Ghost in the Shell (1995)

User Review

• 

  Barneyonmovies

  8 / 10

  WHAT I LIKED: The best way to describe the feeling you get when watching 'Ghost in the Shell' is frankly a deep-routed unease, but also a definite sense of wonder - and those two things are a very rare and very effective combination. First off, the film features some pretty startling explorations of identity and humanity, as well as some very meticulous yet un-explained world-building that really builds a sense of genuine unkown and unease. In fact, it's that lack of exploration in many aspects of the film that not only leaves you in a state of angst, but also in one of questioning wonder and admiration. Yes in that sense this is one pretty dreamy experience, and the incredible score and beautiful visuals elevate that ten-fold.
  WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: That whole unease factor is dealt with a slight feeling of detatchment from any sort of humanity, which sadly leaves little room for genuine emotional investment in the on-the-nose thematic explorations. That leaves the ending a little empty of real weight or closure.
  VERDICT: A dreamy and thought-provoking film that will leave you in a hypnotic limbo between wonder and unease. It's a very unique experience indeed, but agreeably not the most human one.

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