Kôkaku kidôtai: Stand Alone Complex Solid State Society (Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society) (2007)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Justin Y

  
  The <i>Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex</i> series has been one of my favorite animated shows of all time. This movie is a sequel to the 2 season series and it does not disappoint. First off it would be wise to actually watch or be familiar with the series (52… More
  The <i>Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex</i> series has been one of my favorite animated shows of all time. This movie is a sequel to the 2 season series and it does not disappoint. First off it would be wise to actually watch or be familiar with the series (52 episodes) to get a full understanding of the character relationships and the setting of the film. It is possible to watch this without having seen the series, but it isn't highly recommended.</p><p>As usual the story is very interesting but it is also complex. You really need to pay attention otherwise you will be lost in all that is going on. As far as action goes there isn't a whole bunch, but there is a nice sequence near the end which includes the return of the lovable Tachikomas. Guns a blazing.</p><p>Visually this movie is spectacular and it is pretty similar to the 2nd gig series. It may be even a little sharper. The setting and story concept really allow for the staff to display their artistic talent. Fans of Motoko may be a little disappointed in the beginning because she is nearly non-existent, but she does make up for it in the second half of the movie. </p><p>Yoko Kanno does an excellent job with the soundtrack once again. She gives us some new songs as well as some recognizable originals from the series.</p><p>Fans of the series will get a kick out of everything this film has to offer while others will just enjoy the visuals.

• Bill C

  
  The Sound is mixed up. Batou to me is the weakest developed characters in the series and the beginning of the movie focuses on him and the major. I still don?t understand why all rangers have two toilet paper tolls sticking out of there face for eyes. Its like watching a Clint… More
  The Sound is mixed up. Batou to me is the weakest developed characters in the series and the beginning of the movie focuses on him and the major. I still don?t understand why all rangers have two toilet paper tolls sticking out of there face for eyes. Its like watching a Clint Eastwood in western without seeing his eyes. The middle focus on a normally hyper detailed plot development where you either strain to the point of breaking a blood vessel to absorb all the multitude of character and layer thrown at you. Then is the robot battling the enhanced human and humans wearing exoskeletons. Then the closure where the ethical and societal dilemmas are brought-up. In my estimation the elevation of Togusa to team leader and attempt to develop him as character evolving his wife and daughter was serious plot development error. In the earlier movies he was the grounding point for the audience to address the bizarre future where virtually every one has electronic enhancement from the age of five. And I thought Id never say it, but I really do like the Tachicomas now. They have more character development than the remainder of the cast. The major has as with anyone watching the GITS is always the focus of attention. I?ve always been torn by the message she portrays. In the original her apparel was pure S&M with a military coat occasionally draped over her shoulders. Then it shifted to more normal appearance but with oversized eyes. Now the eyes have returned to more normal size and she wears basically a translucent body stocking over here fully synthetic body. If you just listen to the movie without watching it her role is definitely a positive role model for women, however if you watch it without listening its just soft core anime-porn. I really find the Japanese view of this situation amusing. They basically don?t evaluate/sensor anime for nudity, because it just drawings not photos. ie Octopus and Fishermans wife.

• Anthony V

  
  If you like the movies, don't miss the series.