 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Ghost in the Shell
- Review Date: August 15, 2005
- NR
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1995
Common Sense Media says
An intellectual, violent ancestor of The Matrix.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this anime movie has lots of stylized violence along the lines of The Matrix. Many people get shot. Blood spurts and heads are crushed. The lead character has a tendency to fight in the nude. There are other assorted scenes of animated nudity. Characters frequently use profanity. The movie's philosophical and metaphysical ideas blur the line between good and bad.
What's the story?
Set in the year 2029, this landmark Japanese animation film is a detective noir story centered on Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg undercover agent on the trail of the Puppet Master, a powerful hacking virus run amok. Kusanagi has been cybernetically altered to the point of questioning her humanity and the existence of her "ghost," or her soul. The Puppet Master's quest for a human shell and thus, sanctuary as a life form, only adds to Kusanagi's existential dilemma.
Is it any good?
In a post-Matrix world, GHOST IN THE SHELL may seem dated. However, this movie came first, and although fans may be cyberpunked-out by The Matrix, they will discover Ghost is one of the most daring anime films to make it Stateside. It's a classic provocative piece of animation that works alongside Blade Runner in the sub-genre of philosophical science fiction. The special effects and shoot-em-ups do not get in the way of the story's question about what it means to be human.
On the other hand, the movie can be turgid; alternating abruptly between fast and furious action and slow and stilted dialogue. Thoughtful as it may be, the film's plot is at times, too complex for its own good. Nonetheless, this is a unique movie, and in the U.S. lent much-needed credibility to anime, consequently paving the way for more adult-themed animation. Ghost may have its faults, but no one can deny its status as a trailblazer.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the themes of humanity, the idea of the "ghost," or soul, and the movie's clear influence on the Matrix franchise.
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AGE
Disgusting
I first came across this foul movie when I took my son to the video store to pick a movie to rent for the weekend. He picked this one and I looked at the cover. It looked like an average kid's family flick.
When we got home we watched the video and mere minutes in, the female protagonist took her clothes off showing us gratuitous shots of her breasts and buttocks, the parts of the body god wants covered by undergarments at all times. She also jumped off a building, something I'm worried my son will now try to imitate.
I turned off the video in shock and my son then asked me "Ma, where do babies come from" his mind horribly disfigured by this satanic filth.
I am angry and outraged and I would like this movie to be banned.
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AGE
Anime's Finest
I believe I know enough about GITS now to formally write a review. I first saw GITS when I was about 12 or 13, and since then have bought the DVD and watched it around 15 times or so. Many people complain that the nudity, language, and violence 'hurt' the film's image, but you have to remember that its a downplay from the rather more explicit Manga. Yes, Motoko has breasts, now get over it (plus they're cybernetic, so I don't see what the problem is). Yes, a man's head explodes in a shower of blood. Yes, the police force flings out curse words; would you expect them to say "goshdarnit he got away"? GITS delves deep into the human psyche, and attempts to unravel philosophical mysteries. Even after so many viewings, choice scenes still mystify me with their complexity and trail of reasoning. Despite all of these 'content' complaints hurled at GITS, I recommend seeing it for yourself and getting some part of the experience I felt, of feeling much dumber. Don't forgot to see the sequel, which has even more philosophical questions sans the 'distasteful' content.
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AGE
Please ignore the last review because the nudity isn't THAT bad. The women who "took off her clothes" was wearing a camo outfit. It would be silly to put your clothes while wearing a camo outfit. And yes, there is graphic violence. I saw this with my 13-year-old and it was not that bad. He and I watch it every time!
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AGE
Adults Will Understand And Teens Will However Kids Will Get Confused
Hi There . Im reviewing GITS . THE BEST ANIME I SEEN IN A LONG TIME. It Is Just So Good. AMAZING. You Need To Watch This If You Love Robots, Technology, Action. Motoko Is Really Awesome. She Can Do Anything I Was Thinking About Writing A Spin Off Story About It. Anyways Motoko Kusanagi Is Amazing She Can Do Anything. A Must Watch, Thanks!
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AGE
well
It's awesome if you don't mind Motoko being topless in most of the movie. It's best if you watch it once you're out of the house because it will make parents uncomfortable. It's good for single guys who like violence and boobs, though.
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AGE
as an avid otaku....
i say this with NO RESPECT FOR YOU BARBARA CHANDLER
me and my 10 yr old brother watched this together and it was fine!
its is just you massively psychotic anti-expressionist robots who ruin the world for us young people.
you are massively overprotective and your sons mind was ALREADY DISFIGURED AS A AFTEREFFECT OF YOUR EXISTENCE!!!
you need to calm down!
im masashi kinare will defend anime at all costs!!!!!
gits forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Questionable Content Abounds in Entertaining Film
While quite an entertaining film, the content is something to worry about. Nudity and language scar what could have been at least a low PG-13 rated film. While the nudity is not shown in a sexual way it was uncalled for and unneeded. The language, while not overly thrown into the dialogue was still some pretty strong stuff. I believe there were either 2 or 3 F-words. While a fun watch, it is not for the whole family. 16+ on this title.
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AGE
First, a quick question...
How does this look like a typical family flick? Because it's animated? Wow, what shallow thinking. Yeah, let's ignore the rating on the box, it's animated! Come on, it doesn't take much to see the naked woman on the cover! I bet anyone who assumed this was a family film also thinks South Park is for kids! Animation is not just for children, sheesh! Also, to the reviewer two reviews below... you're exaggerating.
Anyway, this truly is a visual splendor and it has an interesting story to it. If you're old enough and an anime fan, it's worth checking out.
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AGE
A good movie for adults and older teens.
This is a really good movie for adults, and I do mean adults. There is nudity and graphic violence, and a great deal of moral ambiguity. I have no concerns about this movie as it is an adult movie. When choosing movies it is important to pay attention to the rating, not everything animated is for children. The plot is very deep and asks such questions as what makes a human a human, what the soul (or 'ghost') is, at what point do we cross over from man to machine, an is it possible to cross over the other way? etc
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| Studio: | Anchor Bay Entertainment |
| Director: | Mamoru Oshii |
| Cast: | Richard Epcar, Steve Davis, William Knight |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 82 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 1995 |
| DVD release date: | January 11, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
| MPAA explanation: | not rated. |
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