This evening I went to watch "Ghost in the shell".
[Spoiler alert: don't read it if you want no spoilers] ****************
The original "Ghost in the shell" was Japanese manga books and anime movies, plus a few anime series (that I do not completely follow. I am just a casual watcher after all. In spite of the fact that broad audience have a very wide range of previous knowledge, filmmakers have to make the movie for broader audience. Tough work.).
The original manga and anime movies presented a unique worldview and stunning visuals. They were brand new in 90's. I enjoyed them.
Then, 20 and some years later, this Hollywood live action version came out with Scarlett Johansson as Major/Motoko.
Visually it was stunning. The "blade runner"-esque cityscape was looking great with contemporary CGs and special effects. I watched it in 3D, also adding some dazzle. Actually, it was visual overload for me. It took me some time during the end title roll to get my left brain working and verbalize what the movie was about.
There were many scenes I recognize from the originals. Clearly they used them as homages or tributes. The Ghost in the shell worldview cliches were there, such as the jump off the building, SWAT team activities with upgraded weaponry, optical camouflage, invisible boxing in canal, mind hacking, sad garbage collection guy, battle against spider tank with arms breaking off, etc etc.
One idea they put in the center of this visually overwhelming story is her self-searching aspect (or I should say her soul/ghost searching). "She discovers her identity in this story."; that was the backbone of this Hollywood version movie and probably the one-liner pitch by the producers.
Come to think of it, I do not remember that the original versions ever focused on her background story and character in depth. To me, her character maintained some anonymity, intentional or not. In the sense, the Hollywood approach looked new compared with the originals.
The Hollywood movie presented an origin story for Major Motoko, in addition to visually mesmerizing the "Ghost in the Shell" worldview.
It was clever of the screenwriters/producers. Probably it makes it easier for them to make a sequel that way. Haha.
Another thing I noticed. The movie was so serious. There was no comic relief or a scene I could just laugh. Maybe that was another reason I needed to take some time during the end title roll before taking off.
But overall I enjoyed the movie. Recommended to sci-fi lovers, Scarlett Johansson fans, and people who liked Ghost in the Shell mangas and animes.
