Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man (Kôkaku kidôtai: Stand alone complex - The laughing man) (2005)

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(434 ratings)

This full-length OVA release, based on the futuristic anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex", follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates the so-called "Laughing Man" incidents, in a world where humanity and robotics have become inextricably intertwined, and police are left… More This full-length OVA release, based on the futuristic anime series Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex", follows Major Motoko Kusanagi as she investigates the so-called "Laughing Man" incidents, in a world where humanity and robotics have become inextricably intertwined, and police are left seeking out not just criminals in the flesh, but in cyberspace. ~ Cammila Albertson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Kenji Kamiyama
Genres: Animation, Anime & Manga, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy

On DVD: Oct 2, 2007

No Critic Reviews Found…

Featured Audience Ratings

Justin Y

Kenji Kamiyama gets the honor of directing and putting together the fantastic Japanese animation known as Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man.This film is basically a compilation of all the important bits and pieces of important… More
Kenji Kamiyama gets the honor of directing and putting together the fantastic Japanese animation known as Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man.This film is basically a compilation of all the important bits and pieces of important episodes of the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex first season. In my opinion, it is nicely put together. The story flows smoothly and despite it being just under 2 hours and 40 minutes, it never drags.What will turn people off the most, is the fact that this film is futuristic and very high tech. There is a high level of attention required to follow and understand the story. Unless this is a watch for the second or even third time, this is not a film to just sit back and relax to. With that said, the detail of the story makes it all the more engrossing. There is so much to follow, including a nice twist at the end.Visually, this animation is fantastic. There is detail for the characters as well as the surroundings and settings. The direction is superb, so it helps the film visually as well.The voice acting is wisely chosen (both in Japanese AND English dubs). Each character has a voice that match their look and personality. Props to Atsuko Tanaka for bringing Motoko Kusanagi to life.Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - The Laughing Man is a film for fans of the series, as well as the original films. A must see.
Matthew Y

This is the comprehensive collection of each episode from the Ghost in the Shell anime series that involve the chronology of The Laughing Man case. Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic society where animatronic technology has advanced to the point where just about any limp or organ can… More
This is the comprehensive collection of each episode from the Ghost in the Shell anime series that involve the chronology of The Laughing Man case. Ghost in the Shell is a futuristic society where animatronic technology has advanced to the point where just about any limp or organ can be replaced. The series follows high-profile field agents, the main character "The Major" has had her body so ravished over the years that she is completely an android with only her soul or "ghost" still remaining from her original self. The Laughing Man is a hacker who is so good he hacks all cameras and animatronic eyes to display a laughing man logo in place of his face. These are easily the best episodes from the anime which is complex, deep meaning and often difficult to follow. Patient viewers, who aren't opposed to lots of dialog and plot over action sequences and spectacle, will find this movie and the anime series a delightfully smart gem.
Anthony V

On par with the original movie.