Rotoscopers
  • News
  • Podcasts
    • Animation Addicts Podcast
    • Every Episode Ever
  • Reviews
    • Animated Movies
    • Art Books
    • Blu-ray/DVD
    • Live Action
  • Interviews
  • Opinions
  • Studios
    • Aardman
    • Blue Sky Studios
    • Disney
    • Don Bluth
    • DreamWorks
    • Fox Animation Studios
    • Illumination Entertainment
    • LAIKA
    • Lucasfilm Animation
    • Paramount Animation
    • Pixar
    • Sony Pictures Animation
    • Reel FX
    • Studio Ghibli
    • Warner Animation
  • Animation Calendar – Upcoming Animated Movies
No Result
View All Result
Rotoscopers
  • News
  • Podcasts
    • Animation Addicts Podcast
    • Every Episode Ever
  • Reviews
    • Animated Movies
    • Art Books
    • Blu-ray/DVD
    • Live Action
  • Interviews
  • Opinions
  • Studios
    • Aardman
    • Blue Sky Studios
    • Disney
    • Don Bluth
    • DreamWorks
    • Fox Animation Studios
    • Illumination Entertainment
    • LAIKA
    • Lucasfilm Animation
    • Paramount Animation
    • Pixar
    • Sony Pictures Animation
    • Reel FX
    • Studio Ghibli
    • Warner Animation
  • Animation Calendar – Upcoming Animated Movies
No Result
View All Result
Rotoscopers
No Result
View All Result
Home Reviews Live Action

[REVIEW] ‘Ghost in the Shell’

Rachel Wagner by Rachel Wagner
March 30, 2017
in Live Action, Reviews
3 min read
14
[REVIEW] ‘Ghost in the Shell’
1.1k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

This March seems to be the month for remaking animated classics into live-action films. First, we had Beauty and the Beast, and now, this weekend, we are getting a live-action version of the anime classic Ghost in the Shell. Both films are decent watches but nowhere near as memorable as their original works. In the case of Ghost in the Shell, the visual spectacle is there, and it is entertaining as an action movie, but it falls short in giving the deeper messages and themes of the original anime.

The biggest positive of Ghost in the Shell is the striking visuals. Director Rupert Sanders has created a dystopian Hong Kong that reminded me a lot of Blade Runner. It is eerie, and I loved the way the skyline was both dark and brightly colored at the same time.There are also many shots from the anime which are recreated, like Major diving off of the skyscraper in the opening scene.

Also, I loved the design of the various robots. For example, we get to see a geisha robot in the trailer ,but it is even cooler when it is in the movie. All the production design, sets, props, and special effects are stunning and help you feel immersed in the story.

I also enjoyed the action, which is well staged and engaging to watch. This version of the story is basically a superhero movie. The plot is completely different than the original anime—subbing out its story of hunting down hackers for a superhero revenge plot. In this aspect, Scarlett Johansson was perfect for the role of Major with her comic book/action experience.

But that brings me to my negatives. Many are upset with Ghost in the Shell because of the whitewashing of the character of Major and others. Naturally, the anime features Japanese characters, and most of the actors in this film are Caucasian. However, in the movie’s defense, most of the characters are robots, which technically can be any race their makers want them to be.

My bigger problem with Major was the choice to turn her story into a fairly generic superhero story. The film improves after a dull first 30 minutes, but it’s all pretty standard action/superhero movie stuff. It’s entertaining on that level, but it doesn’t ask the questions about humanity and existence that the original anime does so powerfully.

I also felt the side characters were underused and bland with exception of her boss who was pretty cool. But characters like Batou, who are so great in the original, aren’t as memorable here.

I particularly missed the bittersweet ending of the original film. Movies like that leave you thinking long after you see them. They have layers with complex questions of good versus evil. Unfortunately, that just isn’t the case with this version of Ghost in the Shell. It’s entertaining as a pretty action movie but really nothing more than that.

But at least it’s got that going for it. In the end, if you want to see a well-made superhero movie, then this version of Ghost in the Shell is not a bad watch. If you are hoping for something deeper, watch the original anime film.

✮✮1/2

Edited by: Kajsa Rain Forden

Tags: adaptationanimeGhost in the Shelllive actionremakesScarlett Johansson
Previous Post

Official Title Announced for 'Wreck-It Ralph' Sequel

Next Post

Studio Ghibli Countdown: 'Only Yesterday'

Rachel Wagner

Rachel Wagner

Rachel is a rottentomatoes approved film critic that has loved animation since she was a little girl belting out songs from 'The Little Mermaid'. She reviews as many films as she can each year and loves interviewing actors, directors, and anyone with an interesting story to tell. Rachel is the founder of the popular Hallmarkies Podcast, and the Rachel's Reviews podcast/youtube channel, which covers all things animated including a monthly Talking Disney and Obscure Animation show. Twitter @rachel_reviews

Related Posts

[BOOK REVIEW] Uncle Iroh Spills the Tea in ‘Legacy of the Fire Nation’
Nickelodeon

[BOOK REVIEW] Uncle Iroh Spills the Tea in ‘Legacy of the Fire Nation’

February 9, 2020
[PILOT REVIEW] ‘Harley Quinn’ Starts to Find Herself
Reviews

[PILOT REVIEW] ‘Harley Quinn’ Starts to Find Herself

January 20, 2020
20th Century Fox logo
Blue Sky

Disney Rebrands Fox as 20th Century Studios

January 17, 2020
[BOOK REVIEW] Imagineer Kevin Rafferty Takes Us on a ‘Magic Journey’
Disney

[BOOK REVIEW] Imagineer Kevin Rafferty Takes Us on a ‘Magic Journey’

January 10, 2020
Load More
Next Post
Studio Ghibli Countdown: ‘Only Yesterday’

Studio Ghibli Countdown: 'Only Yesterday'

Discussion about this post

Popular Posts

  • Disney Rebrands Fox as 20th Century Studios 478 views
  • Netflix Scores Big at the 47th Annie Awards 249 views
  • [TRAILER] Mayhem Ensues in New ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ Trailer 197 views
  • ‘Frozen II’ Coming to Digital and Blu-ray in February 191 views
  • [PILOT REVIEW] ‘Harley Quinn’ Starts to Find Herself 161 views
  • 11.5k Fans
  • 12.4k Followers
  • 3.6k Followers
  • 5.4k Followers

Recently Added

infinity-train

All Aboard! ‘Infinity Train: Book One’ Chugs to DVD

February 11, 2020
[BOOK REVIEW] Uncle Iroh Spills the Tea in ‘Legacy of the Fire Nation’

[BOOK REVIEW] Uncle Iroh Spills the Tea in ‘Legacy of the Fire Nation’

February 9, 2020
'Minions: The Rise of Gru'

[TRAILER] Mayhem Ensues in New ‘Minions: The Rise of Gru’ Trailer

February 6, 2020
‘Tokyo Godfathers’ Coming to Select Theaters

‘Tokyo Godfathers’ Coming to Select Theaters

February 5, 2020
[TRAILER] ‘Ride Your Wave’ Surfs to Select Theaters in February

[TRAILER] ‘Ride Your Wave’ Surfs to Select Theaters in February

February 1, 2020
Rotoscopers

© 2019 Rotoscopers

Important Links

  • About
  • Support
  • Contact
  • Store
  • Privacy Policy
  • User Posts

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Podcasts
    • Animation Addicts Podcast
    • Every Episode Ever
  • Reviews
    • Animated Movies
    • Art Books
    • Blu-ray/DVD
    • Live Action
  • Interviews
  • Opinions
  • Studios
    • Aardman
    • Blue Sky Studios
    • Disney
    • Don Bluth
    • DreamWorks
    • Fox Animation Studios
    • Illumination Entertainment
    • LAIKA
    • Lucasfilm Animation
    • Paramount Animation
    • Pixar
    • Sony Pictures Animation
    • Reel FX
    • Studio Ghibli
    • Warner Animation
  • Animation Calendar – Upcoming Animated Movies

© 2019 Rotoscopers

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.