Ghost In The Shell: El Alma De La Maquina (4K UHD + BD) [Blu-ray]

I have to admit, my expectations for this film were lower than average, having heard all of the negative press. I saw it in 3D IMAX at the theater on opening weekend, and social media had so destroyed the hype for this film that there were all of 10 people in the audience.

I was shocked at how much I loved this film. It pulled me in and won me over. Scarlett Johansson is perfectly cast in the lead role, and carries this movie with all of the existential angst that she is meant to.

I would compare this movie to Blade Runner, it's that good. I saw BR in the theater as a kid, and was similarly blown away by it. But likewise, BR received a lot of negative press for being misunderstood by the critics. I'm not sure that this film will be able to recover from all of the negativity heaped on it, but it deserves to.

It's a real shame, because the end of the film attempts to set up for a sequel. But that sequel is never going to happen.

If I may address some of the criticisms of this film:
* "Whitewashing" of the lead character - The characters in the original story are multicultural. Johansson's character is wearing a "shell"; even though she was born Japanese, she's not supposed to be identifiable. Nowhere in the manga or the animated film is it stated that the character has to have a Japanese shell.
* It's not close enough to the source - Well, the anime isn't the original version, anyway. If you were wanting a shot-for-shot remake of the anime, go watch the anime. The original version is the manga book, and the anime takes great liberties from the manga.
* "Yeah, but the anime!" - What works in a Japanese anime isn't going to work in a live-action production. But if I may make another comparison, the Marvel films take a LOT of liberties with the characters and the universe, in order to make comic book films that work in live action. This film clearly establishes its own voice and its own universe, and does it quite well.

This is a fantastic sci-fi movie about what it is to be human, and the meaning of self. As you'll see repeated many times, the visuals are phenomenal, but the soundtrack is not to be bested easily either. Analog synth notes meld seamlessly with the visuals and lend extra weight to the storytelling.

This movie is best seen with a fresh set of eyes, it's a differing story than the source material and, instead, draws inspiration from the same philosophical notes of the human mind in a shell.

Do not heed the tabloid-trash controversy surrounding the supposed "white-washing" of this film. There is absolutely no credence to the claims. I hate to have to discuss blogger politics in my review but, seeing as it's a major force harming the movie, I feel I have to. The lead is white, yes, but she's a female lead in a movie that has a considerably massive Eastern cast. Considering this is a movie made in the west, by Hollywood, that's pretty damn admirable.

For those unfamiliar with the 1995 anime film, Ghost in the Shell, the story is well paced and easy to understand for newcomers. For fans this is a very special experience as the story has a new but familiar feeling.

Having seen both original Ghost in the Shell series and movies, I think this live action adaptation did the best job possible in terms of bringing the anime to life. Much of the live action is very much the same as the animated movie. There were a few tweaks to the storyline made but is catering to a mainstream audience with the main iconic action scenes still intact.

As we are nearing the age of cybernetic enhancement, this was the perfect psychological thriller of how our consciousness might be transported in the future. It was a perfect rendition of the setting in the series: dark, gritty, cybernetic, futuristic, metropolis and cyberpunk. Nothing could have prepared me for the immersion and dystopia of the senses that brought home so many important issues of the technological age. The acting was far better than expected, the script was believable and the visual effects were stunning.

Overall, Ghost in the Shell is a solid movie in the Sci-Fi genre. The atmosphere, effects, music and aesthetics are beautiful. The story is slightly changed but still thought provoking. If this wasn't an adaptation but an original film I'm convinced the ratings would look completely different and the critics would be positive. Don't let negative ratings of super critical anime lovers stop you from seeing this movie. If you have never seen the original Ghost in the Shell - now is the time.

If you are a purist, and want this version to have exactly the same plot, you will be disappointed. If you expect this version to be as deep as the anime, you will be disappointed.

If you have not seen the animated film, or, like me, you have, are open-minded enough to give this one a try, and don't expect as much depth, you will probably like the film.

The claims of "white-washing" are stupid, I think. The Japanese do not make their manga and anime characters look Japanese. What is the most noticeable characteristic of manga and anime characters? Their huge, round eyes! It is the Japanese who are doing the white-washing.

In the anime version, does the Major look like a Japanese woman? No. Therefore, it is ok that Scarlett plays the Major in the live-action film. More than ok, actually.. Scarlett is awesome and always has been. She hasn't always been an action star. She used to be a serious actress, and did well. Don't believe me? See "The Horse Whisperer" (she was still a child actress in this film, and did really well, I think) "Girl With A Pearl Earring," "Lost In Translation," (one of my all-time favorite films) "A Love Song For Bobby Long," and "Match Point."

If you want to see her in two other dark sci-fi films, watch "Lucy" (lots of violent action) and "Under The Skin" (a VERY disturbing, slow film with lots of male nudity (not something I enjoy, but maybe that's your thing) Scarlett in the nude (YES!) but not naked in a sex scene, Scarlett in a sex scene, but not naked, gore, violence, disturbing images.. the title is quite appropriate..that movie really will get under your skin. It's deep, troubling, and lots of people hate it. But I thought it was brilliant.

Back to "Ghost in the Shell." The visuals.. I'm still kicking myself for not seeing this in 3D! Visually, it's a LOT like "Bladerunner." Stunning.

The new plot is quite good, I think, different, but good. The supporting cast is good too. Most of you will probably approve of this version's Batou.

Considering how gory the animated film was, especially at the beginning, I'm surprised this film was made to be PG-13. It's not as gory as the anime, but is a dark film, and does have some violence and disturbing images.

A few of the scenes are quite close to some found in the anime, especially the Major in stealth mode sprinting through shallow water to take out a gunman. Well done adaptation of that sequence. Many scenes are not to be found in this version though.

(Side note.. I am wondering if "Ninja Scroll" and "Akira" will be made into live-action films.. Maybe.. but those would really have to be rated R).

My favorite part in the anime version of "Ghost in the Shell" is the long boat ride through the city, with the strange vocal music for accompaniment. That scene is not in the film. But that's ok, I suppose. This is far less a work of philosophy and mood, and far more an action film than the anime.

One last comment.. less than a hundred years from now, this film is going to look like a documentary.

This film is probably the most underrated of 2017. It's often accused of stealing the visuals from Matrix and Blade Runner. I actually haven't seen either and the style blew me away. Also, I didn't think the original was unfathomably deeper. This asks the same questions of humanity and it had plenty of nods to the original source. Lastly, it got bashed pretty hard for not casting an Asian actor for the role. Scarlet Johansson made me care about the character and they explained her non-Asian appearance in a way that made plenty of sense. Overall, I found both very cool and interesting.