"Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" offers intricately detailed animation and an absorbing story, while forcing viewers to stop and think. • DreamWorks

 

"Ghost in the Shell" sequel mesmerizing and thoughtful

By Hsin Ying Chen
Daily Forty-Niner
Contributing writer

"Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" is the sequel to 1996's smash Japanese animation hit, "Ghost in the Shell." After Major Motoko Kusanagi's disappearance, Section 9's cyborg detective Bateau is assigned to investigate why some sex-robots are murdering their owners, and soon discovers that he is entangled in a web of deception and crimes against humans and robots.

It is imperative that one thinks while watching this movie, which may come as a surprise since most peoples' usual expectations of Japanese anime range from "Yu-Gi-Oh" to "Pokemon." The majority of the American audiences are unfamiliar with the surprising, intricate, philosophical and brain teasing plots of most Japanese anime, and many people make the mistake of thinking they are just kid's cartoons. "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" is geared towards an intelligent and mature audience who would not mind exploring the possibilities of what will take place in the future if the line between robots and humans blurs.

The cinematic effect and the music in "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" are exquisite. Some of the advanced 3D rendering and vibrant colors seem to almost leap out at the audience.

Though reading the subtitles and listening to Japanese may be confusing at first, one must grow adept to reading them, and if not, one might miss many of the details and clues shown in the movie.

The plot of the movie is not brain numbing, but patience and anticipation is required. To fully appreciate both movies you need to have an exposure to Japanese anime, philosophy of the mind, and futuristic science fiction stories.

The tone of "Ghost in the Shell: Innocence" is dark in comparison to the original film. "Ghost in the Shell " provoked the possibility of what will happen to one's consciousness and the metaphysical theories of our existence if we combine humans with machines. "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence," however, is designed to probe the possibility of putting the human spirit into robots. The only question is, can we control these robots if they are possessed by human souls? "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" also ingeniously portrays the technology of logical loops, firewalls, hackers and computer viruses.

"Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence" is adapted from a screenplay written by director Mamoru Oshii and the Japanese manga itself was written by Masamune Shirow, who also wrote the original film. Oshii's films are almost instantly recognizable from his trademark use of a basset hound whenever possible. It is recommended that one first watch the original "Ghost in the Shell" to truly be able to follow the plot of "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence."

In all, if you are looking for a thoughtful and compelling Japanese animation, check out "Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence."