Movies

Why Ghost in the Shell 2017 Is Surprisingly Better Than You Think

BBG News

While the original “Ghost in the Shell” anime from 1995 is widely recognized as a classic in the realm of cyberpunk culture, the 2017 live-action adaptation hasn’t quite earned that status yet, despite its notable qualities. The manga, first published in 1989, laid the foundation for this genre and birthed the original anime movie. The sequel, “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence” from 2004, received mixed reviews and holds a 65% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, among all the Ghost in the Shell films, it is the American live-action version that seems to be most misconstrued.

In the creation of the 2017 version of Ghost in the Shell, details such as Ishikawa’s background and the Major’s hairstyle were carefully considered. However, the film received criticism from manga readers, anime enthusiasts, and many valid reasons. Directed by Rupert Sanders and written by Jamie Moss, the movie was headlined by American actress Scarlett Johansson as the lead character, the Major. Johansson portrayed a powerful presence as the cyborg counter-terrorism agent. However, the choice to cast Johansson sparked justified concerns about whitewashing, overshadowing the film’s accomplishments.

Ghost In The Shell 2017 Has A Lot Going For It

Rupert Sanders’ Ghost In The Shell Is Unique In Many Ways

Despite some shortcomings, the 2017 film adaptation of Rupert Sanders’ Ghost in the Shell boasts several notable accomplishments. To fully immerse yourself in the story as intended, it’s recommended to reacquaint yourself with Masamune Shirow’s seminal Ghost in the Shell manga, as well as the 1995 and 2004 adaptations. This way, you can experience the original vision brought to life by its Japanese creators.

Simultaneously, it’s worth appreciating the 2017 version for its robust science fiction aesthetic, striking visuals, and impressive special effects. While not everyone may have appreciated the film’s visual effects, they are undeniably of a high quality on the whole.

In a sleek and stylish manner, reminiscent of cinema, and with a cool color scheme, the movie effectively conveys its cyberpunk narrative. The design of Johansson’s character, Major, aligns visually and thematically with the manga and anime, even though the film strays from the original storyline in several instances and falls short in certain areas of faithfulness. However, it’s important to note that the movie wasn’t primarily aimed at being a faithful live-action adaptation of the manga or anime. The villain in the live-action version of Ghost in the Shell offers an intriguing twist, drawing from aspects of the anime while introducing a fresh perspective. This film delivers high-octane action scenes typically associated with Hollywood productions.

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

Comparisons to the original anime or manga are essential for a fair evaluation of the 2017 Ghost in the Shell live-action film. However, viewers might find it more pleasurable if they focus on the movie’s unique qualities instead. While understanding the context enriches the viewing experience, the movie is also enjoyable when watched independently.

As a die-hard fan of cinema, I must say that this version of Ghost in the Shell didn’t aim for a strict replication of Shirow’s narrative but instead crafted a fresh and unique tale within the franchise. This innovative approach has piqued interest among new audiences, encouraging them to explore the manga and anime origins of Ghost in the Shell. While the soundtrack and action sequences might not have been the best sci-fi offerings of the year, they certainly provided an enjoyable experience that merits a thoughtful evaluation compared to the original Japanese Ghost in the Shell content.

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2025-05-18 02:08

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