Ghost in the Shell

10

disobedientlibApr 3, 2017

Stunningly beautiful film. If you can get beyond the Westernized-whitewashing or any idea that any live-action movie can stay true to its manga or anime roots, it is a fun, mesmerizing cyberpunk action roller coaster ride. It mixes just theStunningly beautiful film. If you can get beyond the Westernized-whitewashing or any idea that any live-action movie can stay true to its manga or anime roots, it is a fun, mesmerizing cyberpunk action roller coaster ride. It mixes just the right amount of fan service, mayhem, dazzling FX and world-building, and it's own spin on it's anime roots.… Expand

6 of 7 users found this helpful61

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8

marcmyworksMar 31, 2017

The critics have been hard on this film, especially the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the Major. Some of her characterizations were authentic to the original Anime character, but her range as an actress did not always convey this well.The critics have been hard on this film, especially the casting of Scarlett Johansson as the Major. Some of her characterizations were authentic to the original Anime character, but her range as an actress did not always convey this well. Overall I thought the film was beautifully shot and gorgeously rendered with the CGI. This film really is stylized as the American remake of the 1995 original film, only with the characters being more fleshed out. The script is not the strongest out there, but it is a good film with potential to trend even more Anime/Manga films made live action.… Expand

11 of 13 users found this helpful112

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8

Greeney22_Mar 31, 2017

Ghost in the Shell had fun action but it's story could get a bit muddled at times. The first two acts were great, but a love story emerged in the final third which didn't make sense for Major's character. Lots of Fanservice kept me happyGhost in the Shell had fun action but it's story could get a bit muddled at times. The first two acts were great, but a love story emerged in the final third which didn't make sense for Major's character. Lots of Fanservice kept me happy while the action didn't feel repetitive but fresh each time. Good time Popcorn flick all round… Expand

10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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8

Fritzio711Apr 1, 2017

I went into this film thinking that I was going to hate it because I do not like Scarlett Johannson, But I didn't I bloody loved this film.

Scarlett Johannson as Motoko was really good, she felt like Motoko and Pilou Asbæk as Batou wasI went into this film thinking that I was going to hate it because I do not like Scarlett Johannson, But I didn't I bloody loved this film.

Scarlett Johannson as Motoko was really good, she felt like Motoko and Pilou Asbæk as Batou was amazing the attention to detail how Batou has a love for basset hounds Is In this film, every time The Major gets undressed how he feels uncomfortable is in this film, There is so many recreation scenes from the anime in this, How Motoko has a Gender Identity disorder is in this film. This film tries to fix the problem that Ghost In the Shell had in the original It gives more of an inside look at the origin of everything and Motoko, It recaptures GITS so well it's ridiculous. I don't think it's perfect It does have some problems/flaws but It is still a solid film I wanted a recreation the best that I could get and I got It this is it. Please watch the anime before going In as this is not just an action film, there is action, but this film is more about a story and character interaction when it builds up it builds up, but for some, they will think it's boring when it isn't it's trying to tell the story through heavy dialogue as so did it with the original It wasn't all just action Don't listen to the critics as most of them don't know jack **** about anime this is not a film that you review as a normal movie, So if you haven't watched the anime don't watch it at all.… Expand

10 of 12 users found this helpful102

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9

Creeper3455Apr 3, 2017

Everyone was afraid about this reboot, because it would have ended up being another stinky Dragon Ball Evolution. Well sir, luckily it's not like that. It's not even better than the 1995 animated flick, but you can see how hard did they workEveryone was afraid about this reboot, because it would have ended up being another stinky Dragon Ball Evolution. Well sir, luckily it's not like that. It's not even better than the 1995 animated flick, but you can see how hard did they work to bring you such a great expirience (like The Angry Birds Movie). You can see from the story that they changed something from the anime, and some of them are impressive, even though i didn't expect some creepy imagery in some scenes. From a visual/sound effect standpoint, we're talking about a cybernetic version of Avatar, because the way they create the city and its minimal parts was like they were saying to you "This is what we can do with CGI now!". Everyone was complaining about ScarJo being The Major instead of a Japanese/Asian actress, but in the end, the final result was pretty good (and also a demonstration that she is not only the Black Widow we all know and love). The soundtrack was the only thing that was actually better than the anime. After LEGO Batman, Lorne Balfe returns to the ring alongside Clint Mansell to make what could be the greatest score of 2017 (for now). In the end, Ghost In The Shell didn't want to be like the Anime, but instead, it wanted to be an upgraded version of the generic action movie, with a promising story, some mind-blowing visual/sound effects and some great acting.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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10

AceTrigger94Mar 31, 2017

Whitewashing problem aside, the fact that this movie managed to recreate the gorgeous visuals of the anime almost perfectly deserved a 10 rating in my book. Also, you can't expect it to be deep & thoughtful like the anime. It's a HollywoodWhitewashing problem aside, the fact that this movie managed to recreate the gorgeous visuals of the anime almost perfectly deserved a 10 rating in my book. Also, you can't expect it to be deep & thoughtful like the anime. It's a Hollywood adaptation for crying out loud. But for a Hollywood adaptation, they did a pretty damn good job. Kudos to all the visual effects people!… Expand

13 of 16 users found this helpful133

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7

RohaqApr 1, 2017

Despite going in with cautious expectations, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was a decent movie.

It always had some huge boots to fill - and while it's nowhere near as deep or philosophical - the setting is great, presentedDespite going in with cautious expectations, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this was a decent movie.

It always had some huge boots to fill - and while it's nowhere near as deep or philosophical - the setting is great, presented with some fantastic visuals backed by a superb soundtrack. It also has a decently passable story based in the GitS universe - an original story, I might add, though with some elements and scenes obviously lifted directly from the original material. It's obviously been adapted more for the mainstream audience, but it's certainly not bad.

Complaints? The lack of depth compared to its source material does it The characters could have definitely been fleshed out more, with the Major being a little too stoic compared to the anime, and the other members of Section 9 not getting anywhere near enough lines. It also doesn't nearly fill the previously mentioned big boots, but when judged on its own merits, is still a solid film.… Expand

7 of 9 users found this helpful72

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8

magicman66Mar 31, 2017

Ghost in the Shell is a visually stunning and action packed movie that keeps you entertained the entire time. I went into this movie with my expectations quite low but I walked out of the theater blown away. The visual effects and overallGhost in the Shell is a visually stunning and action packed movie that keeps you entertained the entire time. I went into this movie with my expectations quite low but I walked out of the theater blown away. The visual effects and overall atmosphere of the movie was truly breathtaking and it was one of the few movies that I actually enjoyed seeing in 3D. The action in this movie is amazing; although not as graphic as it could have been if it was rated R, it was still very good. I enjoyed the characters and found them to be interesting, although maybe not as much as in the original Anime movie. Overall this is a great action movie, with some of the best visuals in a movie.… Expand

10 of 13 users found this helpful103

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7

moebius_risingMar 31, 2017

Wasn't even going to see this movie, but SJW's started complaining, so there must have been something good going for it. Excellent action, cinematography, pacing, and way beyond my expectations. Would recommend.

11 of 15 users found this helpful114

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9

MckaosMar 31, 2017

I think this is one of those times where you have to not compare it to the old series, and realize the time and effort and amazing quality of this film, over anything else. Critics are, well, critical. They only take away points from a movieI think this is one of those times where you have to not compare it to the old series, and realize the time and effort and amazing quality of this film, over anything else. Critics are, well, critical. They only take away points from a movie when they count up the flaws, and don't add back points for the goodies. This movie is a pure joy to watch, me knowing of the series, but only ever watching the original film, i was completely awed by the amazing visuals, fight scenes soundtrack etc. The only reason i give this movie a 9 and not a 10, is because the story was not exactly the same, and seemed dumbed down for the audience, though that didn't make it any easier to follow than what the original did. This movie is a must watch for those who love visuals and music, and especially those who love anime. Being a fan of video games and anime surely helps my review, but even all my friends and family who have never heard of it before, loved it and compared it with Blade Runner and such, giving it scores usually around 8. Please do yourself a favor and watch this movie, i don't think it deserves all the negative reviews it's getting.… Expand

11 of 15 users found this helpful114

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10

AerostatApr 1, 2017

After reading such middling reviews and being doubtful as to the viability of pulling off this imagining of such a classic franchise, I can only say I was left gobsmacked. Everything worked, every change suited the medium and I felt as IAfter reading such middling reviews and being doubtful as to the viability of pulling off this imagining of such a classic franchise, I can only say I was left gobsmacked. Everything worked, every change suited the medium and I felt as I did after seeing the original animation. The audio visual masterclass is paced and explored perfectly and it's one of the most satisfying movies I've enjoyed in a time. It knows it is beholden to the unrealistic expectations of certain types of fans/critics but it brushes them aside in a studiously respectful piece of thought provoking entertainment. The Kenji Kawai epic reprise during the credits sealed the deal. This is top tier.… Expand

8 of 11 users found this helpful83

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10

EdNamelessApr 1, 2017

It's impossible to create better adaptation for non-anime-lovers audience.
Sometimes I just wanted to stop the movie and explore through the picture, so many details, so much tension.

10 of 14 users found this helpful104

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9

BinSenseiMar 31, 2017

This movie was the dystopian cyberpunk Sci-fi movie that I've always wanted. Critics don't know what they are talking about. The casting controversy was unfortunate but ScarJo did a really good job as The Major so I'm not even mad. Plus theThis movie was the dystopian cyberpunk Sci-fi movie that I've always wanted. Critics don't know what they are talking about. The casting controversy was unfortunate but ScarJo did a really good job as The Major so I'm not even mad. Plus the visual effects are just WOW.… Expand

11 of 16 users found this helpful115

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10

evillhobbesMar 31, 2017

A fantastic and beautiful story set in the future about the merge between humans and artificial intelligence. A 'must watch' for anime fans of the 90's movie.

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

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10

ShadowareMar 31, 2017

I absolutely enjoyed this Movie, like the Animes before :) For sure we could battle for hours about the pros and cons, but honestly?: Dont like the movie? Than dont watch it again.
I will :P

10 of 15 users found this helpful105

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9

zergiioblu123Apr 1, 2017

la película es gran mente grandiosa de los mejores CGI hasta este momento del cine, la historia es lo mismo pero no es igual a la del anime su único fallo es que su desenlace es muy rápido y no tan profundo como debería ser

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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10

wolf-mvpApr 1, 2017

I was afraid that the film would be turned over, thank God I was wrong. Better manga/anime adaptation ever. Waiting for continue =)))))
10 Tachikoms/10

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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10

QldgamerMar 31, 2017

This is a fantastic movie. Great plot and special fx. A great use of the known movies and series. It tkes the ideas to a different place from the anime, being what makes us human.

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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10

SirusMar 31, 2017

After being a fan of GITS and watching this movie, I really enjoyed the live action GITS. To the ignorant, there is no white washing of this movie, in the original source material, the Major preferred a Caucasian cybernetic body over an AsianAfter being a fan of GITS and watching this movie, I really enjoyed the live action GITS. To the ignorant, there is no white washing of this movie, in the original source material, the Major preferred a Caucasian cybernetic body over an Asian body. To think that she would be Asian based off her name and location is itself racist. That's like saying only white people can be in American moves or only black people can be in African movies.

Back to the movie, the visuals are stunning, and it uses a lot of the source material, but it's not completely restricted to it, the movie does take some liberties with the story, which is common in all movie adaptations. If you like GITS or you enjoy a good Sci-Fi movie, this one should be on your list.… Expand

9 of 14 users found this helpful95

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7

Jas_CarMar 31, 2017

I joined up to Metacritic to post this review.

The Ghost In The Shell franchise is close to my heart, from the release of the original 8-issue run of the english comic/manga in 1995 to the recent Arise TV series. I even once drew a comicI joined up to Metacritic to post this review.

The Ghost In The Shell franchise is close to my heart, from the release of the original 8-issue run of the english comic/manga in 1995 to the recent Arise TV series. I even once drew a comic cover for another franchise which was a deliberate GitS tribute.

I watched this new live-action version last night and have struggled to settle on a score… Staying away from the trailers (and yet aware of some of the controversies), I tried to view it with fresh eyes, not knowing what would unfold.

On one hand, the aesthetics of the movie were way beyond what I expected; art direction, sets, costumes, sound were all did an excellent job of recreating a believable GitS world. The actors were fine, mostly recognisable in their roles and got me invested. I especially liked the film's handling of why the Major looked non-Asian.

Unfortunately, while expecting a somewhat less philosophical approach for a Hollywood remake, the main point of the original comics/movie was almost missing entirely - can a machine (shell) have a soul (ghost) and what would be the difference between such an entity and a human? It was not so much about the Major as to what she discovered and what it meant for her.

One of my concerns about a 2017 remake is that such existential questions about humanity were fresh and new in 1989 (Japanese GitS comic run) however, as they approach reality, such themes have been thoroughly explored in great depth by other films, games and tv shows in the meantime.

Remaking the original GitS would not bring new arguments to an already bloated debate and is perhaps why the makers didn't spend too much time asking questions such as 'can one's consciousness be uploaded to the net' and 'can there be life without a body'.

It's a shame because questions like these have always made up a big part of GitS and I have to remind myself that this is a very different version. It leans towards other common GitS themes such as political intrigue and corporate conspiracies, but they were underpinned by subject matter that the 2017 remake, sadly, refrains from taking a deep dive into.

Having digested it, I would rate the movie as a 6. It set out to do something different, perhaps more palatable, to the original GitS stories and more or less achieved it. However, for the sheer amount of homages, nods and references to other parts of the franchise (each of them brought a smile to my face), I will give it a +1.

The use of the original GitS movie theme for the end credits alone is also worth a mention. I didn't think they would actually use the iconic piece of music by Kenji Kawai and I must admit it sent shivers down my spine! One goes to the cinema for such experiences!… Expand

14 of 22 users found this helpful148

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9

jbrock11Mar 31, 2017

Let me preface this by saying I haven't read the manga but I've watched all GitS animes except for the Arise series. With that said this was a great movie that 100% honors the franchise. Even as a stand alone movie ( no pun intended ) it wasLet me preface this by saying I haven't read the manga but I've watched all GitS animes except for the Arise series. With that said this was a great movie that 100% honors the franchise. Even as a stand alone movie ( no pun intended ) it was great. Don't want this to be too long of a write up because I'm on my phone but I'll do some pros & cons.

Pros:

* The world - GitS comes to life in this movie. I've never seen another anime/comic series even come close to matching what this movie does.

* Character building - This is also a con but I'll get to that later. I think Major's character is actually better in this movie than the anime. No she's not quite as bad ass as the anime but I felt more connected to her than I did at any point in the original movie or SAC. ScarJo did a great job. Batou, Kuze and Aramaki were also very well done. Batou is basically a 1 for 1 Batou from the anime. Kuze is very similar to his character from SAC as far as his story arc and Aramaki actually has the most bad ass scene in the movie imo. I'll let you guys see that for yourself.

* Iconic moments - A LOT of scenes were taken from the original movie, Innocence and SAC. Pretty much all of them were what you'd hope for and for people that are familiar with the series it's a nice touch for fans.

* Action - A lot of cool little action sequences and two pretty memorable ones at least for me. Don't want to spoil anything but like I mentioned before the Aramaki scene was bad ass and the other is a scene from the original movie.

* Emotion - To hell with reviews saying this movie has no "soul" or whatever. This is completely false or either these people didn't see the same movie I did. While she is a little different than in the animes, this movie does a great job of connecting you to Major and there were some moment where I genuinely got a little teary eyed.

* The score - While there was no Kenji Kawai or Yoko Kanno, Clint Mansell did an awesome job. Whenever I heard they didn't get any of the original composers I thought we'd get the basic generic Hollywood sci-fi music but Mansell does an awesome job of complementing the world and the visuals. Genuinely haunting at times.

Cons:

* Pacing at the beginning - The pace is a little weird/slow in the beginning as the story seems to be jumping all over the place without time to digest what just happened in the scene before. Luckily this goes away about 30 minutes or so into the movie.

* Character building - While they did a great job with all those I mentioned above, the rest of Section 9 were pretty much after thoughts. Maybe even less than that. I think the movie should have been a little longer so they could properly introduce those characters as I think they would have only added to what was already a great world.

* Nitpicking - There are little things throughout the movie I wished they done better but I don't even know if I would even necescarilly classify them as cons. They could have just done a few simple things better and got greater effect out some of the pivotal scenes. I'll point them out but I dont want to give them away. You guys will probably be able to spot what I'm referring to.

1. The opening
2. The boat scene
3. The ending battle and follow up
4. The hacking scene

Summary:

While it's not a 1 for 1 recreation of the original which some maybe hoped for it does a great job of honoring the spirit of the GitS franchise. It's not as philosophical as the original but it does hit on the same themes and does a better job of connecting you to the main characters. There will be moments that will really effect you on an emotional level. Long story short don't believe all these reviews out there saying the movie is terrible, it's anything but that.

Rating: A- 9/10… Expand

10 of 16 users found this helpful106

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10

domyalexApr 1, 2017

I loved the original anime and loved this movie as well. Very well done, great acting and gorgeous visuals. Ignore the so-called "experts": go watch it and enjoy it.

8 of 13 users found this helpful85

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10

elediMar 31, 2017

I really enjoyed the movie to be honest. It's something new but also something from the original. You've got nothing to lose here really, you should go see it.

10 of 17 users found this helpful107

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10

Critic4LifeApr 2, 2017

This movie is best anime adaptation movie created on these day. I hope this movie will boost a franchise and in next parts, side characters will be explored more. Because the potential of this universe is enormous and this movie as a "startThis movie is best anime adaptation movie created on these day. I hope this movie will boost a franchise and in next parts, side characters will be explored more. Because the potential of this universe is enormous and this movie as a "start of exploring" this universe is working really well. Also I've got to mention visual effects - these are the best visual effects I've seen in a long time. All fears about Scarlett Johansson as Motoko can be dropped, because SJ nailed that role and authors did a genius twist about her origin. So... as for conclusion I can definately say that what authors archived is: Visual implementation of 22-year anime beauty into modern standards and one step forward of Japanese culture spirit implementation in Hollywood.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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10

CheneygramApr 1, 2017

Honestly I loved it! When an anime has alot of information to cover they need to simplify it so people can actually understand it and not be confused the whole time. Also they have to have it fit in a reasonable time. I feel GITS did justHonestly I loved it! When an anime has alot of information to cover they need to simplify it so people can actually understand it and not be confused the whole time. Also they have to have it fit in a reasonable time. I feel GITS did just this. They changed the main story and I was still happy. Im a big fan of the anime movies and series, and loved the direction they went for this movie. Plus the CGI was **** amaze.… Expand

7 of 14 users found this helpful77

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10

JackR86Jun 29, 2019

I loved the original anime version of Ghost in the Shell from many years ago now, and was not expecting much from the live action version (especially after reading some of the negative reviews here), but after rolling the dice on the 4KI loved the original anime version of Ghost in the Shell from many years ago now, and was not expecting much from the live action version (especially after reading some of the negative reviews here), but after rolling the dice on the 4K Bluray disc version, I ended up being pleasantly surprised. Great action scenes, interesting cyberpunk story, with absolutely incredible 4K visuals and sound effects. Watched on a 4K LG OLED TV C7 65" with LG UBK90 4K Bluray player.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

SkerletJul 15, 2019

One of my favorite future robotic movies. Scarlett Johansson is lookin real fine.

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

DiptanshuNov 5, 2019

scarlett stole the screen!Great cinematography loved the backgrounds it really felt like a cybercity that we want to live!

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

RRomeiroAug 20, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Great movie, it is underrated.
The Hollywood trends undermined this film giving it bad reviews, do not listen to them, just watch the movie and enjoy.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

10

ty92Dec 26, 2019

Great movie. Scarlett Johansson is incredible in one of her best performances. Great sci-fi movie that reminds me of Blade Runner 2049 in some ways. The action scenes are entertaining and gorgeous to look at. The story is also strong here andGreat movie. Scarlett Johansson is incredible in one of her best performances. Great sci-fi movie that reminds me of Blade Runner 2049 in some ways. The action scenes are entertaining and gorgeous to look at. The story is also strong here and has a good ending that doesn't disappoint. Its a well done adaptation from the 1995 Ghost in the Shell anime. I recommend watching that first so you can really appreciate what they did here.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

HealingToolbox1Sep 16, 2017

Review title: Team Machine vs. Team Human 101 for younger generations

I read a bunch of the reviews here. I saw, liked and was confused by the 1995 anime classic. I think Johanson was inevitable AND an Asian actress would have beenReview title: Team Machine vs. Team Human 101 for younger generations

I read a bunch of the reviews here. I saw, liked and was confused by the 1995 anime classic. I think Johanson was inevitable AND an Asian actress would have been preferable (the Asian mom in the film is wonderfully refreshing; why not the lead?).

I'm still amazed by how many film critics lack the integrity to criticize without coming up with improvements or solutions to the deficiencies they perceive. One of very few ethical ways to review a film in words is to take teh view, "If I were the scriptwriter or in charge of the writers room, what would I have done differently?"

The movie made about 1/4 of its money in China. Especially if these themes are new to Chinese audiences, I think this is a good thing. For the rest of us, one reviewer suggested the sights in Ghost are tediously unfamilar. This rings true for me too. Why are there so many hero shots of the gaudy 3D hologram ads? Is this the point of the film? The future is simply--ugly?

Another reviewer describes the script as a clotheslines for action scenes to be hung on like wet laundry. I find this striking and accurate. It applies to many films. It's perhaps the perfect structural metaphor for a large fraction of all commerical action movie scripts--asking no more complex question than, "What are the opening grosses?"

The "ghost" of the original Bladerunner is apparent, as many reviewers note. This leads into how I would write Ghost in the Shell 2: Identify the conflict of values you wish to target (individuality of the human soul, justice as a choice souls can make... vs. Team Machine, all the forces making humans more machine like and un-feeling). Then imagine how to SHOW not tell this conflict in visual terms. Perhaps even with this structural clarity, it's still challenging to beat or go beyond the script accomplishments of the first Blade Runner movie.… Expand