
Ghost in the Shell (1996)
By Tony Nigro,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
An intellectual, violent ancestor of The Matrix.

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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Ghost in the Shell (1996)
Community Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
My favorite anime & one of my favorite movies of all time!
NOT for children or teens. Period.
What's the Story?
Set in the year 2029, GHOST IN THE SHELL 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, this landmark Japanese animation film may seem dated, but it's 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 in the Shell may have its faults, but no one can deny its status as a trailblazer.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the themes of humanity, the idea of the "ghost," or soul, and Ghost in the Shell's clear influence on the Matrix franchise.
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 29, 1996
- On DVD or streaming: January 11, 2005
- Cast: Richard Epcar , Steve Davis , William Knight
- Director: Mamoru Oshii
- Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre: Anime
- Run time: 82 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- MPAA explanation: not rated.
- Last updated: October 10, 2023
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