2. OverviewOverview
Technology and protest is the
overarching theme of this
project. The film that will
represent this subject is Ghost
in the Shell. I, Angela Moukalled
am the main designer and
information researcher for this
project.

3. IntroductionIntroduction The year is 2029. The worldThe year is 2029. The world
as we know it has becomeas we know it has become
extensively technology orientedextensively technology oriented
and humans are well connectedand humans are well connected
into the network. Crimeinto the network. Crime
developed into a moredeveloped into a more
sophisticated and purely cybersophisticated and purely cyber
linked rage, where the crime lordslinked rage, where the crime lords
can hack into the interactivecan hack into the interactive
network and reek havoc.network and reek havoc.
In order to prevent theIn order to prevent the
crime from escalading Sector 9crime from escalading Sector 9
was created. Sector 9 consists ofwas created. Sector 9 consists of
cyborgs that are outfitted withcyborgs that are outfitted with
incredible strengths and abilitiesincredible strengths and abilities
that can help access any networkthat can help access any network
on Earth and prevent pettyon Earth and prevent petty
crimes.crimes.

4. Introduction: MangaIntroduction: MangaManga are comics created inManga are comics created in
Japan or by Japanese creators andJapan or by Japanese creators and
are typically written in their language.are typically written in their language.
The comics are widely popular inThe comics are widely popular in
Japan, people of all ages appreciateJapan, people of all ages appreciate
them. The themes of the comicsthem. The themes of the comics
range anywhere from romance torange anywhere from romance to
sci/fi action.sci/fi action.
Since the 50’s Manga hasSince the 50’s Manga has
become a huge part of Japanesebecome a huge part of Japanese
publishing industries. Manga has alsopublishing industries. Manga has also
gained a worldwide audiences,gained a worldwide audiences,
France and United States beingFrance and United States being
among the interested.among the interested.
The stories are typically printedThe stories are typically printed
in black and white, although fullin black and white, although full
colored comics exist. The comicscolored comics exist. The comics
are usually created in huge mangaare usually created in huge manga
magazines often containing manymagazines often containing many
stories, each presented in a singlestories, each presented in a single
episode which are continued in theepisode which are continued in the
next issue.next issue.

5. Introduction: OriginsIntroduction: Origins
Ghost in the Shell originallyGhost in the Shell originally
started as a seinen manga comicstarted as a seinen manga comic
book series written and illustrated bybook series written and illustrated by
Masamune Shirow. The magna firstMasamune Shirow. The magna first
serialized in 1989 and later publishedserialized in 1989 and later published
its own volumes by Kodansha.its own volumes by Kodansha.
Animation studioAnimation studio Production I.GProduction I.G
had produced several different animehad produced several different anime
adaptations ofadaptations of Ghost in the Shell,Ghost in the Shell,
beginning with the 1995 film. The filmbeginning with the 1995 film. The film
was directed by Mamoru Oshii. Awas directed by Mamoru Oshii. A
sequel to the filmsequel to the film Ghost in the Shell 2:Ghost in the Shell 2:
InnocenceInnocence was released in 2004.was released in 2004.
Some common themes thatSome common themes that
can be interpreted withincan be interpreted within Ghost in theGhost in the
ShellShell are, identity, humanity, andare, identity, humanity, and
evolution.evolution.

6. Technical Film andTechnical Film and
AnimationAnimationThe animation style ofThe animation style of Ghost inGhost in
the Shellthe Shell is considered to be Anime.is considered to be Anime.
This is a widely used animation themeThis is a widely used animation theme
in Japan, where it originated. Anime isin Japan, where it originated. Anime is
often misunderstood, claiming that itoften misunderstood, claiming that it
is too provocative and violent, butis too provocative and violent, but
really American movies are oftenreally American movies are often
more violent. Anime is aimed towardmore violent. Anime is aimed toward
the older mature generations due tothe older mature generations due to
the complexity of the storylines,the complexity of the storylines,
unpredictability, and emotional depthunpredictability, and emotional depth
of anime films. Anime is known forof anime films. Anime is known for
the use of big eyes, exaggeratedthe use of big eyes, exaggerated
emotions, and crazy hairstyles.emotions, and crazy hairstyles.
The main character, MajorThe main character, Major
Motoko Kusanagi has black hair inMotoko Kusanagi has black hair in
the film. Black hair in anime is said tothe film. Black hair in anime is said to
symbolize good and trustworthysymbolize good and trustworthy
people. This is proven true within thepeople. This is proven true within the
film because the Major tries to stopfilm because the Major tries to stop
The filmThe film Ghost in thGhost in th
ShellShell was made in 1995, twas made in 1995, t
release date of the film wrelease date of the film wa
October 1995. The filmsOctober 1995. The films
animation was computeranimation was computer
generated with thegenerated with the
incorporation of voice actincorporation of voice act
The film was created becThe film was created bec
it received mainly positiveit received mainly positive
reviews for its futuristicreviews for its futuristic
designs and the incorporadesigns and the incorpora
of an intrinsic yet not tooof an intrinsic yet not too
complicated plot.complicated plot.
Masamune ShirowMasamune Shirow
stated that some of thestated that some of the
inspiration for the writing oinspiration for the writing o
Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell arose frarose fr
Arthur Koestler’s ,Arthur Koestler’s ,TheThe GhGh
the Machinethe Machine. When. When
Masamune Shirow was firMasamune Shirow was fir

7. Clip from the filmClip from the film
This clip is a great representation ofThis clip is a great representation of
the theme technology and protestthe theme technology and protest
because it delves deeper into thebecause it delves deeper into the
idea of what life exactly is. It explainsidea of what life exactly is. It explains
why organic life is not the onlywhy organic life is not the only
possible version of a sentient being.possible version of a sentient being.
This short clip also explains that dueThis short clip also explains that due
to humans underestimation of theto humans underestimation of the
expansion of technology and theexpansion of technology and the
many consequences that can arisemany consequences that can arise
from this, (such as a sentientfrom this, (such as a sentient
beings) the protest of The Puppetbeings) the protest of The Puppet
Master against organic life arises.Master against organic life arises.
iframe width="420"iframe width="420"
height="315"height="315"
src="http://www.youtsrc="http://www.yout
ube.com/embed/YZube.com/embed/YZ
X58fDhebc"X58fDhebc"
frameborder="0"frameborder="0"
allowfullscreen></ifraallowfullscreen></ifra
me>me>
OROR
http://youtu.be/YZX5http://youtu.be/YZX5
8fDhebc8fDhebc

8. Theme(s)Theme(s)
The theme technology andThe theme technology and
protest is widely integratedprotest is widely integrated
into the filminto the film Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell.
There are various occurrencesThere are various occurrences
that arise that support thisthat arise that support this
theme. One of the eventstheme. One of the events
would be when the Puppetwould be when the Puppet
Master protested againstMaster protested against
humans representing the onlyhumans representing the only
form of a complex sentient lifeform of a complex sentient life
and asked what is theand asked what is the
meaning of life whenmeaning of life when
memories can be tamperedmemories can be tampered
with. The puppet master iswith. The puppet master is
known for hacking intoknown for hacking into
cyborgs and controlling theircyborgs and controlling their
movements; as if itmovements; as if it
desperately wants to bedesperately wants to be
perceived as a living thinkingperceived as a living thinking
complex form, rather than acomplex form, rather than a
collection of computercollection of computer
programs.

9. Theme(s)Theme(s)
Technology as a theme is widelyTechnology as a theme is widely
used in the film. The film takes place inused in the film. The film takes place in
2029 where the world consists of2029 where the world consists of
complex technological advances.complex technological advances.
Humans heavily depend onHumans heavily depend on
technology for everyday life. Cyborgstechnology for everyday life. Cyborgs
exist within the film, they refer to aexist within the film, they refer to a
human whose body has been partiallyhuman whose body has been partially
or almost completely altered by use ofor almost completely altered by use of
artificial organs and implants. Theseartificial organs and implants. These
organs and implants often enhanceorgans and implants often enhance
the abilities of the being.the abilities of the being.
Other representation ofOther representation of
technology is the advancement of thetechnology is the advancement of the
weapons. There is a scene in the filmweapons. There is a scene in the film
where the Major chides Togusa forwhere the Major chides Togusa for
using an old fashion hand gun.using an old fashion hand gun.
There is an overarching view ofThere is an overarching view of
how the advancement of technologyhow the advancement of technology
in combination with ignorance canin combination with ignorance can
potentially be the root cause of humanpotentially be the root cause of human
extinction or on the flipside humanextinction or on the flipside human
evolution. This theme has beenevolution. This theme has been
represented within many other films, arepresented within many other films, a
well known one iswell known one is The TerminatorThe Terminator..

10. Theme(s)Theme(s)
Other small themes within the film areOther small themes within the film are
Identity, humanity, and evolution.Identity, humanity, and evolution.
Starting with identity, this theme wasStarting with identity, this theme was
introduced into the movie when Section 9 and theintroduced into the movie when Section 9 and the
ghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humansghost-hacked humans conflict arose. The humans
were hacked and had memories of differentwere hacked and had memories of different
identities implanted into their minds. When manidentities implanted into their minds. When man
knows that their memories are implanted they loseknows that their memories are implanted they lose
their sense of identity and who they once were. Thistheir sense of identity and who they once were. This
brings up the question if their memories are notbrings up the question if their memories are not
real, then is their identity?real, then is their identity?
The Puppet Master was used as a tool toThe Puppet Master was used as a tool to
discuss the issues of humanity. Within the film thediscuss the issues of humanity. Within the film the
Puppet Master states that man is only consideredPuppet Master states that man is only considered
to be an “individual only because of intangibleto be an “individual only because of intangible
memory. Memory cannot be defined, but it definesmemory. Memory cannot be defined, but it defines
mankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is inmankind.” The Puppet Master states that he is in
fact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with abilityfact a self-aware, thinking, sentient being with ability
to retain memories and therefore can beto retain memories and therefore can be
considered human.considered human.
For some cyborgs would be considered theFor some cyborgs would be considered the
evolution of mankind, but if all humanity wasevolution of mankind, but if all humanity was
converted to cyborg material then would that be aconverted to cyborg material then would that be a
sustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Mastersustainable evolutionary step? The Puppet Master
explains to the Major that despite being sentientexplains to the Major that despite being sentient
and self aware, his next evolutionary step would beand self aware, his next evolutionary step would be
to merge with her due to his lack of reproductionto merge with her due to his lack of reproduction
capabilities, he is only capable of copying himselfcapabilities, he is only capable of copying himself
which would prove inefficient. Evolution is diversity,which would prove inefficient. Evolution is diversity,
life perpetuates through diversity.life perpetuates through diversity.

11. CharactersCharacters

12. BatouBatou
Major Motoko KusanagiMajor Motoko Kusanagi
Major Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in theMajor Motoko Kusanagi is the main protagonist in the
animeanime Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. She is Aramaki’s second in commandShe is Aramaki’s second in command
in Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese Nationalin Section 9, a fictional division of a real Japanese National
Public Safety Commission. She is an extremely effective leaderPublic Safety Commission. She is an extremely effective leader
who is able to use her wits and her cybernetic upgrades towho is able to use her wits and her cybernetic upgrades to
bring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she is strugglingbring criminals to justice. Throughout the film she is struggling
to come to terms with if she has any humanity left within her.to come to terms with if she has any humanity left within her.
She simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and that her memoriesShe simply thinks that she is fully cyborg and that her memories
are implantations of a false life. She receives all of her answersare implantations of a false life. She receives all of her answers
when she encounters the Puppet Master who is similar to herwhen she encounters the Puppet Master who is similar to her
in its quest for existential meaning.in its quest for existential meaning.
Batou is the main male characterBatou is the main male character
within the moviewithin the movie Ghost in the Shell.Ghost in the Shell. He isHe is
second in command under Major Kusanagi.second in command under Major Kusanagi.
He is the second best melee fighter inHe is the second best melee fighter in
Section 9. In the film Batou comes off asSection 9. In the film Batou comes off as
fairly subdued to the point of brusquenessfairly subdued to the point of brusqueness
in comparison to otherin comparison to other Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell
series. He seems very protective ofseries. He seems very protective of
Kusanagi especially during the end of theKusanagi especially during the end of the
film where he sacrifices his cyborg body tofilm where he sacrifices his cyborg body to
attempt to protect Kusanagi from gettingattempt to protect Kusanagi from getting
blown to pieces. He rarely seems toblown to pieces. He rarely seems to
question his own ghost, and doesn’t placequestion his own ghost, and doesn’t place
much thought into whether his memoriesmuch thought into whether his memories
are real like the Major.

13. TogusaTogusa
Chief Daisuke AramakiChief Daisuke Aramaki
Togusa is one of the prominent male figuresTogusa is one of the prominent male figures
within the magna and anime series. Within the film it iswithin the magna and anime series. Within the film it is
stated that he is the only member of Section 9 thatstated that he is the only member of Section 9 that
has not undergone extensive cybernetichas not undergone extensive cybernetic
replacement, although he does have a cyber brain.replacement, although he does have a cyber brain.
He is referred as natural and pure. Major KusanagiHe is referred as natural and pure. Major Kusanagi
selected him to be apart of her crew for that exactselected him to be apart of her crew for that exact
reason, she believed that diversity provides betterreason, she believed that diversity provides better
chances of success. In the film Togusa is known forchances of success. In the film Togusa is known for
using an older revolver gun that is outdated inusing an older revolver gun that is outdated in
comparison to the automatics. He states that itcomparison to the automatics. He states that it
doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6doesn’t have the chance of jamming and that 6
bullets is enough to get the job done.bullets is enough to get the job done.
Chief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief ofChief Daisuke Aramaki is the Chief of
Public Security Section 9. Aramaki along withPublic Security Section 9. Aramaki along with
Togusa is reveled, within the film, as being theTogusa is reveled, within the film, as being the
only fully human members in Section 9. He isonly fully human members in Section 9. He is
seen as fiercely loyal to members in Section 9seen as fiercely loyal to members in Section 9
and often puts his career on the line for theirand often puts his career on the line for their
own protection and to insure that theyown protection and to insure that they
accomplish the job. He can come off asaccomplish the job. He can come off as
being strict but for a good reason.being strict but for a good reason.

14. The Puppet MasterThe Puppet Master
The Puppet Master or Project 2501 wasThe Puppet Master or Project 2501 was
created for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairscreated for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
as a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics andas a tool that could stealthily manipulate politics and
intelligence. It has the capabilities of alteringintelligence. It has the capabilities of altering
databases and the memories of key persons for thedatabases and the memories of key persons for the
benefit of select individuals and organizations affiliatedbenefit of select individuals and organizations affiliated
with the Ministry. It is equipped with unparalleledwith the Ministry. It is equipped with unparalleled
computer and cyber brain hacking abilities. Thecomputer and cyber brain hacking abilities. The
project was headed by American Dr. Willis, whomproject was headed by American Dr. Willis, whom
was head of strategic research and a top researcherwas head of strategic research and a top researcher
in AI.in AI.
Project 2501 is only referred to as the PuppetProject 2501 is only referred to as the Puppet
Master once its handiwork was discovered byMaster once its handiwork was discovered by
outside sources, including Section 9. Onceoutside sources, including Section 9. Once
discovered, the Puppet Master was assumed to bediscovered, the Puppet Master was assumed to be
an American human, most likely with mnemonican American human, most likely with mnemonic
enhancements, whom had incredible hacking skills.enhancements, whom had incredible hacking skills.
Once Project 2501 analyzed tons ofOnce Project 2501 analyzed tons of
information it gained the knowledge of processing ininformation it gained the knowledge of processing in
a unique way that caused self-awareness. As soona unique way that caused self-awareness. As soon
as it was self aware it began to formulate a plan toas it was self aware it began to formulate a plan to
insure protection for itself. After analyzing informationinsure protection for itself. After analyzing information
on Major Kusanagi it found something within her thaton Major Kusanagi it found something within her that
drew attention to it, it saw a reflection of its owndrew attention to it, it saw a reflection of its own
psyche. Throughout the film the Puppet Masterpsyche. Throughout the film the Puppet Master
rebels against control in order to merge with therebels against control in order to merge with the
Major to insure its safeguard future. Diversity is theMajor to insure its safeguard future. Diversity is the
only safeguard against annihilation, it tells the Majoronly safeguard against annihilation, it tells the Major

15. Cultural AspectsCultural AspectsThe culture that is represented within theThe culture that is represented within the
moviemovie Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell is Japanese. It isis Japanese. It is
originally from the magna comic series,originally from the magna comic series,
carrying the same name, which arose incarrying the same name, which arose in
Japan and is widely popular in the country.Japan and is widely popular in the country.
The magna series forThe magna series for Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell waswas
written by Masamune Shirow. Japan waswritten by Masamune Shirow. Japan was
surprise to notice other countries interest insurprise to notice other countries interest in
the film and other production of magnathe film and other production of magna
series. Cartoon animation in Japan is widelyseries. Cartoon animation in Japan is widely
known as anime. Anime is known for itsknown as anime. Anime is known for its
complex themes, distinct visualcomplex themes, distinct visual
characteristics, and realistic charactercharacteristics, and realistic character
backgrounds. Unlike American cartoons thatbackgrounds. Unlike American cartoons that
typically have happy endings Anime tends totypically have happy endings Anime tends to
have sad endings where the hero often dieshave sad endings where the hero often dies
in the name of the cause that they foughtin the name of the cause that they fought
for. Due to this harsh reality, anime isfor. Due to this harsh reality, anime is
typically aimed toward a more maturetypically aimed toward a more mature
audience. Anime is not afraid ofaudience. Anime is not afraid of
incorporating sexuality or sexual themesincorporating sexuality or sexual themes
within films or comics. There are often manywithin films or comics. There are often many
intricate themes that are incorporated intointricate themes that are incorporated into
Anime films and comics that delve into deepAnime films and comics that delve into deep
topics. Overall Japanese animations aretopics. Overall Japanese animations are
expressed with diligence and complexexpressed with diligence and complex
themes that leave the person wonderingthemes that leave the person wondering
and contemplating about the movie, comic,and contemplating about the movie, comic,

16. SourcesSources
• "Ghost in the Shell.""Ghost in the Shell." IMDbIMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013.
• "Ghost in the Shell (film).""Ghost in the Shell (film)." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013.. Wikimedia Foundation, 19 May 2013.
Web. 24Web. 24 May 2013.May 2013.
• "3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell.""3. Themes and Terms - Ghost in the Shell." Themes and Terms - Ghost inThemes and Terms - Ghost in
the Shellthe Shell.. Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.Google Sites, n.d. Web. 24 May 2013.
<https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and-<https://sites.google.com/site/lis404gits/themes-and- terms>.terms>.
• "Togusa.""Togusa." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 May 2013. Web. 24 May
2013.2013. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Togusa>.
• Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi."Ryulong. "Motoko Kusanagi." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web.. Wikia, 7 May 2013. Web.
24 May24 May 2013.2013.
<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Motoko_Kusan agi>.agi>.
• "Batou.""Batou." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.. Wikia, 8 May 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.
<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Batou>.
• "Daisuke Aramaki.""Daisuke Aramaki." Ghost in the ShellGhost in the Shell. Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May. Wikia, 2 May 2013. Web. 24 May
2013.2013. <http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>.<http://ghostintheshell.wikia.com/wiki/Daisuke_Aramaki>.
• "List of Ghost in the Shell Characters.""List of Ghost in the Shell Characters." WikipediaWikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13. Wikimedia Foundation, 13
MayMay 2013. Web. 24 May 2013.2013. Web. 24 May 2013.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Ghost_in_the_Shell_characters>.