The Philosophy of GHOST IN THE SHELL Explored

Ghost in the Shell is a 1995 cyberpunk anime directed by Mamoru Oshii. Set in 2029 Japan, it follows Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg public-security agent who hunts a mysterious hacker known as the Puppet Master.
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Hey there folks!! My name is Niyat and this channel was created to assist in answering all your questions about Films, Comics, Games and Popular culture in a fun and engaging way!
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[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

This is undoubtedly a cyberpunk classic that explores what it means to be human in the world of artificial intelligence and advanced technology.

[@hellsbelle2027]

this guy again

[@jordanwilliams3768]

Literally everywhere I go

[@FloridaMan69.]

It's scary how much time you spend on youtube

[@frankjaeger2565]

@Vegna Gun gits originated as a manga actually

[@coolcalmcoop3650]

Neuralink and ChatGPT is making GITS seem possible more than ever.

[@TheDarkHarper]

Even after close to 25 years, Ghost in the Shell is still ahead of its time.

[@husboy1]

I mean, that's kind of expected of sci-fi movies, if they're not ahead of their time, they're shitty and not sci-fi.

[@shorgoth]

I'm of the opinion that if humanity survives the upcoming transition of the current century, Ghost in the Shell will become a piece of art on the same level as Davinci's. It is welcoming a great societal, biological, philosophical and scientific change that will be way more impactful than the first and second industrial revolution. It will become one of those artistic pieces we link automatically to a given era, a symbol of sort of what was to come.

[@Madness1299]

Also with films like this it's no wonder so many Japanese men are scared of women

[@xBloodXGusherx]

@@husboy1 Obviously but there are many that fall flat, not deep at all and rely on shitty effects or a never ending filler story to stay somewhat relevant.

[@hulud]

This and Akira were my first two anime movies. Such classics.

[@dannymaurice5543]

same man

[@AdmiralSym]

Me too

[@crimsonhunter7598]

Mine was probably mononoke

[@gokulee501]

Mine was this, Guyver and Fist of the North Star

[@thelichgamer5644]

Don't remind me of Akira I'm starting to remember the nightmares while watching that movie when I was 8 years old.

[@perdomot]

This is the very definition of great sci-fi anime. They don't make anything like this anymore.

[@pinkpenzu]

Yup. Now its just moe and isekai bullshit. Thats why i have stopped watching anime

[@shorgoth]

Actually, Netflix just made a new season of Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex this year, 15 or so years later. The animation is not traditional and they used 3d to slash on the costs (since traditional animation is literally a dying art), but the philosophy is back.

[@perdomot]

@@shorgoth I'll check it out, thanks

[@retardwrangler8822]

Agreed, so many people don’t realize where cyberpunk started, I mean this entire series is the reason we have stuff like the Matrix, I know a lot of people that would probably cuss me out if I said Anime from the 90’s is the reason why The Matrix exists

[@izanagi2488]

@@pinkpenzu Yeah. That's why I stopped watching anime and instead found joy in reading manga and manhwa. Unless they make a "great" Berserk anime, I am not really touching much. Hell, even Star Wars Visions had such an interesting one with Ronin.

[@LowellLucasJr.]

Puppet Master- I don't want copies of myself. Matoko- Then what do you want from me? Puppet Master- I want kids!❤ Lets merge!

[@eshwar6969]

Lol

[@timinatr99]

Basically

[@jackiesantos2121]

Yeah the Puppet Master is fascinating character

[@Thtoastanator]

As much as it’s a joke I feel like this is basically it. The puppet master sees that neither completely artificial nor completely human is the best way forward for itself. I interpret that as symbolic of that idea

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

"Is the digital future that awaits us good or bad?" Only time will tell.

[@RageShroud]

what is good and bad?

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

@@RageShroud pleasure and pain, happiness and sadness; growth and stubborn ignorance.

[@RageShroud]

@@nerdlingeeksly5192 before i go on i have to say I am not trying to be a jerk or asshole here making genuine comments. These are all the same things working in tandem while majority of people perceive good as an opposite opposing force of bad. To feel pleasure we need pain, happiness you need sadness and to grow we need the stubbornness and flexibility. I get what you're saying though I just see all the completely unrelated to the concepts of good and bad.

[@nerdlingeeksly5192]

@@RageShroud I never implied you were a jerk or asshole and i never said it was bad to experience bad, simple Polar Opposites can have deeper intertwined meaning.

[@RageShroud]

@@nerdlingeeksly5192 no no no, i wasn't saying you did at all. LOL i made an effort to avoid you thinking that from the follow up response i had lol. I try to be nice and it just back fire's, story of my life. I still don't really know what you think Good or Bad are but nice conversation.

[@LetsReadPodcast]

great breakdown!

[@georganatoly6646]

As far as what makes consciousness, I would argue it's actually the unconscious parts of our mind that make us uniquely conscious. It's easy to make a program take some, even complex, problem and produce an output. But how would you get a digital mind to produce emergent solutions the way humans do. For example, when presented a problem Einstein might have performed a thought experiment that led to some brilliant insight, but given the same problem Picasso might have painted a thought provoking and beautiful abstract image. We'll know when we have strong AI if when given a problem the AI instead decides to paint a picture. Edit: Now that I think about it, that necessarily implies that each conscious AI would be as unique from another conscious AI as we are from one another. This suggests that by definition any given AI consciousness cannot be replicated; meaning there would be no scientific way to prove that any specific AI was actually conscious.

[@Lightningtiger101]

I like how after every episode it attacks the question what's more human allowing machines to mix with Humanity or Humanities shredding machinery and technology that question comes up into every episode it's kind of sweet

[@TheSkullConfernece]

You might wanna start using punctuation in all of your comments and writing. It helps people understand exactly how you're framing your comment, question, or response. You're missing question marks, periods and commas that would not only make your comments significantly easier to follow, but also make you look more respectable and less uneducated.

[@gabi-chan7806]

@@TheSkullConfernece yeah, 2 years later and still, reading that comment hurts my brain

[@VincentJ274stoicsoldier]

I absolutely love Ghost in the Shell. Best Sci-fi Cyberpunk series. Well done, man.👍🏼 Your videos are the best. You should do a video of the outstanding film The Iron Giant. That film has a special place within my heart.

[@thegoldengamer9315]

The iron giant made me cry its a very goodmovie

[@wrath187]

How much of the human can be replaced before it becomes a machine and how much of the machine can be replaced before it becomes a human?

[@kevinnndon]

I’d pose a question as a response. How much of a human can be replaced before it’s a new human? If not a single cell in the body is the same as the cells in the body at birth, then it is the same person? If yes, because identity is psychological, then as long as the psychology is unaffected, then all of the human can be replaced with a machine and remain human, since bodily identity was not personal identity.

[@ErdingerLi]

Thanks for covering this. Stand Alone Complex was my favorite, the OVA and the PS2 game was just awesome and pretty ahead of it's time

[@Gaarafan007]

I...actually had no idea this film existed. I watched G.I.T.S. Stand Alone Complex on tv back in high school, and while enjoyable, a lot of it went over my head at the time (The same thing happened with Witch Hunter Robin around the same time). Now that I'm older, it might be worth it to rewatch the series, and maybe watch this film as well, to see if I can understand it better or enjoy it more.

[@cameronhoy2817]

This is hands down my favorite video you've done and of the best directions of the themes of this modern classic

[@rashadb954]

Thanks for such a thoughtful deconstruction of that Ghost in the Shell is all about. It does a great job of challenging us to ponder questions about the direction of our future

[@bryan-ur1cx]

So glad Niyat is doing more anime movies/shows and diving into them. Anime has one of the most amazing and intricate plots/stories that Hollywood itself is taking notice with live-actions of it.

[@pojo7712]

Every time I want to rewatch this film for the deep questioning of technology and identity but don't have an extra hour, I go straight here. Great digestible bites of the movie and being your own take. Love the videos keep up the good work

[@damianstarks3338]

Aw shit this anime is a fucking masterpiece that still holds up to this day and you are reviewing it this is why I subscribed to your channel !

[@713Calm]

Very great exploration. I appreciate how you really get into the topics!

[@claudiax233]

Love your videos Niyat!!

[@nenemew6076]

I love every single one of your videos, they are such brain food and great conversation openers!

[@wingman-1977]

Easily one of the greatest anime ever. Great work with your explanation/breakdown of it’s themes Filmcomicsexplained.

[@SoulofGrimm]

Hey Nina, I love your videos you put so much detail into your work. It would be really cool to see your take on metroid.

[@Ssengel69]

FAV animated movie/series ever!!! Awesome vid!

[@Bryan06263]

Loving these videos! You need to cover more anime

[@JustCozItsMe]

I love everything that engages with GitS and it's topics and themes. This is one of the best 'short' videos I've seen. Well done. ...I feel like a teacher giving a B+ cause other kids have written longer essays of similar quality. Lol? What have 'I' become?

[@moralesnery]

Excellent video, as always

[@silasclayton7777]

Spriggen is a great one as well. Worth checking out for those who haven't seen it.

[@SoulTaker78]

They are also making a TV anime of Spriggan that will probably take more from the manga next year.

[@ThaKillFeed]

SoulTaker78 Seriously? Please tell me you’re not joking

[@OrdinaryInspiration]

The more we look, the more questions we have. Keep up the good work.

[@luissantiago5163]

Lovely! Much appreciated

[@kashhusain8154]

Deep stuff, dude. I love it.

[@jonskowitz]

The Manga went WAY deeper into all of this... Of course there's only so much that can be covered in an hour or so movie

[@valzod3808]

That tank was controlled by 6, not the puppet master as that would mean he intended to kill the major just before it was shot up by Batou. You could argue that he wanted to destroy her body so that he could access her brain, but he didn't need that since her plan was to hack into him in the first place.

[@xephorce]

thank you for the great video.

[@gokushkameha-ha-ha9344]

Holy shit, what is this? *oh my god, this is over 25 years old* and looks PHENOMENAL looks LEAGUES BETTER THAN ANYTHING ANIMATED TODAY. *ima go watch it*

[@Kaidantonio333]

You can never get enough 1995 GITS.

[@zipblockarchives900]

Even today the animation is great. Also one the best anime movies ever made, the live action remake did not do it justice.

[@johnmanganaro3109]

Long time listener first time subscriber

[@bh.l1380]

Not only one of the greatest anime of all time but one of the greatest movies of all time, absolute masterpiece

[@jimmyneutron2280]

I'm a big fan of the intro!

[@jeffumbach]

I never noticed before how the guy pulls the trigger the second he has the SMG drawn and wastes some ammo shooting at the ground before he's even aimed at them. Also I'm pretty sure that the Puppet Master wasn't controlling the tank, that was a Section 6 guy piloting it.

[@bpalpha]

Excellent synopsis. I came here because I'm having trouble understanding the ending of 2045 on Netflix. Interesting how you suggest that the Major is post-human as the whole plot of 2045 is about them. Absolutely my favorite anime. Extraordinarily cerebral.

[@Douphipp455]

This and Cowboy Bebop are my favorites.

[@loodlebop]

You have good taste

[@Douphipp455]

@Shady Shades yesss

[@shorgoth]

I'm with you on that. Ghost in the Shell literally transformed how I see the world to the point my observations are now core to my personality, philosophies and interests. As for cowboy bebop... who could forget this noir masterpiece and the incredible music it came with?

[@carlosnumbertwo]

Not just one of the best animated movies, but one of the best movies ever.

[@XX-sp3tt]

10:18 A post human on THAT scale would have to have intelligence and conscious beyond our own comprehension!

[@HYSON3KITTY]

Brilliant video, could you do a video on Krzysztof Kieslowski Three Colours Trilogy? It would be interesting to hear your take on the movies and which film you think is the best of the three.

[@lennethomega6731]

Kusanagi despite being almost fully robotic, is one of the most trustworthy and reliable characters you could encounter, although incapable of physically crying you could tell when she is sad or concerned about her surroundings, and if she cares she will make it obvious.

[@conanholmes8620]

This movie has a rare effect (for myself) that every time i watch it it feels like im watching it for the firet time every time, always fresh and always entertaining.

[@shadowpapito]

Good Job

[@LotusFlowerrr]

This was ahead of its time:)

[@tudormiller887]

My favourite anime movie ever. Watching from London UK. ❤😊

[@callummctavish9939]

Here a phrase that has you questioning further, "Spontaneous Consciousness." Does it just happen if a vessel is nearby to facilitate its occupation? In machines, would it appear as an error code? a bug? These things continuously generate even after testing to ensure there is no bug, they do just, spontaneously appears inside computer memories. Almost as an inescapable law of reality.

[@moaz441]

Hi mate great video. Can you do the Philosophy of Sid Meier’s Alpha Centauri please? 😁

[@weltybrush]

I just got around to watching this movie and low-key I was so lost at the end when they merged together and this video does clarify a some of things for me great movie though really dig the old anime drawn aesthetic

[@shiBuyaking109]

I always come back to this anime so that I can reinterpret it’s meaning! Still such an interesting story and characters

[@SGTMotitaz]

Yo i hear you using the dragon music from breath of the wild lol i was playing as i watched this video

[@christianlepe3405]

This and APPLESEED are total masterpieces!

[@ceufrscio707]

Awesome

[@shainewhite2781]

The best Sci-fi anime ever made!

[@ArkaeaFCL3]

This film really reminds me of another great anime called ergo proxy. Similar futuristic, steampunk style in a post apocalyptic world. Explores similar themes as conciousness, society, morality etc. Very good series, definitely recommend checking it out.

[@jackiesantos2121]

I love these old animes from the 90s I do like the philosophy of Ghost in the Shell what are iconic a anime you get explain about

[@jakefrancis4268]

YAAAASSSSSSSSS THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@johncarter8103]

love it can you do the dark knights returns and the Joker from DC comics?

[@adamgardner3768]

This movie to me was so ahead of time and amazing.

[@bascal133]

I love how in that pyramid picture women are in the same level as the whale 😐😒

[@timinatr99]

Lmao

[@robertjohnson9227]

What's wrong with whales?

[@RayValdezPhotography]

A whale is smarter than most youtubers.

[@thedoruk6324]

That Anime movie/s are/were absolute Masterpieces Their art as well as the Animation were unique Personally I absolutely liked the movie too

[@ChrisWilliams-zz1kt]

Both the anime movie/TV series includes the live action movie are good they show themselves about being an sentient AI and learn to be human nicely done

[@Yakuo]

TY

[@the501kingofthemonsters6]

I think a video about The Uruk-Hai would be interesting

[@professionalretard5181]

dude, at the ending when I first saw the final line said by motoko I was speechless and shocked

[@flbpgaming6375]

I remember a play station 2 game for this. I was mind blown by the story

[@zorey96]

GITS was one of the first animes I saw that got me into anime on Toonami. When never even understanding what anime was. Thinking it was just a really badass cartoon.

[@MrGmaile]

Important questions asked and rightly so

[@rahulsuresh8766]

Ghost in the shell is literally terminator without the concept of time travelling killing machines,but with a sense of paranoia and robots.I literally love anime especially animes that give a CYBERPUNK vibe,next you should explore the works of the great Satoshi Kon,like perfect blue,and paprika those were just lit and mindbending,and this is the reason why I LOVE ANIME

[@johnathanhouston2893]

Nearly after 25 year's Ghost in the shell has great concept and theme's that still relevant and resonate

[@The.Nasty.]

If you’re on an anime kick, you could cover the series Samurai Champloo at some point... the themes, art, comedy, and music in the show are amazing. On par with some of the greats. I understand if it being a series makes that a bit too hard. Just watch it for fun if that’s the case, have a good one!

[@Neb_Raska]

It's the anime that introduced me to Nujabes, may his soul rest in peace.

[@andrethomas2292]

This and Ninja Scroll G.O.A.T.

[@macruz8503]

Also Cyberpunk 2077!

[@joeywalsh1949]

I would love to hear your take on Serial Experiments Lain.

[@amirazhar8377]

I made a thesis in UKM regarding this (exploring the concept of humanity in machine) but i use wall-E 🤭😂🤪 either way i love the classic anime ghost in the shell and akira such story make us questions a little bit about ourselves and it seems there are things better left unknown ☺️😉....

[@ligma9216]

Mantap bos

[@lukefremlin3310]

Could you do more anime stuff like character profiles of Dragonball Z, DB super and/or Guyver the bioboosted armour? I could see you loving Guyver the bioboosted armour and there's alot for you to dive into

[@watchery.819]

There one thing to always stud out or me, and ghost an the shell really brought it to the light for me, is merging, if made me think, it’s a terrifying but interesting, we’re to characters become one, a whole new person, it made me think and look back at these show, (dragon ball z ( the fusion dance / ear rings) Steven universe(any gem fusion) justice league unlimited(lex and biraniac, merge) It’s an interesting thought, two people make a whole person, by combining there body’s and minds, if it’s also scary, you not just you anymore, oh an let’s not even get in to absorption/assimilation, again interesting but terrifying

[@RageShroud]

This movie along with AD Police (Original) present questions to life kids shouldn't even consider causing me legit depression at one point in life, these cyber punks like Blade runner and Bubble Gum Crisis led me to so many other stories with AI combining with humans. Side note i had no parents but a drunk mother never around, i raised my self and i had no moral guidance as a kid. Working as a SATCOM/Network Engineer now and looking at tech today, I am afraid of what humans can make tech do more then i am what AI can and will do.

[@yugiohdeckprofiles9339]

Super complex story

[@lonewanderer3603]

I think the Individual Eleven story arc was the most important when it comes to struggling to remain human in a technological world.

[@arjunratnadev]

as a kid I used watch this in awe never completely understanding what was going on but I loved its futuristic anime world

[@mattelollol1]

This is undoubtedly my favorite anime film of all time, I love how it explores what it means to be human in a world of artificial intelligence and advanced technology. As well as all the political intrigue that follows section 9.

[@roxannaadams145]

I think I'll go rewatch GitS again, such a good anime

[@lizzie4000]

This movie Inspired so many other movies and shows. Also, I wonder if he can do Akira next!

[@_Gin_]

I think we need more anime to be explored

[@ArAsDeCos]

This was one of the first anime I ever watched, next to GenoCyber. Loved it when I first saw it, still do, and I enjoyed the live action. Was it perfection? Hell no. Was it entertaining? Absolutely.

[@ILEFTCAPS0N]

Hi, will you also go over the serieses like Stand Alone Complex and 2nd Gig? Also maybe Cowboy Bebop? Hard mode: also also the UC Gundam series?

[@bondrewd3660]

Well, this is unexpected, i saw 2001 Metropolis today directed by Rintaroi, left the theater the exact moment this video came out, before that this film was my most favorite anime Sci/fi film of all time but now it's my second favorite anime Sci/fi film of all time, so FilmComicsExplaind can you please make a video about Metropolis.

[@pinkpenzu]

Wow where are you from where they show old anime movies in the theaters?

[@bondrewd3660]

pink penzu ITS a independent movie theater in Oslo Norway

[@dannymaurice5543]

man i love this movie so much

[@frankjaeger2565]

10:51 Puppetmaster-controlled tank??? What in the heck is this guy talking about??

[@filmcomicsexplained]

What do you mean? I thought it was pretty clear I'm talking about the tank the puppet master controls in the finale confrontation

[@frankjaeger2565]

@@filmcomicsexplained the Puppet master was confined in that body, and it wanted to merge with Motoko. It was clearly Section 6 that activated that tank to attack the Major.

[@katiemaige4275]

The remake was awesome 👏🏼

[@abdulbaten9537]

Full Metal Alchemist next please. Generator Rex would be great too

[@silvarknite7]

Wait, was it the puppet master who was controlling the tank at the end?

[@MichaelRainey]

No, the Puppet Master was still in the car. The tank was piloted by some soldier working for the kidnappers.

[@kutter_ttl6786]

When he mentioned that, I was like "wait a second...?" It wouldn't have made sense if the tank was controlled by the puppet master, why would it want to destroy someone it wants to merge with? It makes more sense it was one of the section 6 operators was controlling it.

[@Kaeresh]

@@kutter_ttl6786 I had the same thought and scrolled down in the comments to see if I was alone in this. Happy to read that I am not. Still an awesome movie that has held a special spot in my heart ever since I first saw it.

[@dontbother4737]

Fux yea! GitS, Akira & Ninja Scroll my 1st animes when i was a kid.

[@jonreno4570]

Thank you enjoyed! 🧙🏻‍♂️

[@rodbod1564]

For me this is literally existential crisis the movie

[@carsonbode6640]

It's always weird hearing Mimi Woods voice The Major after nearly 20 years of Mary McGlynn's iconic performances.