Ghost in the Shell, Stand Alone Complex. Episode 12, The Movie Directors Dream.

Someone once commented that trying to review this series one episode at a time could only fail,  as it had many times before. I admit that this is not an easy undertaking, but I cannot treat it like a chore, and I have to find enjoyment in the process, or it’s not worth doing at all. Starting the series was like being lost in the wilderness, but I’m deep into the journey now, and my surroundings are becoming familiar. If I keep pushing forward, I will reach the end with ease. I now have a plan, and I will start to hit the series with more intent instead of the odd episode here and there. However, I am learning, I am enjoying myself, and I have to be the one who benefits from this experience. Today’s episode felt a bit underwhelming on my first viewing, if I am honest,  but as I looked deeper into the story, the more it began to reveal itself to me. However, I will discuss that in the conclusion. Now, I would like to thank you for visiting, and I hope you enjoy your time here today.

A world of discovery is the only task for one of the Tachikoma, who has somehow managed to escape the storage bay at Section 9. As it heads into the morning sun, the streets of Niihama are full of hustle and bustle, just as the song of everyday life plays away. Unfortunately, the Tachikoma meets a young girl who is very distressed. Miki has lost her pet dog, and the Tachikoma agrees to help her find the beloved animal. After a short journey, the location leads to the local pet cemetery, but Miki already has her suspicions, and at this moment, she can finally grieve for Locky before finally returning home to her family. Tachikoma’s moment of freedom does not end there. The robot comes across a cyberbrain that’s for sale on a local market and notices something unique about this device. Back at Section 9, the technicians are trying to investigate why the Tachikoma went awol but soon turn their attention to the cyberbrain and the mysteries that surround the object. One of the technicians links with the device and is lost inside its coding, leaving the Major with no doubt that she is the person who should go and retrieve him. Batou has been feeding the Tachikoma’s oil and has compromised their circuits. Togusa points out they are not cats, merely machines. The Major decides that there will be no more natural oil in the future, while Batou reluctantly agrees. The Major connects with the cyberbrain, noticing a lot of data for a lot of dumb graphics. A stairway, then a dim light, and she is finally inside the system. A group of people gather and talk in a foyer, but the Major cannot communicate with them. Next, a man appears and says it’s no use trying as they are all completely under its spell. Maybe she should find out what this is all about, but she needs to hurry. Inside the picture house, the inspector is present, and the Major tries to lead him away. However, the movie playing catches her eye. In silence, the Major stares towards the screen, slowly leaving tears to roll down her cheeks. The Major walks away from the film, and the man asks her what she thought about it? Actually, for a movie, it wasn’t bad, but the Major is a realist. Real dreams come from achieving goals in the real world. Entertainment should come and go on a whim. A movie that traps its audience is harmful, no matter how wonderful you believe it is. She’s a tough critic and nothing but misery awaits the others when the film ends. But the Major points out that if you live within the problems of others, you’re as good as being dead. 

Back to reality, Section 9 learns that the director of the film never received any funding for his movies and walked away. So stubborn in keeping the integrity of his films, he eventually lost any real chance of success. However, he did create his masterpiece inside this cyberbrain, and using his brain, having part of his spine removed and finally adding life support, he locked himself up in this tiny box. The movie gained a cult following, and when people watched it, the viewers became so enthralled with the movie that they died and never woke up. The cyberbrain has been replicated many times, but the original has never been found, until now. There was no trap inside the device, it was the appeal of the film that kept the people there. So what now? Well, the director is still alive, so his ghost will be transferred to a new shell where he will be unable to go online again. Next, Section 9 will need to make a list of all the viewers who have regained consciousness. And finally, the market vendor that sold the device should be arrested for trafficking humans. Later, the Major asks Batou if a movie has ever moved him to tears. Only a Marx brothers movie could reduce Batou to tears of joy. Maybe the Major and Batou should go see a movie together. However, when the Major wants to watch a movie, she prefers to watch them alone.

First impressions are not always the best way to give you a definitive impression of any movie, television show or book you watch or read. Well, I am learning that is the way it is for me. This story felt mismatched on my first viewing and had all the vibes of a filler episode. However, after a couple more viewings and writing the story, I soon began to see it in a completely different light. Maybe, if you look for something long enough, you will find it. Anyway, here is my interpretation of the story. First of all, you have the Tachikoma and Miki. One is a robot with artificial intelligence, and the other is a young girl who’s just about to learn the realities of life. Miki is visibly upset about the death of her pet but is ready to accept the loss, however painful it seems. The Tachikoma feels sad, well, maybe curious is the right word, about the feelings of Miki’s situation and would like to understand those emotions a little more closely.

Now, this is where I felt the separation of the story as we introduce the cyberbrain that the Tachikoma found at the market. However, I now notice a strong link between Miki, the Tachikoma and the cyberbrain. The director and the viewers of his film are hiding away and avoiding the reality and pain that life has to offer. Understandably, no one enjoys the difficult moments, but it is something that we all have to deal with at some point. I don’t feel good writing this down, so I’m very much the same. However, I would not like to hide in a fantasy, no matter how enjoyable that experience may be. For the Tachikoma, this is a gift we all share. To feel, to love and to grieve. My Major is also pretty interesting in this story as we see a different side to her personality. She knows reality is the only path worthwhile while we realise our goals and ambitions along that journey. However, understand that we all need to escape reality at some point, be it for a couple of hours or so. The Major prefers to watch movies alone, showing that she also wants to feel vulnerable at times and get lost in the emotions of others. I guess it’s about finding the right balance, learning to accept situations and having fun along the way. A story can inspire us, make us see things differently, or point out the most obvious answers. As I said earlier, this story felt underwhelming at first, but now, I feel that I can appreciate it far more than I first thought. That’s how life works, so who am I to get in its way?

Thank you for visiting today, it really is appreciated. If you enjoyed this review, please leave me a like or comment below. Also, if you would like to follow my journey on this site, please subscribe for future posts.

The Ghost in the Shell Anthology.

My Projects.