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The 2002 broadcast series based on Mamoru Oshii's landmark film Ghost in the Shell (1995) takes place in a parallel world, where Major Motoko Kusanagi didn't vanish into The Net. Although its production values are lower, and director Kenji Kamiyama never matches Oshii's inspired camerawork, Stand Alone Complex does an impressive job of recreating the setting and characters. With the help of the other officers from Public Security Section 9, Kusanagi moves through a deadly city of mecha, cyborgs, humans, and human-prosthetic hybrids. Batou emerges as a more complex and compelling character in the TV series than he was in Ghost in the Shell II: Innocence: He engages the other characters, instead of endlessly quoting philosophers. Politics and cyber-espionage collide in a somewhat tangled plot that centers on the pursuit of The Laughing Man, an über-hacker whose pseudonym is linked to J.D. Salinger's 1949 story of the same name. The master cyber-criminal leads Kusanagi and Batou into a web of murder and deceit involving bogus cures for "cyberbrain sclerosis" and corrupt government ministers. In the secondary story, the Tachikomas, crab-like robots used by Section 9, develop personalities and an awareness of their existence. The Tachikomas recognize some of the implications of their growing consciousness, but their childish voices--modeled after the performance of Japanese actress Akiko Tamagawa--sound odd discussing philosophical questions. Not surprisingly, the story ends with Kusanagi, Batou, et al. tackling a new case that leads into the 2nd Gig. (Rated 13 and older: considerable violence, violence against women, grotesque imagery, nudity, alcohol and tobacco use) --Charles Solomon
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 Great Series Worth Watching |
| Review Date: November 15, 2006 |
| Reviewer: A. Gong, |
I originally saw this series on the Cartoon Network Adult Swim segment back in 2005. Unlike most American cartoons this Ghost in the Shell (GITS) is geared towards a mature audience. It offers a good mix of police drama, philosophy and sci-fi all rolled into one.
The 26 episodes are divided into two categories Stand Alone and Complex. Stand Alone episodes are simply that, a self contained episode that is entertaining, but doesn't contribute much to the overall arcing storyline. These episodes can be skipped and you will still be able to follow the Laughing Man storyline. Complex episodes are part of the overall Laughing Man storyline; miss one episode and you miss some information.
GITS takes place in the year 2030; which is after the 4th World War, and revolves around Public Security Section 9, or simply Section 9. It is an elite anti-crime organization that specializes in cyber terrorism. The team is mostly comprised of cyborgs with the exception of one; Togusa who's only cyberization is a brain implant. Many of the initial episodes are Stand Alone, but eventually the main story arc begins to emerge when an unresolved six year old case called the Laughing Man case.
GITS is geared towards a mature audience because of the serious dialog. There are no "cute" talking animals like in other animes. However, to introduce a sense of innocence into an otherwise serious organization comprised of former military, Yakuza (organized crime), and police members are the Tachikomas. Tachikomas are lightly armored tanks with autonomous AI used by Section 9. When they speak they have the voice of small children which is in contrast to the more mature sounding adults. The Tachikomas represent an innocence that all members of Section 9 (or any adult for that matter) no longer have.
The basic philosophy around Ghost in the Shell is what a human being is and how your humanity will change as you upgrade your body using cybernetics. The title speaks for itself; "Ghost" is your soul, "Shell" is your body whether it is biological or cybernetic. A word of warning, unlike most cartoons made for the US audience, the dialog can become quite complex especially when dealing with philosophical issues and certain aspects of the Laughing Man case. Imagine the dialog between Neo and the Architect in The Matrix: Reloaded. Not something to hear every day; especially in cartoons geared towards kids. Speaking of the Matrix, the movie borrows a lot from Japanese anime and manga, including Ghost in the Shell.
The main story arc revolves around the Laughing Man. Who is he/she? Why did he/she initiate a series of industrial blackmail and suddenly disappear? Are there more than one Laughing Man? The companies that were blackmailed by the Laughing Man also received money from the government to maintain stock prices; is there some type of collusion taking place? What is the significance of the quote, "I thought what I'd do was, pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes" from the book Catcher in the Rye? As the main story arc unfolds, some answers are provided, but many new mysteries open up.
Not sure if it's worth buying? Then watch it or record it on the Cartoon Network who typically broadcasts the series at 2:00am and 5:00am Monday through Thursday. Unfortunately as of is writing (10-15-06) the Cartoon Network has re-broadcasted all episodes of GITS SAC season 1. They are currently broadcasting the episode of Ghost in the Shell - S.A.C - 2nd Gig which is season 2 of the series. A very good continuation of the series with an even more complex storyline.
Can't wait for the next movie (not season 3), Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society, to be released in 2007 outside of Japan. |
A series that heralds the future of the internet
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| Review Date: March 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: David Lim, Hobart, Tasmania |
I stumbled on Stand Alone Complex completely by accident. I'd seen both previous films, and this new series caught me completely by surprise. With notable exceptions (Battlestar Galactica, Six Feet Under) this has more emotional and intellectual depth than almost any Western series you can think of. Every episode subtly and delicately raises important themes that are worth serious discussion and consideration.
But those themes won't be palatable to an audience if it isn't packaged in an eterntaining form - which this series is. It has everything - some great action sequences (the Terrorist takedown in the first episode), terrific character development (name any of them), and a standout kickass musical score. The score by Yoko Kanno deserves special mention, as it runs the gamut from 'cyberpunk techno'(sic?) to beautiful orchestral melodies. And the main themes for the series are serious attention-getters - one of the best I've ever heard.
All the characters are vividly drawn and beautifully realised. The DVD Boxset has both the original Japanese voices, as well as the English dub. It's fascinating to see the differences between Atsuko Tanaka and Mary McGlynn's rendition of the main character (Major Kusanagi). The Japanese voices emphasises the philosphical and intellectual issues being raised. While the western dub makes the characters more friendly and approachable. It lends a fascinating slant to the series.
The pace is much slower and more langurious than what action- or anime- fans are used to. As a casual viewer, that's just fine by me. It gives the viewer more time to digest the important concepts being raised, and also a chance to appreciate the tone and atmosphere of the amazing world that is being woven before our eyes.
There are a few films that have touched me intellectually, and there are a lot that have affected me emotionally and viscerally (LOTR, Doctor Who, Star Wars Original, Star Trek, etc...). Stand Alone Complex is the only series that has touched me on both an emotional and intellectual level. I absolutely love and adore this series. Strongly strongly recommended for the open-minded viewer looking for emotional and intellectual stimulation from their film and TV viewing. |
This is a must buy Box Set, that will sadly be dismissed by the casual movie/TV viewer as a children's cartoon.
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| Review Date: October 20, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Jonathan Ariza, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles |
| This has to be one of the best anime ever. It blends cop drama, believable future gadgets and nice political twists that is better presented than most other TV shows and movies. I think it is sad to know that most people will categorize this series as a children's cartoon and pass it up. For the lovers of the movies, this has a lot more to offer and the final episodes round up things very good. You'll have to see it for yourself, but you wont be disappointed to pick up this series. The only negative part that I can think of is that after this, you wont be satisfied with any other Sci-Fi movie or TV series accept for Battle star Galactica and the DC cartoons (Batman TAS, Superman, Justice league etc.). I won't be going into many details for the episodes, seeing that this is a very loved series and has been reviewed before on this site. This is your chance to buy the whole series in one box set and for a very low price. I have been waiting a long time for this box set and I am very glad to be able to buy it when it arrives. I implore you to do the same. |
All around, great
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| Review Date: January 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Bryan Buckley, |
I like Adult Swim stuff like Robot Chicken & Aqua Teen, which is how i found out about this anime since it was airing on Adult Swim. I DON'T like many other animes, I just find that after watching a few episodes of other animes the stylistic stuff can't hold the series up on its own, which is usually when i notice the plot/themes arent all that great.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is completely different in that aspect. It does have top notch animation, music, and voice actors, but it also has amazing plot lines and themes. You can watch this anime over and over just like a good movie.
I would highly recommend this anime if your a fan of action/drama.
Side Note: After watching this and also watching The Matrix (the movie) it's a wonder how the Wachowski bros got away with taking so many stylistic stuff as well as other things from this. Granted, this anime borrows some things from classic movies like Taxi Driver. |
A masterpiece of anime
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| Review Date: January 7, 2007 |
| Reviewer: William Stenson, |
There are a few pieces of Anime work that really stand out, Ghost in the Shell, Gundam Wing to name a couple. Very few animes make a great tv series, but this one is a masterpiece. It covers about every subject concerning humanity and the line between it and the machine age the story is set in possible. It also does not hold back on the money for the top notch animation during the show with lush details and vibrant backgrounds throughout the show. From the start of the show to the end you never really know what is coming and even if you think have it figured out, the writers throw a massive curveball at you. I won't ruin the story for anyone, but I will say it is one of the most well written pieces of work I have ever seen. If you have never seen Ghost in the Shell, I think you will still enjoy the series from start to finish.
In short, amazing story combined with awesome animation makes this a must have for any anime fan. |
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