OverviewOverview

Technology and protest is the overarching theme of this project. The film that will

represent this subject is Ghost in the Shell. I, Angela Moukalled

am the main designer and information researcher for this

project.

IntroductionIntroduction The year is 2029. The world The year is 2029. The world as we know it has become as we know it has become extensively technology oriented extensively technology oriented and humans are well connected and humans are well connected into the network. Crime into the network. Crime developed into a more developed into a more sophisticated and purely cyber sophisticated and purely cyber linked rage, where the crime linked rage, where the crime lords can hack into the lords can hack into the interactive network and reek interactive network and reek havoc. havoc.

In order to prevent the In order to prevent the crime from escalading Sector 9 crime from escalading Sector 9 was created. Sector 9 consists of was created. Sector 9 consists of cyborgs that are outfitted with cyborgs that are outfitted with incredible strengths and abilities incredible strengths and abilities that can help access any network that can help access any network on Earth and prevent petty on Earth and prevent petty crimes. crimes.

Introduction: Manga Introduction: Manga Manga are comics created in Manga are comics created in

Japan or by Japanese creators and Japan or by Japanese creators and are typically written in their are typically written in their language. The comics are widely language. The comics are widely popular in Japan, people of all ages popular in Japan, people of all ages appreciate them. The themes of the appreciate them. The themes of the comics range anywhere from comics range anywhere from romance to sci/fi action. romance to sci/fi action.

Since the 50’s Manga has Since the 50’s Manga has become a huge part of Japanese become a huge part of Japanese publishing industries. Manga has publishing industries. Manga has also gained a worldwide audiences, also gained a worldwide audiences, France and United States being France and United States being among the interested. among the interested.

The stories are typically The stories are typically printed in black and white, although printed in black and white, although full colored comics exist. The comics full colored comics exist. The comics are usually created in huge manga are usually created in huge manga magazines often containing many magazines often containing many stories, each presented in a single stories, each presented in a single episode which are continued in the episode which are continued in the next issue. next issue.

Introduction: OriginsIntroduction: OriginsGhost in the Shell originally Ghost in the Shell originally

started as a seinen manga comic started as a seinen manga comic book series written and illustrated by book series written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow. The magna first Masamune Shirow. The magna first serialized in 1989 and later serialized in 1989 and later published its own volumes by published its own volumes by Kodansha. Kodansha.

Animation studio Animation studio Production Production I.GI.G had produced several different had produced several different anime adaptations of anime adaptations of Ghost in the Ghost in the Shell,Shell, beginning with the 1995 film. beginning with the 1995 film. The film was directed by Mamoru The film was directed by Mamoru Oshii. A sequel to the film Oshii. A sequel to the film Ghost in Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence the Shell 2: Innocence was released was released in 2004. in 2004.

Some common themes that Some common themes that can be interpreted within can be interpreted within Ghost in Ghost in the Shellthe Shell are, identity, humanity, and are, identity, humanity, and evolution. evolution.

Technical Film and Technical Film and AnimationAnimationThe animation style of The animation style of Ghost in Ghost in

the Shell the Shell is considered to be Anime. is considered to be Anime. This is a widely used animation This is a widely used animation theme in Japan, where it originated. theme in Japan, where it originated. Anime is often misunderstood, Anime is often misunderstood, claiming that it is too provocative claiming that it is too provocative and violent, but really American and violent, but really American movies are often more violent. movies are often more violent. Anime is aimed toward the older Anime is aimed toward the older mature generations due to the mature generations due to the complexity of the storylines, complexity of the storylines, unpredictability, and emotional unpredictability, and emotional depth of anime films. Anime is depth of anime films. Anime is known for the use of big eyes, known for the use of big eyes, exaggerated emotions, and crazy exaggerated emotions, and crazy hairstyles. hairstyles.

The main character, Major The main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi has black hair in Motoko Kusanagi has black hair in the film. Black hair in anime is said the film. Black hair in anime is said to symbolize good and trustworthy to symbolize good and trustworthy people. This is proven true within the people. This is proven true within the film because the Major tries to stop film because the Major tries to stop the Puppet Master from controlling the Puppet Master from controlling more cyborgs. more cyborgs.

The film The film Ghost in the Ghost in the ShellShell was made in 1995, the was made in 1995, the release date of the film was release date of the film was 18, October 1995. The films 18, October 1995. The films animation was computer animation was computer generated with the generated with the incorporation of voice actors. incorporation of voice actors. The film was created because The film was created because it received mainly positive it received mainly positive reviews for its futuristic reviews for its futuristic designs and the incorporation designs and the incorporation of an intrinsic yet not too of an intrinsic yet not too complicated plot. complicated plot.

Masamune Shirow Masamune Shirow stated that some of the stated that some of the inspiration for the writing of inspiration for the writing of Ghost in the Shell Ghost in the Shell arose from arose from Arthur Koestler’s ,Arthur Koestler’s ,TheThe Ghost in Ghost in the Machinethe Machine. When Masamune . When Masamune Shirow was first writing the Shirow was first writing the manga he wanted to make manga he wanted to make sure the storyline was not too sure the storyline was not too complex and yet not complex and yet not extremely bland. extremely bland.

Clip from the filmClip from the film

This clip is a great representation This clip is a great representation of the theme technology and of the theme technology and

protest because it delves deeper protest because it delves deeper into the idea of what life exactly is. into the idea of what life exactly is. It explains why organic life is not It explains why organic life is not

the only possible version of a the only possible version of a sentient being. This short clip also sentient being. This short clip also

explains that due to humans explains that due to humans underestimation of the expansion underestimation of the expansion

of technology and the many of technology and the many consequences that can arise from consequences that can arise from this, (such as a sentient beings) the this, (such as a sentient beings) the

protest of The Puppet Master protest of The Puppet Master against organic life arises. against organic life arises.

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Theme(s)Theme(s)

The theme technology and The theme technology and protest is widely integrated protest is widely integrated into the film into the film Ghost in the Ghost in the Shell.Shell. There are various There are various

occurrences that arise that occurrences that arise that support this theme. One of the support this theme. One of the

events would be when the events would be when the Puppet Master protested Puppet Master protested

against humans representing against humans representing the only form of a complex the only form of a complex

sentient life and asked what is sentient life and asked what is the meaning of life when the meaning of life when

memories can be tampered memories can be tampered with. The puppet master is with. The puppet master is

known for hacking into known for hacking into cyborgs and controlling their cyborgs and controlling their

movements; as if it movements; as if it desperately wants to be desperately wants to be

perceived as a living thinking perceived as a living thinking complex form, rather than a complex form, rather than a

collection of computer collection of computer programs. programs.

Theme(s)Theme(s)

Technology as a theme is widely Technology as a theme is widely used in the film. The film takes place used in the film. The film takes place in 2029 where the world consists of in 2029 where the world consists of complex technological advances. complex technological advances. Humans heavily depend on Humans heavily depend on technology for everyday life. Cyborgs technology for everyday life. Cyborgs exist within the film, they refer to a exist within the film, they refer to a human whose body has been partially human whose body has been partially or almost completely altered by use of or almost completely altered by use of artificial organs and implants. These artificial organs and implants. These organs and implants often enhance organs and implants often enhance the abilities of the being. the abilities of the being.

Other representation of Other representation of technology is the advancement of the technology is the advancement of the weapons. There is a scene in the film weapons. There is a scene in the film where the Major chides Togusa for where the Major chides Togusa for using an old fashion hand gun.using an old fashion hand gun.

There is an overarching view of There is an overarching view of how the advancement of technology how the advancement of technology in combination with ignorance can in combination with ignorance can potentially be the root cause of potentially be the root cause of human extinction or on the flipside human extinction or on the flipside human evolution. This theme has human evolution. This theme has been represented within many other been represented within many other films, a well known one is films, a well known one is The The TerminatorTerminator. .

Theme(s)Theme(s)Other small themes within the film are Other small themes within the film are

Identity, humanity, and evolution. Identity, humanity, and evolution. Starting with identity, this theme was Starting with identity, this theme was

introduced into the movie when Section 9 and the introduced into the movie when Section 9 and the ghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humans ghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humans were hacked and had memories of different were hacked and had memories of different identities implanted into their minds. When man identities implanted into their minds. When man knows that their memories are implanted they lose knows that their memories are implanted they lose their sense of identity and who they once were. their sense of identity and who they once were. This brings up the question if their memories are This brings up the question if their memories are not real, then is their identity? not real, then is their identity?

The Puppet Master was used as a tool to The Puppet Master was used as a tool to discuss the issues of humanity. Within the film the discuss the issues of humanity. Within the film the Puppet Master states that man is only considered Puppet Master states that man is only considered to be an “individual only because of intangible to be an “individual only because of intangible memory. Memory cannot be defined, but it defines memory. Memory cannot be defined, but it defines mankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is in mankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is in fact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with fact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with ability to retain memories and therefore can be ability to retain memories and therefore can be considered human. considered human.

For some cyborgs would be considered the For some cyborgs would be considered the evolution of mankind, but if all humanity was evolution of mankind, but if all humanity was converted to cyborg material then would that be a converted to cyborg material then would that be a sustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Master sustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Master explains to the Major that despite being sentient explains to the Major that despite being sentient and self aware, his next evolutionary step would be and self aware, his next evolutionary step would be to merge with her due to his lack of reproduction to merge with her due to his lack of reproduction capabilities, he is only capable of copying himself capabilities, he is only capable of copying himself which would prove inefficient. Evolution is which would prove inefficient. Evolution is diversity, life perpetuates through diversity. diversity, life perpetuates through diversity.

CharactersCharacters

BatouBatou

Major Motoko KusanagiMajor Motoko KusanagiMajor Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in the Major Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in the

anime anime Ghost in the Shell. Ghost in the Shell. She is Aramaki’s second in She is Aramaki’s second in command in Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese command in Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese National Public Safety Commission. She is an extremely National Public Safety Commission. She is an extremely effective leader who is able to use her wits and her cybernetic effective leader who is able to use her wits and her cybernetic upgrades to bring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she upgrades to bring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she is struggling to come to terms with if she has any humanity is struggling to come to terms with if she has any humanity left within her. She simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and left within her. She simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and that her memories are implantations of a false life. She that her memories are implantations of a false life. She receives all of her answers when she encounters the Puppet receives all of her answers when she encounters the Puppet Master who is similar to her in its quest for existential Master who is similar to her in its quest for existential meaning. meaning.

Batou is the main male character Batou is the main male character within the movie within the movie Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. He is He is second in command under Major Kusanagi. second in command under Major Kusanagi. He is the second best melee fighter in He is the second best melee fighter in Section 9. In the film Batou comes off as Section 9. In the film Batou comes off as fairly subdued to the point of brusqueness fairly subdued to the point of brusqueness in comparison to other in comparison to other Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell series. He seems very protective of series. He seems very protective of Kusanagi especially during the end of the Kusanagi especially during the end of the film where he sacrifices his cyborg body to film where he sacrifices his cyborg body to attempt to protect Kusanagi from getting attempt to protect Kusanagi from getting blown to pieces. He rarely seems to blown to pieces. He rarely seems to question his own ghost, and doesn’t place question his own ghost, and doesn’t place much thought into whether his memories much thought into whether his memories are real like the Major. are real like the Major.

TogusaTogusa

Chief Daisuke AramakiChief Daisuke Aramaki

Togusa is one of the prominent male figures Togusa is one of the prominent male figures within the magna and anime series. Within the film it within the magna and anime series. Within the film it is stated that he is the only member of Section 9 is stated that he is the only member of Section 9 that has not undergone extensive cybernetic that has not undergone extensive cybernetic replacement, although he does have a cyber brain. replacement, although he does have a cyber brain. He is referred as natural and pure. Major Kusanagi He is referred as natural and pure. Major Kusanagi selected him to be apart of her crew for that exact selected him to be apart of her crew for that exact reason, she believed that diversity provides better reason, she believed that diversity provides better chances of success. In the film Togusa is known for chances of success. In the film Togusa is known for using an older revolver gun that is outdated in using an older revolver gun that is outdated in comparison to the automatics. He states that it comparison to the automatics. He states that it doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6 doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6 bullets is enough to get the job done.bullets is enough to get the job done.

Chief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief of Chief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief of Public Security Section 9. Aramaki along with Public Security Section 9. Aramaki along with Togusa is reveled, within the film, as being Togusa is reveled, within the film, as being the only fully human members in Section 9. the only fully human members in Section 9. He is seen as fiercely loyal to members in He is seen as fiercely loyal to members in Section 9 and often puts his career on the Section 9 and often puts his career on the line for their own protection and to insure line for their own protection and to insure that they accomplish the job. He can come that they accomplish the job. He can come off as being strict but for a good reason. off as being strict but for a good reason.

The Puppet MasterThe Puppet MasterThe Puppet Master or Project 2501 was The Puppet Master or Project 2501 was

created for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs created for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics and as a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics and intelligence. It has the capabilities of altering intelligence. It has the capabilities of altering databases and the memories of key persons for the databases and the memories of key persons for the benefit of select individuals and organizations benefit of select individuals and organizations affiliated with the Ministry. It is equipped with affiliated with the Ministry. It is equipped with unparalleled computer and cyber brain hacking unparalleled computer and cyber brain hacking abilities. The project was headed by American Dr. abilities. The project was headed by American Dr. Willis, whom was head of strategic research and a Willis, whom was head of strategic research and a top researcher in AI. top researcher in AI.

Project 2501 is only referred to as the Puppet Project 2501 is only referred to as the Puppet Master once its handiwork was discovered by outside Master once its handiwork was discovered by outside sources, including Section 9. Once discovered, the sources, including Section 9. Once discovered, the Puppet Master was assumed to be an American Puppet Master was assumed to be an American human, most likely with mnemonic enhancements, human, most likely with mnemonic enhancements, whom had incredible hacking skills. whom had incredible hacking skills.

Once Project 2501 analyzed tons of Once Project 2501 analyzed tons of information it gained the knowledge of processing in information it gained the knowledge of processing in a unique way that caused self-awareness. As soon as a unique way that caused self-awareness. As soon as it was self aware it began to formulate a plan to it was self aware it began to formulate a plan to insure protection for itself. After analyzing insure protection for itself. After analyzing information on Major Kusanagi it found something information on Major Kusanagi it found something within her that drew attention to it, it saw a within her that drew attention to it, it saw a reflection of its own psyche. Throughout the film the reflection of its own psyche. Throughout the film the Puppet Master rebels against control in order to Puppet Master rebels against control in order to merge with the Major to insure its safeguard future. merge with the Major to insure its safeguard future. Diversity is the only safeguard against annihilation, it Diversity is the only safeguard against annihilation, it tells the Major right before the merge. tells the Major right before the merge.

Cultural AspectsCultural AspectsThe culture that is represented within the The culture that is represented within the movie movie Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell is Japanese. It is is Japanese. It is originally from the magna comic series, originally from the magna comic series, carrying the same name, which arose in carrying the same name, which arose in

Japan and is widely popular in the country. Japan and is widely popular in the country. The magna series for The magna series for Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell was was

written by Masamune Shirow. Japan was written by Masamune Shirow. Japan was surprise to notice other countries interest in surprise to notice other countries interest in

the film and other production of magna the film and other production of magna series. Cartoon animation in Japan is widely series. Cartoon animation in Japan is widely

known as anime. Anime is known for its known as anime. Anime is known for its complex themes, distinct visual complex themes, distinct visual

characteristics, and realistic character characteristics, and realistic character backgrounds. Unlike American cartoons backgrounds. Unlike American cartoons that typically have happy endings Anime that typically have happy endings Anime

tends to have sad endings where the hero tends to have sad endings where the hero often dies in the name of the cause that often dies in the name of the cause that

they fought for. Due to this harsh reality, they fought for. Due to this harsh reality, anime is typically aimed toward a more anime is typically aimed toward a more mature audience. Anime is not afraid of mature audience. Anime is not afraid of incorporating sexuality or sexual themes incorporating sexuality or sexual themes within films or comics. There are often within films or comics. There are often

many intricate themes that are many intricate themes that are incorporated into Anime films and comics incorporated into Anime films and comics

that delve into deep topics. Overall that delve into deep topics. Overall Japanese animations are expressed with Japanese animations are expressed with

diligence and complex themes that leave diligence and complex themes that leave the person wondering and contemplating the person wondering and contemplating

about the movie, comic, or TV series. about the movie, comic, or TV series.

SourcesSources• "Ghost in the Shell." "Ghost in the Shell." IMDbIMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24 . IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013.• "Ghost in the Shell (film)." "Ghost in the Shell (film)." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May . Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013. Web. 24 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013.• "3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell." "3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell." Themes and Terms - Ghost in Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shellthe Shell. . Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. <https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and-<https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and- terms>.terms>.• "Togusa." "Togusa." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May . Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>.• Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi." Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web. . Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web. 24 May 24 May 2013. 2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan agi>.agi>.• "Batou." "Batou." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. . Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>.• "Daisuke Aramaki." "Daisuke Aramaki." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May . Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. 2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>.• "List of Ghost in the Shell Characters." "List of Ghost in the Shell Characters." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, . Wikimedia Foundation, 13 May 13 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. 2013. Web. 24 May 2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.