In this new version of Ghost in the Shell, Scarlett Johansson plays cyborg Major Motoko Kusanagi. Basically, the Major is a robot with a human brain. The Major works for Section 9, a Japanese defense agency focused on dealing with terrorism. And, for a country that strictly controls guns, there’s a vast array of weaponry in Ghost in the Shell. My favorite is the “spider tank.” Ghost in the Shell explores issues of identity and memory. And corporate corruption. There’s been some controversy about the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the Major instead of an Asian actor. This seems like a phony argument to me since the Major is basically a machine without sex or race. And, of course, I’m a big fan of Scarlett Johansson.
If you’re in the mood for an action movie with philosophical questions, Ghost in the Shell is the film for you. Some fans of the original 1995 animated version might not like that fact that the original ending has been changed to allow for a possible sequel. GRADE: B
I agree that it’s a ridiculous, phony argument about casting Scarlett, but I’m still going to pass on this one, at least until it comes on TV.
Jeff, I thought Scarlett gave a fine performance. But the movie remake doesn’t capture the subtlety of the original film.
Scarlett so seldom plays a regular woman nowadays.
Patti, I wish Scarlett would do more work with Woody Allen.
I’m taking a pass on this one, although I might watch when it comes to cable.
Bill, the 3-D effects in GHOST IN THE SHELL were impressive. But the overall movie is more cable-worthy than IMAX worthy.
I read the manga long ago, and liked it, and have, or at least had, the VHS of the original film, which I liked. This one, however, I’ll pass on.
Rick, 25 years ago GHOST IN THE SHELL was ground-breaking. Today, it’s rather tame. And, changing the ending for this movie version seems like a financial decision rather than an artistic one.