Analysis of the Film Chost in the Shell

The Science Fiction film “Ghost in the Shell” is a complex movie, which at times one may find it difficult to follow. This may be because before this film was created in 1995 there was a manga series that provided some essential background knowledge of what was going on and why. Watching the film could be like watching Pokémon movies without watching the series’. First, you would be confused as to why Ash, the main character has a particular interest in re-catching Pikachu. But like most movies you eventually start to get a feel as to what is going on.

Ghost in the Shell takes place in a futuristic Hong Kong, where technology is so advanced that mankind is able to create a whole new species of humans known as cyborgs. Cyborgs are genetically enhanced humans with mechanical and biological technology. In other words, they are biological humans with mechanical parts implanted in their system. In this Film, cyborgs were most commonly used by the government but were also seen around the streets.

The protagonist in the film, Motoko Kusanagi is more often referred to as Major. She seems to be dealing with the conflict of self-identification. She is not just a robot but also a human being, filled with curiosity. The problem is she cannot access the memories connecting her to her human side. Desperately trying to access her ghost (ghost is used as a term for someone’s spirit or soul) she submerges herself underwater which triggers occasional glimpses of her past but never enough to satisfy her. Her inability to identify with her human side constantly bring up the conflicting question of “who am I?”

Major works for a government department known as section 9; section works to protect the nation from any serious threat. In the film Secti...

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...would not go rogue, but there is also no guarantee any human being in the defense deportment won’t either.

The possibility of dangerous cyborgs in society all leads down to a matter of choice. Cyborgs are not programmed to do as they are told, they were full human that decided to enhance their ability with technology. They still hold human characteristics such as emotions, choice, a ghost, and identity. So in response to the question, “are cyborgs dangers to humanity?”, is yes. Cyborgs are a danger to humanity but likewise humans are a danger to themselves. The choice one has to be good or bad is the same choice a cyborg has. So what is the difference between humans and cyborgs? One may say the danger of cyborgs is more threatening, but weren't humans the ones that created cyborgs? So would not the responsibility of any cyborg damage fall on the laps of humans?