Ghost in the Shell (2017)
“Ghost in the Shell,” directed by Rupert Sanders, is a science fiction film set in a future where cybernetic enhancements are commonplace. The story follows Major Mira Killian, a human brain housed in a fully synthetic body, making her a highly advanced and capable soldier. As a member of the elite task force Section 9, Major is tasked with combating cyberterrorism and hunting down dangerous criminals.
The film begins with Major’s creation by the Hanka Robotics corporation after her human body was destroyed in a terrorist attack. Dr. Ouelet, one of the leading scientists at Hanka, assures Major that her memories and humanity are preserved within her new body. However, Major frequently experiences glitches and fragmented memories, causing her to question her past.
Major’s current mission is to stop Kuze, a mysterious hacker targeting Hanka executives. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a conspiracy that challenges everything she has been told about her origin. Major learns that her true identity was suppressed and that she was once a woman named Motoko Kusanagi, who was abducted and transformed against her will.
Throughout the film, Major grapples with her sense of self and the nature of her existence. She questions whether her soul, or “ghost,” remains intact within her artificial body, leading to philosophical explorations of identity and humanity. With the help of her Section 9 colleagues, including the loyal Batou, Major confronts the dark truths about her creation and the unethical practices of Hanka Robotics.
In a climactic showdown, Major faces off against the forces behind the conspiracy, ultimately embracing her true identity as Motoko Kusanagi. She vows to protect others from suffering the same fate and to continue fighting for justice in a world where the line between human and machine is increasingly blurred.
“Ghost in the Shell” blends action with thought-provoking themes, exploring the complexities of identity, memory, and the human soul in an era of advanced technology. Through Major’s journey, the film raises questions about the essence of humanity and the ethical implications of technological advancements.