The year is 2030, and cybernetics has become a prevailing aspect of human
civilization. The widespread usage of cybernetic implants has also created a new atmosphere
for crime and punishment.
In this post-cybernetic society Major Motoko
Kusanagi is the leading officer of Public Security Section 9, an elite
anti-terrorism organization located in the fictional Japanese city of
Niihama-shi and under supervision by Chief Daisuke Aramaki.
Recent high-profile crimes and events lead Section 9 to suspect the
reemergence of a mysterious figure who is known to the public as “The Laughing
Man”.
In their attempts to discover the identity and purpose of the Laughing Man,
they stumble upon a much greater and malicious threat which may forever change
the political landscape as well as the existence of Section 9 itself.
Review: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Based on the famed Ghost in the Shell manga written by Shirou Masamune, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is a breathtaking, compelling, and
thought-provoking sci-fi thriller that blends action, intrigue, and
post-cybernetic philosophy.
This cyberpunk series is more than meets the eye with impressive action
sequences, an intelligent and engrossing storyline, intriguing characters, and
plenty of cerebral-stimulating dialogue.
It’s a hauntingly surrealistic and yet surprisingly poignant portrayal of
human civilization in the post-cybernetic world.
Stand Alone Complex is centered on the activities of Public Security Section
9, a small but elite anti-terrorism and anti-crime organization tasked with
solving crimes dealing with cybernetics (cyber crimes), those in public
office, high profile murders, as well as protecting various VIPs.
While the story telling is mainly episodic in nature, a larger more complex
plot line eventually emerges.
Most episodes deal with Section 9 investigating and solving various criminal
incidents ranging from runaway military hardware to an assassination attempt
on the Superintendent of the Police.
Eventually Section 9 discovers that some of these recent events have to do
with the mysterious public figure the media calls the “Laughing Man”.
From
there on, while the individual episodes remain relatively episodic in nature,
there is clearly a single thread that ties everything together.
This means that while most episodes can stand on their own (indeed they are
even called “Stand Alone Episodes”), they are also very much related to each
other.
The ensemble cast is made up of quite a varied and interesting group of
characters. Both Chief Aramaki and Major Kusanagi seem to be no-nonsense
professionals, but both are shrewd and clever in different ways.
Batou is, on the surface, a macho figure who doesn’t hesitate to “get rough”
if needed and yet has a soft side for machines.
Then there is Togusa, the only member of Section 9’s tactical team that has no
cybernetic implants (other than cyberbrain implants), who’s not only a bright
and quick thinker, but a loving father and husband. Finally, there are the
Tachikomas.
While not human, these robotic AI suits are without a doubt my favorite
characters in the whole series.
Not only are they funny but their desire to become human and take on human
traits despite their lacking of a “ghost” (i.e. a human mind) is both touching
and intriguing.
And while not all the members of Section 9 are equally well developed, almost
every one of them have their own unique skills and abilities as well as
personalities that are well established by the time the series nears its
ending.
In fact, I found myself caring about even the minor characters despite the
lack of time we spend with them during the actual series. Of course it doesn’t hurt that the series is well written with smart dialogue
and an interesting script.
Stand Alone Complex, like the original Ghost in the Shell movie, has
outstanding production values.
The animation is top-notch, and is not only detailed and colorful, but
includes a convincing mixture of digital cel animation and CGI.
From dazzling futuristic urban landscapes to fast-paced sci-fi action
sequences, there is plenty for the discerning viewer to enjoy.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex DVD transfer (taken from the original HD masters) is also one of the best
I’ve seen with excellent clarity and visual fidelity.
And despite the amount of high-speed action sequences present, rarely is there
any loss in visual quality.
The same goes for the sound, which is presented in a fully surround, Dolby
Digital 5.1 mix as well as in DTS (in the special edition volumes).
The sound
is fantastic from the excellent voice cast to the heart-pounding action
sequences, the quality of the audio will definitely not disappoint.
And neither will the English voice track, which is one of the best I’ve heard
in years with some excellent performances by Crispin Freeman (as Togusa), Mary
Elizabeth McGlynn (as Major Kusanagi), and Stephen Jay Blum (as the Laughing
Man).
In fact, so good is the dubbing that it’s comparable to a de-facto standard
like Cowboy Bebop.
Truly this is one of the few series in which the choice between the English
and original Japanese track is more or less a matter of flipping a coin.
Finally, the music is superb: with haunting, vibrant and very pertinent music
that fits in very well with the themes and atmosphere of the show.
Yoko Kanno has once again done an amazing job with the soundtrack, especially
with the opening theme "Inner universe", which is beautifully sung by Russian
vocalist Origa.
One of the most interesting aspects of Stand Alone Complex, just like the
original Ghost in the Shell, is that it is very philosophical in nature.
While the action is exciting, and the political mystery and intrigue
engrossing, the series also explores many philosophical concepts such as the
nature of humanity and the emergence of new phenomena as the result of merging
man with machine.
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The Tachikomas desire to acquire human traits begs the question of what really
defines humanity and whether or not machines can one day take on human traits.
Various other issues dealing with the nature of the human consciousness and
matters of political and social nature are also explored.
All in all, there is plenty to think about in this series, and while cyberpunk
series generally have a penchant for the philosophical, this is still one of
the more cerebral experiences you’ll find within this genre.
There isn’t really much to complain about in Stand Alone Complex, but there
are certainly things that could have been done better.
One issue is the pacing, which could certainly have used some more work as
certain episodes feel a little longer than they should.
And while the series does a good job of developing the major characters, it
wouldn’t have hurt to flesh out some of the minor characters a little more.
And finally, while there is plenty of explanations given to illuminate the
events of the series, the story and some of the plot devices just seems a
little too complex at certain points especially nearing the end.
For the not-quite-so-discerning viewer, understanding everything that is going
on may be difficult, and it took me more than one viewing to fully grasp
everything that was happening.
This is definitely a series that demands at least one repeat viewing.
Despite some minor shortcomings, Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex is
truly one of the best sci-fi/mystery/action anime series out there.
Not only does it present us with a convincing view of what the near future
could look like, it encourages us to think about some important philosophical
as well as social and political issues.
It is thoroughly enjoyable and highly-recommended for anyone who has even a
passing interest in sci-fi, mystery or action-oriented anime.
Miscellanies: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
The North American DVD release was a joint venture handled by Bandai
Entertainment and Manga Entertainment and was released in seven regular and
special edition volumes.
Each of the special edition volumes come with an extra disc with a DTS 5.1
track as well as additional special features.
A complete collection box set with all 7 of the regular edition volumes is
also available.
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex | |
| Genre | Action, Sci-Fi |
|---|---|
| Episodes | 26 |
| Status | Finished Airing |
| Aired | Oct 1, 2002 to Oct 1, 2003 |
| Producers | Bandai Visual, Dentsu, Victor Entertainment, Animax, Kodansha, Trilogy Future Studio, Tokuma Shoten, Nippon Television Network |
| Studio | Production I.G |
| Rating | R - 17+ (violence & profanity) |
| Themes | Adult Cast, Detective, Mecha, Military |
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