Ghost in the Shell

When does consciousness cease to exist and where does it even begin? What is the difference between Kusanagi and the Puppet Master, why can one call themself human and the other can’t, when does artificiality stop and humanity start? How far can the one be pushed before inevitably transforming into the other? The Puppet Master and Major Kusanagi are two sides of the same coin, one trying to become human, or at least something akin to it, and the other being forced out of her humanity to a point where she herself isn’t sure of its existence anymore. While the Major represents the fear of loss of self and uncertainty of her own existence (best explored in her diving scene and her following monologue) the Puppet Master is surrounded by religious symbols, in my opinion representing the end of humanity and the beginning of something new, something that transcends humanity, a new dominant species. These two desperately grasp for humanity -or better said „certain consciousness“- in their own way which lastly leads to their mutual understanding of each other and the decision to become something entirely new, to merge, to open up a new world of possibilities, which is represented by this new „creations“ childlike form. We evolve. Not only as a species, as a society, but as individuals. And being afraid of that change may cause a loss of our individuality, the thing we try so hard to preserve. The thing we try to protect by forcing ourself to remain in a status, by rejecting change, is the very thing we need said change, (personal) progression and development for. Apart from its layered and incredibly modern themes „Ghost in the shell“ is set against a dystopian „Hong Kong-ish“ megalopolis and underlined by a haunting score. It’s also animated insanely well, being one of the best examples of „old school/nostalgic OVA“ animation people love to gush and reminisce about.