Scarlett gives sci-fi film ghost of a chance
GHOST IN THE SHELL (12A)
BASED on a cult Japanese comic series, Ghost In The Shell is an actionpacked futuristic thriller that poses tantalising questions about our reliance on memories to define ourselves as human beings.
We cling to the past like a frayed security blanket, haunted by crushing failures rather than approaching each day as a fresh opportunity to learn, grow and behave differently.
Director Rupert Sanders’ visually arresting film is hardwired with big philosophical questions about the fragility of the human condition and the ripple effect of our actions.
Regrettably, he conceals these meditations on mortality behind a sensory overload of digital effects and eye-popping set and costume design reminiscent of Blade Runner, that gradually bludgeon us into submission.
On a purely technical level, Ghost In The Shell is an impressive achievement – especially in IMAX 3D – but all style and scant substance threatens to reduce the picture to a wearying test of endurance.
Thankfully, Scarlett Johansson is luminous in the demanding and highly acrobatic lead role.
It’s hard to think of another actress who can switch effortlessly between frenetically choreographed scenes of gravity-defying, kick-ass physicality and wordless close-ups of aching solitude.
In a bleak futuristic world where holographic advertising clutters the skyline and physical imperfections are remedied with hi-tech implants, governmentfunded Hanka Robotics is at the forefront of a highly lucrative cybernetic revolution.
Hanka head honcho Cutter (Peter Ferdinando) and brilliant surgeon Dr Ouelet (Juliette Binoche) pioneer secret experiments to create the perfect human-cyborg hybrid, giving birth to a fearless warrior called The Major (Johansson).
Ouelet is full of maternal pride for her creation – “You’re what everyone will become one day!” – and she oversees The Major’s transformation into an obedient killing machine.
This perfect weapon is entrusted to Chief Daisuke Aramaki (Takeshi Kitano), commander of the Section 9