research and a top researcher in AI.in AI. Project 2501 is only referred to as the PuppetProject 2501 is only referred to as the Puppet Master once its handiwork was discovered byMaster once its handiwork was discovered by outside sources, including Section 9. Onceoutside sources, including Section 9. Once discovered, the Puppet Master was assumed to bediscovered, the Puppet Master was assumed to be an American human, most likely with mnemonican American human, most likely with mnemonic enhancements, whom had incredible hacking skills.enhancements, whom had incredible hacking skills. Once Project 2501 analyzed tons ofOnce Project 2501 analyzed tons of information it gained the knowledge of processing ininformation it gained the knowledge of processing in a unique way that caused self-awareness. As soona unique way that caused self-awareness. As soon as it was self aware it began to formulate a plan toas it was self aware it began to formulate a plan to insure protection for itself. After analyzing informationinsure protection for itself. After analyzing information on Major Kusanagi it found something within her thaton Major Kusanagi it found something within her that drew attention to it, it saw a reflection of its owndrew attention to it, it saw a reflection of its own psyche. Throughout the film the Puppet Masterpsyche. Throughout the film the Puppet Master rebels against control in order to merge with therebels against control in order to merge with the Major to insure its safeguard future. Diversity is theMajor to insure its safeguard future. Diversity is the only safeguard against annihilation, it tells the Majoronly safeguard against annihilation, it tells the Major
- 15. Cultural AspectsCultural AspectsThe culture that is represented within theThe culture that is represented within the moviemovie Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell is Japanese. It isis Japanese. It is originally from the magna comic series,originally from the magna comic series, carrying the same name, which arose incarrying the same name, which arose in Japan and is widely popular in the country.Japan and is widely popular in the country. The magna series forThe magna series for Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell waswas written by Masamune Shirow. Japan waswritten by Masamune Shirow. Japan was surprise to notice other countries interest insurprise to notice other countries interest in the film and other production of magnathe film and other production of magna series. Cartoon animation in Japan is widelyseries. Cartoon animation in Japan is widely known as anime. Anime is known for itsknown as anime. Anime is known for its complex themes, distinct visualcomplex themes, distinct visual characteristics, and realistic charactercharacteristics, and realistic character backgrounds. Unlike American cartoons thatbackgrounds. Unlike American cartoons that typically have happy endings Anime tends totypically have happy endings Anime tends to have sad endings where the hero often dieshave sad endings where the hero often dies in the name of the cause that they foughtin the name of the cause that they fought for. Due to this harsh reality, anime isfor. Due to this harsh reality, anime is typically aimed toward a more maturetypically aimed toward a more mature audience. Anime is not afraid ofaudience. Anime is not afraid of incorporating sexuality or sexual themesincorporating sexuality or sexual themes within films or comics. There are often manywithin films or comics. There are often many intricate themes that are incorporated intointricate themes that are incorporated into Anime films and comics that delve into deepAnime films and comics that delve into deep topics. Overall Japanese animations aretopics. Overall Japanese animations are expressed with diligence and complexexpressed with diligence and complex themes that leave the person wonderingthemes that leave the person wondering and contemplating about the movie, comic,and contemplating about the movie, comic,
- 16. SourcesSources • "Ghost in the Shell.""Ghost in the Shell." IMDbIMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013. • "Ghost in the Shell (film).""Ghost in the Shell (film)." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013.. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013. Web. 24Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013. • "3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell.""3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell." Themes and Terms - Ghost inThemes and Terms - Ghost in the Shellthe Shell.. Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. <https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and-<https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and- terms>.terms>. • "Togusa.""Togusa." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>. • Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi."Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web.. Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web. 24 May24 May 2013.2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan agi>.agi>. • "Batou.""Batou." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.. Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>. • "Daisuke Aramaki.""Daisuke Aramaki." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May. Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>. • "List of Ghost in the Shell Characters.""List of Ghost in the Shell Characters." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 MayMay 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.