Numerous films, anime series and computer game adaptations have followed ever since. Ghost in the Shell was originally told through serialised Japanese manga in 1989, by the visionary Masamune Shirow. Nonetheless, the visuals are quite simply vivid and memorable, especially when no other film, animated or otherwise, comes close to making humans feel so small, questioning our role in a world filled with technology, and a lack of an accompanying “moral compass 2.0”. This film asks what it means to be conscious and whether an identity of ours exists outside the immediate physical realm.Īlthough there are frantic technological advances in many frames throughout the film, some things remain the same, such as scheduled household waste collection and people shopping in stores (sorry, Amazon). Philosophers have been thinking about the “zombie” scenario: there could theoretically be two identical versions of a person, able to carry out actions in exactly the same way, but one might not show any signs of consciousness. But don’t mistake why such visuals are used in the early scenes in this film: after asking whether you think they’re a necessary element, you’re left asking by the end of the film what exactly are the uses of a human body which has no unique identity of its own.įor many, many years, philosophers and super-smart thinkers have asked the question what it actually means to be human, both literally and figuratively. Yes, the female body and female characters are already disrespected in films, games and you know, life in general. The presence of naked female shells is fascinating. Have you ever seen your own brain?” and examines whether a hyper-connected cyborg could create its own soul all by itself? This scene ultimately poses the final scary question: what is the purpose of being human?Īs you’ve probably gathered by now, the story deals with concepts of identity, the ubiquity of technology and its uses, and the political and societal implications of a technologically advanced society. She asks her colleague Batou, “I mean who knows what’s inside our heads. Kusanagi also questions what her existence means or even is, and whether she is just a synthetic being created by scientists, with neurological implants aimed at making her more productive. Events and Offers Sign up to receive information regarding NS events, subscription offers & product updates. Ideas and Letters A newsletter showcasing the finest writing from the ideas section and the NS archive, covering political ideas, philosophy, criticism and intellectual history - sent every Wednesday. Weekly Highlights A weekly round-up of some of the best articles featured in the most recent issue of the New Statesman, sent each Saturday. The Culture Edit Our weekly culture newsletter – from books and art to pop culture and memes – sent every Friday.
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