RakeruMON Movie Raves

Ghost in the Shell

1995 vs. 2017 Movie Comparison

[First off, I just want to make one thing clear. This is my take on the differences and similarities between the 1995 Ghost in the Shell film and the 2017 live action movie. This will be a review which is completely unbiased. I haven’t seen the other animated Ghost in the Shell movies nor have I read the manga. I want to make this review focusing solely on the films being mentioned. Be warned, major spoilers up ahead.]

Both Films in General

To start off, after the release of the news about the live action movie adaptation of Ghost in the Shell, the majority of the otaku community was either hyped or cynical. I have not seen the original animated film from 1995 so I was in the neutral zone. I was intrigued by its popularity and I immediately started searching for the animated film.

After watching, I grew a profound interest in the whole concept of the movie. Dealing with futuristic settings, psychological and philosophical issues it was a great animated film. Reading some reviews about said film I found out that it was considered as one of the greatest anime films of all time, and I do not object to that. It is rare to see such detailed and well thought of settings and plots about the future during 1995. Knowing that the setting of the film was supposedly 2029 which is actually not far from now, the technology that was featured in the film is way off from the technology that we have in present time. It is also very rare to see a film dealing with the concept of cybernetic technology. It is fascinating to see such vivid interpretations of future technology.

Knowing that the film was about to have a live action movie adaptation, I was also a bit cynical with the idea. From all the other live action adaptations from the past years, many have been traumatized with the idea of live action movies based off of anime/manga. White washing was a big issue as well. Scarlett Johansson being cast as the main protagonist, Major Motoko Kusanagi, it was clear that white washing was inevitable. Though there are some Asian actors casted in the film.

Just recently I have watched the 2017 live action movie and it was not that bad at all. Though it did stray from the path of the original film it was based on, it wasn’t a bad thing. Logically thinking you have to think of another plot for a live action film and not just copy the original. The whole story had an overhaul to accommodate with the audience of today. It still had the same vibe as the original film but you can clearly see that there is a very huge difference as well. It was still a Ghost in the Shell movie but then again it’s not.

Scene Comparison

Both films did great but now I just need to give some Spoilers because it would be difficult to compare both without doing so. These comparisons will not focus on the plot; rather it will focus on the similar and different takes on some scenes in both of the movies presented in these movie screenshots I have taken.

The Creation Sequence

As you can see, there is barely any difference with both scenes as the live action film paid homage to the original film it was based on.

Building Dive Scene

An homage to the original film which showcases the Thermo-Optic Camouflage suite the Major wore to infiltrate the building.

Thermo-Optic Camouflage

Both scenes were done in a different time frame. Slowly disappearing, the Major covers her face to completely vanish from sight, yet another iconic scene.

Bed Room Window

It is great to see that they stuck to the original settings of her room.

Batou’s Eyes

When I first saw the trailer, I was dismayed by the absence of this character’s defining feature. After seeing the movie, it was pleasing enough that they actually incorporated this into the character after all.

Thermo-Optic Fight Scene

Though these scenes had two different characters being beaten up by the Major, it was still great to see that this iconic scene was added to the movie.

Deep Sea Diving

A scene in which the psychological and the identity struggle of the main protagonist is presented.

Creepy Typing Hands

I don’t really know what to call these things but I think it was pretty cool that they didn’t leave this out.

The Puppet Master or Kuze and Major Side by Side

There is a huge difference between the characters The Puppet Master and Kuze. Though it was obvious that both characters were connected to the Major, the difference between them is satisfying enough.

Spider Tank

I actually squealed after seeing this robot. I liked how they stayed true to the original design but with some minor alterations.

MAJOR Arm Explosion (LOL)

It was always uneasy for me to watch a good character get majorly injured to the point of dismemberment.

The Rave

Both films were spectacularly made. It might only be my opinion but I really liked both films in the most unbiased way. White washing was an issue, but seeing ScarJo do a great job at portraying the Major it was not that bad at all. Though the Major’s name was different in the live action film which is Mira Killian, it was great that they still used the original name of Motoko Kusanagi. Character development was a bit lacking but the presence of a relative to the main protagonist made the live action less depressing.

All in all both films did a stellar job at portraying the inner workings of the human mind. Dealing with identity crisis and defining what memories meant and how the past does not define what you are, it was good food for thought. If you’re looking for a good psychological action film, then these movies are for you.

Yet again, Thanks to the following sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_in_the_Shell_(1995_film)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_in_the_Shell_(2017_film)

Azasu!!