Ghost In The Shell Review: 8 Ups & 4 Downs

Ups

8. The Visuals Are Absolutely Incredible

Ghost In The Shell Scarlett Johansson
Paramount

If there was ever one aspect of this movie which seemed like a slam dunk from the outset, it was the style, and by God, director Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman) has done a splendid job bringing the stylistic aspects of the anime to faithful life.

Jess Hall's lush cinematography combines with imaginative shot selections, stunning visual effects and impeccable production design to ensure that almost every frame of this movie could be hung on a wall.

It's clear that just about every penny of its $110 million budget made it onto the screen, and considering how easy it would be for casual viewers to label the movie a Matrix ripoff (given that the original GITS actually influenced The Matrix), Sanders manages to cobble together a unique action aesthetic that actually doesn't feel overly derivative.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.