Ghost in the Shell (2017)

Last updated:
September 23, 2024

Detailed Summary

The Birth of Major

Set in a futuristic world where human cybernetic enhancements are common, “Ghost in the Shell” introduces us to Major Mira Killian (Scarlett Johansson), the first successful fusion of a human brain and a fully synthetic body. Major’s body was salvaged after a terrorist attack, and she’s now a top agent for Section 9, an elite anti-terrorism unit.

The Terrorist Plot and Kuze

Major investigates a series of assassinations targeting executives from Hanka Robotics, the company responsible for her creation. She encounters a mysterious hacker named Kuze (Michael Pitt), who can control people’s minds and bodies remotely. As she hunts him down, Major begins experiencing glitches and memories that suggest her past isn’t what she was told.

Discovering the Truth

As Major delves deeper into Kuze’s origins, she learns that he was once human and subjected to illegal experiments by Hanka. In a twist, Major discovers that her own memories were altered—she was once a rebel named Motoko Kusanagi who was abducted and transformed into a weapon by Hanka.

The Final Confrontation

Major confronts Hanka’s CEO, Cutter (Peter Ferdinando), who orders her termination to protect the company’s secrets. With the help of her allies in Section 9, Major battles against a giant spider-tank in a visually stunning showdown. She ultimately defeats Cutter and reconciles with her true identity as Motoko.

Movie Ending

The movie ends with Major accepting both her past as Motoko Kusanagi and her present identity as Major Mira Killian. She decides to continue her work with Section 9, protecting the city from cyber-terrorism while embracing her unique place between human and machine.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, “Ghost in the Shell” does not have any post-credits scenes.

Type of Movie

The film is a science fiction action film with cyberpunk elements, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the ethics of human augmentation.

Cast

Scarlett Johansson as Major Mira Killian / Motoko Kusanagi
Pilou Asbæk as Batou
Takeshi Kitano as Chief Daisuke Aramaki
Juliette Binoche as Dr. Ouelet
Michael Pitt as Kuze
Chin Han as Togusa
Peter Ferdinando as Cutter

Film Music and Composer

Clint Mansell and Lorne Balfe composed the film’s score, blending orchestral and electronic elements to create a dystopian soundscape. The score also features the iconic theme from the 1995 anime, “Making of a Cyborg,” originally composed by Kenji Kawai.

Filming Locations

Wellington, New Zealand: Many of the urban scenes and CGI-heavy sequences were shot here, leveraging the city’s blend of modern and industrial architecture.
Hong Kong: The city’s neon-lit streets and dense cityscapes provided inspiration for the film’s futuristic setting, capturing the original anime’s aesthetic.

Awards and Nominations

While the film received praise for its visual effects, it did not win major awards. Instead, it earned nominations in several technical categories at smaller award events, focusing mainly on production design and visual effects.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Scarlett Johansson trained extensively in martial arts and gun choreography to prepare for the action-heavy role.
The film faced criticism for “whitewashing” due to casting Johansson as the lead in a role originally Japanese, sparking discussions about representation in Hollywood.
The design team drew heavily from the original anime’s visuals while modernizing the look for a global audience.

Inspirations and References

Original Source: The film is based on the 1995 anime of the same name, which in turn is adapted from Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga.
Cyberpunk Aesthetic: Heavily influenced by cyberpunk classics like “Blade Runner” (1982) in its exploration of futuristic cities, AI, and transhumanism.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While the final cut did not include major alternate endings, earlier scripts emphasized Motoko’s Japanese identity more strongly. The final version downplayed these elements.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Differences from the Anime: The 2017 adaptation simplifies many of the philosophical themes present in the anime, focusing more on action and spectacle. The original explored more complex issues like what it means to be human and the nature of consciousness.
Characterization: Major’s backstory and the inclusion of a human identity (Mira Killian) are significant departures from the anime’s more ambiguous depiction of Major’s origins.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The Opening Dive: Major’s descent from a skyscraper in her thermoptic suit, echoing the iconic scene from the 1995 anime.
Spider-Tank Battle: The climactic fight where Major battles a heavily armored spider-tank, a direct homage to the anime.
Major’s Revelation: The moment she learns her true identity as Motoko Kusanagi.

Iconic Quotes

“They didn’t save your life. They stole it.” – Kuze
“I am Major, and I give my consent.” – Major
“My mind, my thoughts, my memories, they’re all flawed.” – Major

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The thermoptic suit and Major’s silhouette during the rooftop dive are direct visual references to the original anime.
The spider-tank battle is a clear nod to the 1995 film’s climax.
The line “I am Major, and I give my consent” parallels a key theme from the anime about consent and autonomy in a world dominated by technology.

Trivia

The production team used practical effects to create Batou’s trademark cybernetic eyes instead of relying on CGI.
Takeshi Kitano’s character, Chief Aramaki, only speaks in Japanese throughout the film, even though everyone else responds in English.
The film’s visual style drew inspiration from artists like Syd Mead and Jean Giraud (Moebius), who were pioneers of the cyberpunk aesthetic.

Why Watch?

If you’re a fan of visually stunning sci-fi with a mix of action and thought-provoking themes, “Ghost in the Shell” offers a sleek, modern take on a cyberpunk classic. While it simplifies some of the original’s philosophical depth, it still delivers an engaging narrative on identity, memory, and the cost of technological advancement.