Ultimately, this movie starts at a 13/10 in my head. First, the animation is stunning. Personally, I enjoy the Neo-Tokyo + old-school animation style over the equally gorgeous at times new-school styles and my god, Ghost in the Shell is stunning. The world is so full of color and character, each individual has specific unique designs, and the action is smooth as hell. Second, the background music amplifies the scenes. No need to go in much detail, but a good soundtrack does a lot to increase my personal viewing enjoyment. Third, the main character's design is one of my favorites; her balance between being robotic yet human makes the main character likable and someone who I want to learn more about.
Unfortunately, the plot is a horrific mess. It's one thing that the movie is too short; many movies, while short, still develop well-rounded characters and meaningful world. Ghost in a Shell is somehow capable of being meandering at times and abrupt at other moments. Philosophical dialogue, while interesting, feels forced at inane moments and breaks the structured narrative flow. The world is way too underdeveloped for how fascinating it is. Furthermore, the movie just doesn't spend any time on the overall background story, it's rushed through in the beginning, then sped through, before slowing down for a bit in the middle, before rushing to an unsatisfying conclusion.
Additionally, besides the main character, everyone else is uninteresting. One character is mentioned by name a few times without his face, which would make you think he is an essential part of the story, but he appears with any pomp or grandeur and just says the plot of the movie to your face. All the others have basic characteristics that just need time to develop, even if there is more underneath.
Finally, the philosophy, while ultimately interesting, is half-basked. I WOULD LOVE TO SPEND ALL THE TIME QUESTIONING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE HUMAN. But the movie is way too choppy and short to adequately explore the great ideas it brings up, leaving the viewer wanting more. It's also, as I've said before, brought in sporadically and not interlaced enough with the overall plot. I truly wish the philosophical discussion weren't as much heavy-handed and were better meshed within the movie.
Ghost in the Shell is a great movie, especially for its time. Stunning art, a phenomenal BGM, and a fascinating main character should make this movie incredible; however, a mess of a plot, undercooked characters and unexplored philosophical discussions prevent the movie from truly being a classic.
