****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
Ghost in the Shell was always a fantastic anime movie when I was growing up, but its concepts and core philosophies seemed a bit beyond its own narrative. Now having seen the series, I know that's because it was indeed beyond itself: The concepts of Ghost in the Shell needed an entire show to explore the universe that it created (like Star Trek). Taking the time to understand the technology being presented, the moral and political implications that come with that technology, and asking us what's left of individuality and humanity once the majority of existence is synthetic, is so very worth it.***PROS***STORYStand Alone Complex is about Public Security Section 9. We observe their sleuthing skills in tracking down cyber-terrorists and their unique combat prowess when facing a variety of challenges that cyber-enhanced humanoids present. Some episodes stand alone, focusing on one case that usually deals us a moral/ethical dilemma or zeroing in on background information regarding the Section 9 characters that we follow. There is also an overarching theme the haunts the entire first season: the hunt for the cyber terrorist known as the "laughing man." The stories are intelligent and rewarding. The replay value is high; a better understanding awaits with every viewing.ANIMATIONNo stills, three-frame choppy motions, or cheaply blocked fight sequences here. This is the good stuff. There's true cinematography at work. The battle animations are fluid and the choreography is sinister. But for fans of nonstop anime action (and I'm one of them): You won't find it here. If a battle can be handled in one quick move, than that's how it goes down. There's no excess, no wasteful flair. The action is always to the point.CHARACTERSEach member of Section 9 is an adult character. Keep an eye on all of them. Backstories are rare, but when they're provided, they reveal just enough information for you to draw your own conclusions. Viewers might emerge with their own takes on each character, so I won't bore you with mine. The Tachikomas are tanks-turned-helpers and their A.I.'s showcase a "cute girl" attitude that takes a while to get used to. I'm not sure if I'll ever truly embrace their grating cheerfulness, but it doesn't detract from the show in excess, and their roles are always interesting.MUSICThis is in my top 10 for best anime music. At times it's tech-infused and pumping, but avoids stomping over the sounds, themes and conversations; at other times it lifts with orchestral choirs. The opening title music is the best. Hands down, the best.***CONS***The Tachikomas worked my nerves a tad. Some of the themes presented are not explored fully (and you'll want them to be).This is a series that deserves to be seven seasons long. I believe our interests in technology are pushing innovations inward, not outward. We are not developing a warp engine for space flight. Our consumer-driven economies are demanding smarter phones and better internet. We'll have internet access in our brains, sex mannequins, and A.I. tanks before we pursue space flight, renewable energy, and the eventual evolution past currency. This show is the perfect platform for telling stories in that not-far-off setting, and it tells them very well. More Ghost in the Shell, rather than an eighth season of Bleach (no offense).I'm an animator and writer, so I'm constantly pouring through stacks of anime for inspiration. If you found this review helpful, or our tastes seem to align, follow along. I'll try to steer straight.
