Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Does it Hold Up?

[@animenewsnetwork]

EDIT: The script says "Tanaka Yoshiki's 1988 adaptation of Legend of the Galactic Heroes," however Yoshiki Tanaka is the writer of the original novel whereas the chief director was Noboru Ishiguro.

[@Mecks089]

GITS:SAC both Season 1 & 2 will forever be my favorite anime, for it's themes, it's reflections, it's setting, it's lore, it's tech, and it's characters, I love that it's basically a Cyberpunk-Cop show. It's such a shame that SAC_2045 ruins it's imagine.

[@mcdestiny3703]

And It's ost!

[@Thoth_exe]

Ruins it exactly how? The sustainable war was directly teased by the ENTIRETY of SAC. Gouda showed the means of manipulation of a Ghost, the laughing man showed the ease of manipulation of data, the refugee conflict showed the benefits of POW labor force to the ruling powers, and this is just the sustainable war economy. Beyond all that economic crash was foreshadowed in Solid State Society. Then THE FUCKING KICKER THAT SHOWS YOU MISSED THE ENTIRE FUCKING POINT OF GHOST IN THE SHELL IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM THE ORIGINAL MANGA TO NOW IS that the core identity of the story of Ghost in the Shell is the exploration of consciousness and what because of our marriage to technology how is that going to effect our evolution, and with technology so linked to our lives, how would the internet and technology evolve with us? That is why the story was always head here period.

[@T2266]

SAC will always be the defined version of Ghost in the Shell, no matter what. While the characters and their journey might not be the focus, how they are depicted and the time they are allowed to breathe certainly make them easier to understand than Oshii Mamoru's version. Oshii Mamoru's GITS feels more like Continental Philosophy, where with how things are presented, everything feels more deep than they need to be, and takes so much effort to try and understand. While Kamiyama's SAC feels more like Analytic Philosophy, where it lays out its tools in a more clear and organized way, while focus on subjects that feels not as deep or important comparers to the Continental traditions.

[@Thoth_exe]

Well I mean duh, the movies are explorations in Existentialism, how else to explore human consciousness, you are comparing apples and oranges. I see where you are coming from with your descriptions of their explanation styles, however the two aren't really comparable seeing as they are not the same. The movies are and direct exploration of human consciousness and the interactive effects on the digitization of human consciousness, and that digitization's effects on the infantile AI singularity. These effects being seeing in the show, but it's apples and oranges, because the movies are on the scale of the individual's journey, the show is the scale of society. So yes they present they explorations of philosophies is different ways from the two creators, but it's because you can't explain things on a society based level the way you try to explain things on a personal. I mean as an example look at the most personable level arc in SAC, the Individual Eleven. Even that was about the effect their existence had on society than any exploration of that manipulation on those actual individuals, beyond Kuze that had a personal history with Motoko.

[@erikchumbley3014]

Season 1 was brilliant to me. Humans, by uplinking their minds to the internet, are steadily becoming a hivemind, tending towards unintentional collectivism, and loss of individuality. Meanwhile, the Tachikoma robots, which were designed to operate as a collective, were gifted the "flaw" of curiosity by their creator which gives rise to distinct personalities among them. The juxtaposition where humans are becoming more "machine-like" while the machines are becoming more "human-like" is nothing short of genius.

[@4071816]

Nice essay, thank you But "Every character receives some attention" Bouma: Where's my episode?

[@DRCEQ]

I have studied Stand Alone Complex as... something of a religion to me. Everyone has that one thing they love to geek out about, and for me, the characterizations, the settings, the interwoven stories, the philosophies of technology and social construct presented in SAC, specifically, is what I love to embrace. I found all the key points of this essay to be spot on, and I'm mostly in agreement... well, it's not like I said "NO, THAT IS NOT HOW IT IS!" as I rage at my computer. One point of introspective this essay points out is how the animation and usage of 3D models and cel shading tends to stand out against the 2D backdrops. You mention how early 2000s 3D animation has been hit or miss, but I never really thought to question if the animation quality of the first season was ever... off-putting. I guess in hindsight there are some obvious lower-budget scenes such as character models not being fleshed out in higher quality in some scenes, but the use of cel-shading on the Tachikomas always came off as rather impressive, even if it was obvious what was and was not 3D. One thing I did enjoy about SAC is how the concept of a Stand Alone Complex was how the real world's advancement of the internet would only start to embrace anonymity shortly after the series came out. it was around 2003 and 2004 that image boards like 4chan started to make a relative impact in the direction of internet culture among. There existed 2chan in Japan right around the time the series aired, but I found the concept of a "Stand Alone Complex" would start finding more relatable examples as websites like KnowYourMeme.com started to catalogue just "where" all these forms of internet culture actually started from. For a short period of time, there were memes that couldn't be traced to a source.

[@xeraph02]

Same, didn't had any issues with the 3D/2D animation. Actually I find SAC to be one of the best when it comes to blending 3D with 2D! The modern 3D/2D blends suck, the CGI is way too obvious and obtrusive.

[@PersonaofWill]

You got me when you said it was a religion for you

[@drifter402]

It's 3d animation stands out a lot less that the utter dreck getting put out these days. It really depends on your setup. If you're watching in as high quality as you can on a birght screen that you're close too then it does look a bit rubbish.

[@Marcara081]

It would intrigue you then that modern-day politics is the result of a Standalone Complex. It originated in the English language, like a time-activated, slow-release virus and it's playing itself out according to the rules of Entropy (Information Theory). Why? Because society itself, the actions and beliefs and fallout of these, provides the parameter space for the truth. And truth takes the form of a Strange Attractor. It's widespread discovery will bring most political factions together by revealing that their political beefs are chiefly based in epistemology, and they never knew it. This is how in 2012 we predicted that what we call the Left would lose their ability to define 'woman' and that lacking identity would become the spiritual battle of this generation. There is no distinction anymore between belief and language. They can no longer exist separately - though they never really did. But it's all coming to a head. My part is coming up but until then, I Laugh.

[@libraryofpapel]

@Ab3ndcgiOshii was too highbrow for most viewers.

[@okamiseven]

What Yoko Kanno did with bebop and blues in Cowboy Bebop, she did with ambient, drum n bass, and trip hop in SAC

[@JT-nd6qp]

How does this still only have 3000 views? This is a great video.

[@Spooky_Spookerson]

While flawed, SAC is the definitive version of Ghost in the Shell, it tackles so many issues so well, has an outstanding cast, and absolutely amazing dub and some very memorable moments. I love this show, and I am willing to overlook these few flaws that it has and I rewatch it every once in a while and still find some things I missed and come away with some sort of a new perspective on a current issue.

[@-smallambulance-]

💯👆

[@skylerwilson5378]

What about solid state society

[@AskAScreenwriter]

Very nice breakdown of the themes and story elements! I know the technical/craft aspects of SAC were discussed briefly, but, IMHO, it's also worth noting that the Yoko Kanno soundtrack is definitely a plus, even if it's just mentioned in passing. Looking forward to the next video!

[@tjofcarolina1776]

What a coincidence, just got into SAC fairly recently

[@GhostwalkerSparrow]

Same lol

[@michellesiregar8245]

Is it good ? How does it compare to other Cyberpunk Anime such as Psycho Pass and Ergo Proxy ?

[@omegazx7236]

@@michellesiregar8245 just as good even though Ergo Proxy is unmachted in terms of creativity

[@biolumess4463]

Do you have to watch Ghost in the Shell first? I found the 4 disc SAC at a thrift store and bought it knowing nothing

[@tjofcarolina1776]

@@biolumess4463 nope! SAC is a seperate continuity from the oshii movies

[@marvelboi3416]

You forgot to mention the Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex movie that takes place after the second season.

[@jjhw2941]

I would say your analysis is spot on. Well done!

[@pro126]

What a great in-depth video you approach that with no bias and facts very impressed keep the good work up 👍

[@goldbroadcast7186]

This was fun review, thanks

[@saadsrequiemforsasuke7041]

The name itself _Stand Alone Complex_ sounded very cool and intellectual. I was also pleasantly surprised to find out after 2nd GIG, Kuze was NOT an original character in Ghost in the Shell (2017) as I thought!! because he actually comes in 2nd GIG that I didn't see after Season 1 in March 2017! I was soo impressed and glad he had some of his attributes intact from SAC!!

[@TopSecret2022]

I’m planning to watch GitS Stand Alone Complex. But I found out that there’s 2 version of Solid State Society. The normal one and the 3D that was released in 2011. Which one should I watch?

[@glazredfield9489]

I think the 3d one from 2011 should do. It aired on Adult Swim and I think that's the version that my parents and I watched. It also does the anime justice watching with EN dub. It's one of the few anime to get a good EN dub

[@zabiisuto]

Of course it holds up. Its more relevant today with AGI around the corner.

[@AEstud77]

I agree! With Neuralink doing it's thing, VR going insane, and drone tech. That's why I love the show so much. Puppet Master is just a complete mind f***. You can't put that genie back into the bottle. New lines are going to be drawn.

[@nikgokuhil]

Wait, so laughing man came before Anonymous??? All this time I assumed that it was inspired by Anonymous

[@bilalbaig8586]

The manga that it's based on was written in 70's. If you want even more mind-fuckery play the Metal Gear Solid games.

[@AxelordMuschainner]

Cool video!

[@jhosuerui9806]

IMO SAC it's a really good story and, yes, the CGI was not the besth bot it don't care, the plot it's so good that you don't pay atention to this minor thinks

[@michellesiregar8245]

Is it the best cyberpunk Anime ? ( I've watched Ergo Proxy and Psycho Pass )

[@jhosuerui9806]

@@michellesiregar8245 Ergo proxy is not one of my favorites, but Psycho-pass is "Psyco" (put some rockets and stars here), if they are the best? I think it's a vain discussion, but they are very good stories

[@beyondthegravebrandon]

No they are not as good as GITS​@@michellesiregar8245

[@cekan14]

Before watching the video: Yes, it does.

[@peterfmodel]

This is a very good analysis of GITS. The only other anime which could get into as much depth, although it’s a different type of depth is Youju Senkai. In that TV-series were have the god human conflict story-arc, which is in itself rather interesting. The other aspect is the whole economic and military theory angle, which is exploring different basic principles of economic though. Tanya was thrown into a war world as a sickly orphan who was supposed to have such a miserable life that she would worship Being-X. Instead she worked logically towards success, each time her objective almost reached; bring-X spoiled it. There is also the sub-arc of The empire ending up fighting a world war because everyone feared it because it was too successful, which was an actual historical theme after 1871. Another good anime is Psycho-Pass, which does delve into some rather deep parts of the human mind. Another, less deep, TV-series is Ergo Proxy.

[@Miraihi]

*Youjo Senki

[@KafkaKappa]

11:03 I died laughing at this, I should take note

[@DooF_Moppet]

Something the creator of this video missed is that they are actually NOT reciting things purely from memory as you or I have it. They essentially have the ability to open a new tab and search Wikipedia for authors, check out their works, and pull quotes all while having an active conversation. What’s impressive is how seamlessly they can have the conversation that it seems like it’s being pulled from their own memory. Aramaki walks in an remarks how he couldn’t keep up with their conversation because he doesn’t have an external memory device

[@matthiasRaZieL]

that was awesome

Love it!

[@pogchamper228]

This is a realy good example with Anonymous.

[@kingdomkey63]

So about arise.......

[@cmdrfokker]

What about it, lol

[@possiblymaybe6711]

Love the soundtrack lol but that’s it

[@BlueSkyCrystals]

I got into GitS in 2012 because of Toonami. Thank you so much, Adult Swim!

[@linuxstreamer8910]

i love that even if there are no cyberpunk themes in this show there is a little one here the power of media blackouts

[@mookiestewart3776]

No cyberpunk themes in ghost in the shell?? Excuse me while I go have an stroke lol

[@CrimRui]

SAC is a Definite version of the Ghost in the Shell. Great characters and great music.

[@mangodango1733]

I just finished it and I didn't care for a bit and then it just got SO good

[@Luemm3l]

from an animation standpoint, SAC has not aged that well. However I think soundtrack and also story still are good to this day. And the topics discussed in the show were in its infancy during launch but are nowadays more relevant than ever (social constructs, mass media, internet, surveillance, individualization of the self, which in turn leads to an uniform mass iconically, i.e. all the same looking instagram profiles, etc. pp). also issues like AI, automated weapon systems, refugee situations worldwide, which are more prevalent in the second season, are also at the pulse of time. That is something I cherish in both SACs. they were not afraid to pick themes, stick with them and tell the story around it. The original movie is the more coherent and philophically interesting, also aestheticallyp pleasing medium, but all different incarnations of the franchise (the horrible Netflix series, but also the reboot ARISE) basically just play on tropes established by the original and add nothing off value conceptually or thematically to the universe, so I was pretty disappointed with everything post SAC GITS related and would prefer it if they let the franchise die in peace instead of milking the cow until there is more shame associated with the brand than love (looking at Star Wars or Marvel for example).

[@furynotes]

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Is just built like a American Cop Show. With a Cyberpunk spin. Its NCIS or CSI. I think that is partly why it doesn't appeal to most anime fans. Most anime fans expect something more shonen. In fact one of the episodes was clearly inspired by oceans 11. Its inspired by American crime shows. Its not your typical Otaku material.

[@Mecks089]

I disagree, because back in the 90's & 2000's anime was more intend on being viewed as a mature medium, GITS in particular was also part of the 2nd & 3rd waves of Otaku culture. Yes, Shounen existed back then, but it wasn't as widely compared as it is now. DBZ, Naruto, Bleach, One-Piece, all very popular shows but they didn't hold a cake to the bigger previous competitors on anime as a whole. We are now in the 7th wave of Otaku culture, where anime has become far too mainstream, Shounen is too widely known, overpowering other genres, and kind of over-saturating itself. GITS both as a film & franchise is a thought provoking piece of art. Without coming off as an asshole: _"It's not meant for dumb kids who just wanna watch anime fight scenes, or pantyshots."_ In other words, it's not the fact that GITS isn't classified as _"typical Otaku material"_ it's just that the perception of said material has changed too greatly over the decades. Browse up fanart, cosplay, fan fiction from 20 years ago, shows like GITS were very popular for more than one reason.

[@thomasffrench3639]

@@Mecks089 no western fans saw it as a mature medium due to the fact that it gave animation fans the opportunity to watch mature animation. Which is why a lot of older fans feel alienated from modern anime: because they had a small group of shows that were kinda rare in the first place and it skewed their perception. But that’s my take from the generally popular 90s anime in Japan, and maybe you have a better understanding of Japanese anime fandom than I do.

[@Butterflywings011]

Weather it's the original film, the TV series of ghost in the shell, it was and still is ahead of its time. For me, Ghost in the shell SAC_2045, I couldn't get into at all, I finished the first season, and gave up. ARISE was much better. Ghost in the shell is one of my favorite Sci-Fi, cyberpunk series to this day.

[@Himitsuplays]

💜💜💜💜💜

[@ninjammer726]

Please do a video on power rangers

[@decapattack]

OOps. About the satanism, there is The Finders case.

[@AS-zc8mr]

cuec!

[@HarvestLYlee]

Artstyle wise Anise killed the series, and sac 2045 killed the return. we need to have unreal engine 5 to save it at this point.

[@tanathosXX]

Stand alone complex = grassroot movement 😅

[@fsociety977]

Man I can’t see how you watch the Japanese version. The DUB is so good and really makes me care for the characters on a deeper level.

[@frankjaeger2565]

The original stars Akio Otsuka and Koichi Yamadera.

[@possiblymaybe6711]

Yeah this show is the only anime that had me loving the dub

[@MrE-89]

"Does it hold up?" Does what hold up? Things don't age, people do. It's the same as it always was. Why don't you grow up and get a REAL life?

[@zpettigrew]

No. I've never been caught up in mass hysteria. My military training and service has made me immune to this. I had to stand immune and with a level headed in the chaos of mass hysteria to do my job.

[@networknomad5600]

Yes. Of course it does. This review wasn't needed.

[@saadsrequiemforsasuke7041]

I just finished watching 2nd GIG on July 22, 2022 more than 5 years after watching Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex in March 2017!! It was boring overall as expected, but I always appreciated the thought-provoking conversations, and especially the music was some of my favorite like the chorus theme in episode 25 when the jigabachi was chasing section 9's helicopter entering refugee city dojima! But the hauntingly beautiful, unforgettable first opening "Inner Universe" is still my favorite from the show! Anyways, I came to find the meaning of Stand Alone Complex again since I had forgotten but got through 2nd GIG without worrying about it!