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The Psychological Impact of Yellowstone TV Series: Why it Captivates Audiences

Yellowstone, the hit TV series created by Taylor Sheridan, has taken the world by storm. With its captivating storyline and intriguing characters, it has become a favorite among audiences around the globe. But what is it about this show that makes it so appealing? In this article, we delve into the psychological impact of Yellowstone and explore why it captivates audiences.

I. Escapism and Immersion: A Glimpse into Another World

One of the primary reasons why Yellowstone resonates with viewers is its ability to provide a sense of escapism. The show transports audiences to the breathtaking landscapes of Montana’s Yellowstone National Park, immersing them in a world far removed from their own realities.

The stunning cinematography and attention to detail allow viewers to escape their everyday lives and experience something extraordinary. Whether it’s witnessing the beauty of nature or delving into the complex dynamics of ranching families, Yellowstone offers an immersive experience that keeps audiences hooked.

II. Complex Characters: Relatable yet Flawed

Another key element that draws audiences to Yellowstone is its rich tapestry of complex characters. From John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family, to his children Kayce, Beth, and Jamie, each character is meticulously crafted with their own set of flaws and vulnerabilities.

These multidimensional characters resonate with viewers because they are relatable in their imperfections. Audiences see themselves reflected in these flawed individuals, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with the show. Whether it’s John’s struggle to protect his land or Beth’s relentless pursuit for power, these characters elicit strong emotions from viewers who can’t help but be invested in their journeys.

III. Intriguing Storylines: Drama at Every Turn

Yellowstone thrives on drama – there’s never a dull moment in this gripping series. The show weaves together multiple storylines, each filled with tension, conflict, and unexpected twists. From land disputes and power struggles to family dynamics and romantic entanglements, there’s always something happening in Yellowstone.

This constant sense of anticipation keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the next episode. The unpredictable nature of the show keeps viewers engaged and invested in the outcome of each storyline. Whether it’s a life-or-death situation or a shocking revelation, Yellowstone delivers high-stakes drama that leaves audiences craving more.

IV. Themes of Power and Loyalty: Exploring Human Nature

At its core, Yellowstone explores timeless themes of power, loyalty, and human nature. The show delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths people will go to protect what they hold dear. It examines the moral gray areas that exist in society and challenges viewers to question their own beliefs.

The exploration of power dynamics within the Dutton family and their interactions with external forces serves as a mirror for viewers to reflect upon their own lives. It prompts introspection about loyalty, integrity, and the choices we make when faced with difficult situations.

In conclusion, Yellowstone’s psychological impact on audiences can be attributed to its ability to provide escapism through immersive storytelling and breathtaking visuals. Its complex characters elicit strong emotional connections from viewers while its intriguing storylines keep them on the edge of their seats. Moreover, by exploring themes of power and loyalty, Yellowstone prompts introspection about human nature itself. It is these elements combined that make Yellowstone such a captivating TV series that continues to enthrall audiences worldwide.

This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.

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Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045

Hired as a mercenary unit, the former members of Japan's elite Section 9 are faced with the sudden appearance of "Post-Human," a being with tremendous intelligence and physical capabilities. Hired as a mercenary unit, the former members of Japan's elite Section 9 are faced with the sudden appearance of "Post-Human," a being with tremendous intelligence and physical capabilities. Hired as a mercenary unit, the former members of Japan's elite Section 9 are faced with the sudden appearance of "Post-Human," a being with tremendous intelligence and physical capabilities.

• Richard Epcar
• Mary Elizabeth McGlynn
• Melissa Fahn
• 115 User reviews
• 11 Critic reviews
• See more at IMDbPro
• 3 wins & 2 nominations

Episodes 24

• Motoko Kusanagi …

• Tachikoma …

• Kurisu Otomo Teito …

• Daisuke Aramaki …

• Purin Esaki …

• Additional Cast …

• Additional Voices …

• Suzuka Mizukane …
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• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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• Trivia Originally This was supposed to be the first project that both Directors were planning however before the pair started production on This New Ghost in the shell Anime series they were offered ultraman for Netflix so the pair started work on ultraman and now this new take on Ghost in the shell will be released in 2020
• Connections Edited into Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045 - Sustainable War (2021)

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• efetopcuoglu
• Apr 25, 2020
• How many seasons does Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 have? Powered by Alexa
• April 23, 2020 (United States)
• United States
• Official Netflix
• Official site (Japan)
• Vỏ Bọc Ma: SAC_2045
• Tokyo, Japan (Studio)
• Bandai Namco Arts
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 25 minutes
• Dolby Digital
• Dolby Atmos

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Ghost in the Shell

EP 1 Section 9

Public Security Section 9 is an elite special ops unit that works directly under the control of the Prime Minister. They've been called in to rescue a high-ranking government official from a hostage situation. But something doesn't seem right to Major Motoko Kusanagi. After some investigating, Section 9 uncovers a major espionage plot, and it's up to them to prevent a major international incident.

EP 2 Testation

Kenbishi Heavy Industries has built a state-of-the-art multiped tank. There's only one problem--it's gone haywire and started moving on its own. Section 9 is called in to stop it, as the Self Defense Force will not get involved. Now, it's up to Motoko, Batou, and the rest of Section 9 to stop the tank and figure out what made it go berserk in the first place.

EP 3 Android and I

Across Japan, a number of old JRL type Androids (called "Jeris") are destroying themselves. Section 9 is called in to investigate this mass "robot suicide" because of a potential link to another, more dangerous case. The clues lead them to a jealous owner who may have taken his Jeri too much to heart, but what is his ultimate plan?

EP 4 Intercepter

While working late, Togusa gets a call from one of his colleagues from his days on the police force. It seems that he's uncovered something strange happening with the investigators in the Laughing Man Unit, a special task force formed to catch the infamous cyber criminal known only as the Laughing Man. But before he can meet with Togusa, he's killed in a car accident. Now, Togusa only has an envelope full of seemingly random photos to go on--can he put the pieces of the puzzle together?

The Laughing Man, having returned after a six-year absence, threatens to assassinate the Superintendent-General of the police. Everyone is in an uproar over his return. Aramaki, however, thinks it's a cover-up. He briefs Section 9 on the prime suspect, Nanao=A, an incredibly gifted programmer who developed the micro-machines that are currently the foundation of Serano Industries. Still, it's just too perfect. The team splits up and investigates.

As Togusa and Bato track down Nanao, Motoko and Paz are attempting to protect the Superintendent-General at a press conference about the police misuse of interceptors. When the virus does hit, Motoko and Paz have to act fast to save the intended victim. Meanwhile, the road to Nanao=A hits a dead end.

EP 7 Idolater

Section 9 is on the trail of Marcelo Jarti, a South American revolutionary hero who has arrived in Japan. However, Jarti is a hard man to catch because he employs look-alikes to deceive people. Nevertheless, Section 9 is convinced that the one they're tracking is the real thing, and after a rather out-of-control gunbattle in an upscale hotel, they track him to an old warehouse. When they split up, Togusa, Batou, and Motoko each encounter Jarti--at the same time!

EP 8 Missing Hearts

Motoko's friend Courtin asks her to come to the hospital where she works. It seems a little girl just received a heart transplant, but the donor's family doesn't remember ever agreeing to donate the heart. Seeing the little girl reminds Motoko of her own past. When she mentions this story to Aramaki, he tells them to determine if this is tied to a ring of black-market organ smugglers supposedly run by the mafia.

EP 9 Chat! Chat! Chat!

Motoko enters into an online chat room devoted to the Laughing Man to see if she can find any new information on him. What she discovers is a spirited debate among the self-proclaimed "fans" of the Laughing Man, but very little hard evidence.

EP 10 Jungle Cruise

The CIA arrives in Japan with a request to help them hunt down a serial killer. The killer, a former CIA operative, has recently gone rogue and has turned up in Japan. He is an especially brutal killer, preferring to skin his victims alive in the pattern of a T-shirt. This sparks an odd reaction in Batou, and his normally laid-back demeanor is replaced with one of furious determination. What is the link between Batou and this man?

EP 11 Portraitz

Togusa goes undercover at a hospital for patients with Closed Cyberbrain Syndrome, a hospital completely cut off from communication with the outside world. Disguised as a staff worker, he learns that the patients' unique conditions make them exceptional at programming and hacking defense barrier programs.

EP 12 Escape From

One of the Tachikomas decides to take a little stroll through the city. It meets a little girl, Miki, who is searching for her lost dog and it agrees to help her. On their journey, the Tachikoma finds a strange box. After the adventure with Miki is over and the Tachikoma returns home, the members of Section 9 discover the box, and find that within it is a movie theater that contains the Ghosts of all those who saw the movie. Will Motoko be the next victim?

EP 13 Not Equal

In a briefing, Aramaki shows a photo of a girl who looks like Eka Tokura, the daughter of Tokura Electronics, who was kidnapped 16 years ago. But there's one problem--the photo was taken two days ago! When a team of special operatives was sent in, all contact was lost. Section 9 is assigned to go in and determine what's really going on.

The Chinese government contacts Section 9 to let them know that an assassin may have entered Japan to kill a famous reclusive millionaire. Despite their considerable efforts, however, Section 9 is unable to contact him to warn him, so they go directly to his residence. Unfortunately, a female cyborg assassin named Fem has arrived first. Now it's a showdown between the Major and Fem, and a man's life hangs in the balance.

EP 15 Machines Desirantes

The Major has become worried about the Tachikomas. It appears that their AIs have developed much more quickly and in ways that were not anticipated; they have begun speaking about their "individuality". Worried, the Major calls Batou to a meeting; the Tachikomas, having suspicions of their own, attempt to eavesdrop on their conversation. What will be the fate of Section 9's Tachikomas?

Batou goes undercover on a military base to shadow one of his former heroes, a man named Zaitsev who was an Olympic silver medalist. Now, however, he's under suspicion of espionage. Batou befriends him easily, and the two really seem to get along--which is unusual for Batou. But when Batou learns the truth behind his hero, he must make a very difficult decision.

EP 17 Angel's Share

While at an international police conference in London, Aramaki drops by to visit an old flame who's now in the wine brokering business. She asks him to help her put a stop to the corruption in her company, but he tells her that it's out of his jurisdiction. Just then, however, two thieves break into the building and take them hostage. With a corrupt police official on the outside, it's up to Aramaki to keep them alive and buy enough time for the Major to figure out what's going on.

EP 18 Lost Heritage

Aramaki attends the funeral of an old war buddy, and is greeted by his departed friend's daughter. She tells him that her brother is acting very strangely, and she fears that he may be up to something illegal. Aramaki sympathizes, but says there's nothing he can do legally. Later, Section 9 is assigned the task of protecting the Chinese Foreign Minister from being assassinated. And when they start searching for suspects, the son of Aramaki's friend is at the top of the list!

EP 19 Captivated

Section 9's next case is a rash of mass-kidnappings. Rumor has it that a crime syndicate is harvesting organs and selling them on the black market. As they research the case, they realize that time is running out. If they don't find the kidnapped girls soon, it will be too late. And to make matters worse, there's a Russian cyborg operative who has gone rogue and is now working for the syndicate.

EP 20 Re-View

Togusa is on the trail of the Laughing Man again, and this time, his investigations lead him towards both a leading micromachine corporation and an NGO called the Sunflower Society. As he visits with one of the officers of the Sunflower Society, however, the building is attacked by especially well-armed troops!

EP 21 Eraser

After being shot, Togusa's in the hospital and about to go into surgery, but he is desperate to pass on what he's learned to the rest of Section 9. As Togusa fights for his life, the rest of Section 9 takes over the case, but others within the government have learned of the investigation and are not happy. A special forces unit is dispatched to intercept them with a state-of-the-art Armed Suit.

EP 22 Scandal

Motoko is about to be fitted for her new prosthetic body. But when the doctor arrives and begins the procedure, it's clear that she has no intent of letting Motoko out alive. With Motoko's friend Courtin waiting outside and unaware of what's going on, Motoko must fight for her life. Meanwhile, Aramaki receives a disturbing message that his brother has been kidnapped.

EP 23 Equinox

The Laughing Man returns! And, just as he did six years ago, he kidnaps the president of Serano Genomics without being detected. Section 9 arrives at Serano's house too late, and sets out to find him. The Laughing Man and Mr. Serano discuss what happened six years ago, and why Mr. Serano hasn't fulfilled his promise. This time, however, things are going to be different, with or without Serano's help.

EP 24 Annihilation

The government orders Section 9 disbanded. Aramaki is taken away, and Togusa is arrested. Motoko assembles the remaining team members at HQ for one final mission. They prepare for a full-scale assault while Elite troopers and Armed Suits descend on Section 9 HQ.

EP 25 Barrage

Despite their best efforts, the remaining members of Section 9 are rounded up one by one by the government forces. Only Batou and Motoko are left. Batou goes to Motoko's apartment, even though he's sure its under surveillance. Once inside, he is attacked by the troops, but discovers Motoko's secret weapons cache and manages to fight back. But when the Armed Suit shows up, things start to go badly.

EP 26 Stand Alone Complex

Togusa has been released from jail. But his badge and gun are confiscated, and he's given papers showing the dissolution of Section 9. Out of work and depressed, he tries to find information on the others, but there is nothing available. Thinking that he has nothing left to lose, he goes to assassinate the man responsible when he is stopped by--Batou! It seems that Section 9 is still alive and well after all, but what about the Major?

EP 1 Reembody

A group of terrorists identifying themselves as the "Individual Eleven" barricade themselves within the Chinese Embassy. Section 9 is called in to eliminate the terrorists without any civilian casualties, all before the scheduled police raid.

EP 2 Night Cruise

This episode focuses on the life of a refugee living in Japan. He has plans to "reset the world" and change things. But are his plans merely violent daydreams, or something more sinister?

EP 3 Cash Eye

A hacker and thief by the name of Cash Eye plans on infiltrating a vault during a party, and Section 9 is called in to prevent it. But there are a number of strange elements in this case that don't all add up.

EP 4 Natural Enemy

A routine live-fire exercise goes wrong, leaving a fleet of AI controlled helicopters flying above a refugee area, firing on anyone who comes near. And a mysterious and creepy man known as Gohda arrives to tell Section 9 how to handle it.

EP 5 Inductance

An assassination threat has been made against Prime Minister Kayabuki; Section 9 is called to serve as bodyguards Meanwhile, investigation on the Individual Eleven turns up some interesting history.

EP 6 Excavation

A seemingly run-of-the mill hit-and-run turns into anything but when Togusa investigates. While in Tokyo, he discovers a secret from the past the GSDF is trying to keep hidden deep underground.

EP 7 239 Pu/94

Plans have been leaked to terrorists that the plutonium recovered from the underground nuclear facility in Tokyo is to be moved. Section 9 is called in to ensure the plutonium reaches its destination, and Gohda is there again.

EP 8 Fake Food

While on a stakeout of a Taiwanese vegetarian restaurant, Section 9 finds out that someone is pulling strings and feeding misinformation to the Public Safety Sections.

EP 9 Ambivalence

The Tachikomas and the Major continue to investigate Gohda and his motives, while the rest of Section 9 are out to stop a string of suicide bombings.

EP 10 Trial

Togusa is brought up on charges after he becomes involved with a murder while off duty. But during the course of the trial, it becomes clear that who the attorney is really after is not Togusa, but all of Section 9!

EP 11 Affection

While field testing new recruits, the Major finds herself hacked, and an old woman tells her a story from her past. Watch more Ghost in the Shell on [adult swim].

EP 12 Selecon

The Tachikomas, Ishikawa, and Borma locate a suspicious file believed to be the Individual Eleven virus, The Major, Batou, Saito go after Kuze, and the Individual Eleven prepare to put their plan into action.

EP 13 Make Up

After tracking down the designer of Kuze's face, it is discovered that he was already killed... by Paz.

EP 14 Poker Face

Saito recounts his first run-in with the Major, and how he became part of the group that would eventually become Section 9.

EP 16 Another Chance

The Prime Minister is alerted to the existence of "hub cyberbrains," while Ishikawa returns from the peninsula to report on what he found out about Kuze's past.

EP 17 Red Data

The Major heads to Taiwan to investigate a lead on Kuze, and ends up getting involved with local gangs and a troublesome kid.

EP 18 Transparent

Batou and the Major are sent to Berlin in an international effort to help track down the terrorist Angel's Wing.

EP 19 Chain Reaction

While tensions rise in the Dejima refugee camp, the Major hacks the refugee cyberbrain hub to determine Kuze's location.

EP 20 Fabricate Fog

After being ambushed by Kuze's followers at a false location, Section 9 is alerted to his true location, and his intentions of purchasing nuclear materials from the Russian mafia.The Cabinet Intelligence Service and Gohda are involved behind the scenes.

EP 21 Embarrassment

Kuze escapes and Section 9 suffers heavy damages from the confrontation; Kuze leaves for Nagasaki harbor with the Russian package.

EP 22 Reversal Process

The entire city of Nagasaki is evacuated and the JSDF moves in after a live nuclear bomb is found planted in the city, presumably by Dejima militants. Section 9 arrives to defuse the bomb and determine its precise origins.

EP 23 Martial Law

The government declares martial Law in Dejima, believing that the refugees have a nuclear device and plan to use it to gain independence. When the refugees' connection to Kuze is cut off, one shot begins a bloody war.

EP 24 Nuclear Power

The Prime Minister is taken into custody, and the military begins its strike on Dejima. The Major and part of Section 9 head to Dejima to try to hand over the nuclear device to the military there, in order to defuse the situation, while Ishikawa heads to SPring-8 to deliver the rest of the plutonium.

EP 25 This Side of Justice

Kuze manages to take down the jamming plane, but becomes trapped in rubble with the Major. The Tachikomas begin discussing what to do about the nuclear submarine they have spotted, and Batou manages to convince the special forces that have been sent to kill them to listen to him.

EP 26 Endless GIG

The tables seem to be turning in favor of section 9, but the nuclear missile is still being prepared for launch. The Tachikomas take control of the AI satellite, and take out the nuclear missile.

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A Beginner’s Guide to the Ghost in the Shell Universe

The Scarlett Johansson version of Ghost in the Shell is being released this Friday, whether we want it or not. It’s been notoriously tricky for Hollywood to successfully adapt anime and manga titles, even if they later get a critical reappraisal (see: Speed Racer, Edge of Tomorrow ). But in the case of a classic franchise like Ghost in the Shell , which most American viewers know from the 1995 Mamoru Oshii film, there’s more of a known quantity to live up to — this is one of the most influential franchises in anime history.

Still, most American moviegoers have only seen Oshii’s film, if that, and Ghost in the Shell, like many anime franchises, exists over multiple films, TV series, and manga that were still going strong as recently as 2015. And the cyborg heroine Major Motoko Kusanagi has been reincarnated in multiple ages, temperaments, and bodies (or lack thereof). In other words, if ScarJo’s take flops, she won’t be the first Major that fans have accused of ruining the series.

The silver lining, of course, is that it’s an excellent excuse to dig into the heady world of Ghost in the Shell. Here’s a quick guide to the essentials to get you started.

The Ghost in the Shell (1989), by Masamune Shirow The manga that kicked off the franchise may surprise first-time readers already familiar with the anime, due to its lighter tone and depiction of the Major. The manga, after all, debuted in the late ’80s, before Japan fell into an extended recession, when the tech boom was still a source of gee-whiz inspiration for sci-fi comic authors and animators. Shirow’s first series follows the episodic adventures of the special-ops security force Section 9, headed by Major Motoko Kusanagi, a tomboyish tough-girl who happens to be 97 percent cyborg.

Shirow is responsible for the technical concepts of cyberbrains, prostheses, and ghost hacking, as well as the “Puppeteer” plot that would serve as the basis for the 1995 film. He writes copious idiosyncratic notes in the margins, fleshing out various ideas more thoroughly for whomever cares, and cracking jokes. He’s also a bit of a lech, and never saw a female character whose crotch he wouldn’t draw in loving close-up. It can be distracting in what is otherwise a densely conceived and entertaining sci-fi procedural. Still, “cute Motoko,” with her silly faces and easygoing fraternal relationship with her colleagues, is a fun variation on her more well-known anime counterpart, swilling beer with abandon, not yet affected by post-bubble ennui. Shirow followed the original series up with Ghost in the Shell 2: Man-Machine Interface in 1997.

Ghost in the Shell (1995), directed by Mamoru Oshii Arguably the high point of the franchise, and certainly the most internationally known, Mamoru Oshii’s feature film adaptation took a subplot from Shirow’s manga and turned it into a meditation on consciousness and the philosophy of the self. It’s a bold direction to take with the source material, placing the Major on the brink of an existential crisis, and flipping the manga’s fetishization of her body on its head (but not getting rid of it, heavens, no).

The film’s brilliantly creative action sequences inspired Western filmmakers from the Wachowskis to Steven Spielberg to take note. But Oshii does a lot with character — making a more sensitive figure out of the Major’s cyborg partner Batou, and letting mostly biological Togusa act as a wide-eyed audience surrogate. The real supporting star, however, is the iconic, haunting score by Kenji Kawai , whose main theme elevates the virtuosic opening sequence and halfway-point montage of the city, which is plot-free and dialogue-free but vividly evokes Motoko’s alienation — from the society she lives, and even her own body. This is Ghost in the Shell at its moodiest, and perhaps incidentally, its most successful.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002–2005), directed by Kenji Kamiyama The Major and the crew at Section 9 returned for this alternate-timeline anime series headed by Kenji Kamiyama, who had previously worked on the Patlabor series with Oshii, among others. The series, which spans 52 episodes in total, is a procedural-serial hybrid. Some episodes, labeled “Stand Alone” in the first season, are just that — sci-fi one shots about various scenarios in the cybernetic world of Newport City. The rest are “Complex” episodes, part of an overarching plot — the first season focuses on the “Laughing Man” hacker and his many imitators, the second on a refugee uprising.

For many fans this is the definitive iteration of the franchise, fusing Shirow’s roving, speculative storytelling with Oshii’s more impressionistic, philosophical approach. The animation is a peak example of how to meld CGI and traditional animation — it’s deployed just enough to make those car chases more thrilling and those Fuchikomas more lifelike. The Major herself is not quite the sassy pinup of the manga, nor the haunted soul of the film, but a tough operator who can crack a joke now and then — and whose past is fleshed out in much more detail over multiple episodes. She exists as part of a colorful ensemble, with Togusa and Batou in particular getting more depth and story lines of their own. (There’s also a 2006 Stand Alone Complex movie, Solid State Society , also directed by Kamiyama.)

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence (2004), directed by Mamoru Oshii Oshii returned to the franchise nearly a decade after the first film to explore another thread in Shirow’s manga, this one about illegally manufactured sex androids who start murdering their owners. Oshii, master of not giving the people what they want, sets this after the events of the first film, after the Major has (spoiler) fused herself to the Puppet Master and exists more or less full-time in the network. Batou takes the lead — which is great, because Batou is great — but Motoko’s absence is felt sharply, most of all by him.

The animation is a more ambitious CGI hybrid than Stand Alone Complex , and unfortunately, much of it has not aged well. (The CGI is mostly reserved for scenery and vehicles, while the characters remain hand-drawn, giving it a weird video-game feeling at times.) But it also lends itself to some of the film’s more unsettling moments — this is a scarier film than the first Ghost in the Shell , and a sadder one, too. When the Major does make her long-awaited entrance, Oshii intentionally makes it a sadly empty encounter.

Continued viewing: Arise, Sleepless Eye , Patlabor The most recent iteration of the franchise is the 2015 prequel series Arise, which depicts a younger, post-adolescent Motoko meeting the team that would become Section 9 for the first time. It’s more or less based on the 2013 manga series Arise Sleepless Eye, and fan reaction has been mixed at best.

If, however, after an initial tour of the films and the manga, you sense that you’re more of an Oshii fan than a Shirow or Kamiyama fan, then I would recommend checking out the two Patlabor films that Oshii directed prior to his first foray into this franchise. His Ghost in the Shell is such an iconic post-bubble ’90s work, and it’s fascinating to see where his mind was with regard to Japan’s relationship to technology before the recession. Patlabor deals with many of the same themes of artificial intelligence, and has a deeply wonky fascination with infrastructure and politics, but it’s also a brighter, sunnier production with equally impressive animation and action sequences. Fans of Oshii’s Ghost in the Shell will find a lot to love here, including a very familiar and very atmospheric tour through another dilapidated shantytown in another hypermodern vision of urban Japan. It’s ghosts all the way down.

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Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045

In 2045, Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9 return to a world enveloped by a never-ending cyberwar and the newest evolution of cyberthreats: the posthumans.

1. NO NOISE NO LIFE - Sustainable War

The United States, 2045. Working as mercenaries, the Major and her team, including newbie Stan, defend a gated town from outlaws. Togusa takes a call.

2. AT YOUR OWN RISK - Divided by a Wall

Armed by a generous patron, the Raidists attack GHOST with AI drones. Togusa accepts a new mission from Japan's peace-seeking Prime Minister.

3. MAVERICK - MIA

As Togusa dives into cyberspace to track his former team members, the group is detained by a mysterious American organization seeking to employ them.

4. SACRIFICIAL PAWN - Emissary from the Divide

While researching the team's disappearance and John Smith, Togusa takes a calculated risk. The GHOST members question the true nature of their mission.

5. PATRICK HUGE - Gift from God

Aramaki sets off after Kusanagi in a race against time. GHOST begin their assignment, but Huge's cybernetic security forces them to alter their plans.

6. DISCLOSURE - Quantized Gospel

Following the Section 9 reunion, Kusanagi and her colleagues learn about the "post-humans," a previously unknown threat to humanity.

7. PIE IN THE SKY - First Bank Robbery

Back in Japan after six years, Batou decides to take a break while waiting for his delayed team. Then some amateur bank robbers interrupt his fun.

8. ASSEMBLE - What Came About as a Result of Togusa’s Death

The Major and Smith clash over Section 9's new mission hunting post-humans. She orders Togusa to investigate a suspected spy near the Prime Minister.

9. IDENTITY THEFT - The Lonely Struggle

Problems arise for Section 9 after one of the three post-humans in Japan murders several politicians, then targets the Prime Minister's father-in-law.

10. NET PEOPLE - Reasons Leading to Flameout

Section 9 investigates a possible post-human hacker who uses the web to incite physical attacks on people. The trail leads to a high school student.

11. EDGELORD - The Revolution of the 14-year-olds

Purin helps analyze the Thinkpol program while the Major and Togusa search for clues about the post-human middle school student Takashi Shimamura.

12. NOSTALGIA - All Will Become N

Togusa has a strange episode while analyzing the data confiscated from Shimamura. When he wakes up, he and Batou head out to investigate.

After tracking down a source in California, Major Motoko Kusanagi and the Section 9 crew head back to Tokyo as the posthuman threat grows bolder.

1. DOMINO EFFECT / Silly Kukushkin

Members of Section 9 seek out a man named Philip Kukushkin, a Russian national who seems to know a lot about the creation of posthumans.

2. CLOSE CALL / I've Awoken

US special operations forces join the Section 9 team in their fight against a relentless posthuman named Suzuka Mizukane.

3. FACTOR / 1A84

While extracting information from Kukushkin, the Section 9 team uncovers some shocking information about an AI program developed by the US government.

4. MEMORIES / Born in Heaven

Worried Purin might be a spy for the Americans, the Major sends out a crew of Tachikoma to look into her hidden past.

5. ROOM 101 / Man's Search for Meaning

Togusa finally realizes that he's been trapped in his own memories — and suddenly finds himself in a devastated Tokyo in the year 2045.

6. N-POWER / How to Build an Independent Nation

After hearing from Togusa, Batou and the others head to Tokyo. Back in Fukuoka, the Major learns that a posthuman has hijacked a nuclear submarine.

7. TRUTH POINT OF CONTACT / Bridge of Promise

Resurrected as a full-body prosthetic cyborg, Purin tries to hitchhike her way to Tokyo. US special operations forces face Mizukane's wrath.

8. DEMI DEUS / Those Who Evolve Toward Divinity

Batou and the group get an update on the posthuman situation from Standard. The Major and Purin join the rest of the crew in Tokyo.

9. LAST RESORT / A Long Slumber

To take back control of the hijacked nuclear submarine, the Section 9 team targets Mizukane and Takashi Shimamura.

10. OPERATION STANDOFF / The Battle Begins

Shimamura wakes up and makes a desperate move, putting Kusanagi and her crew in an impossible position.

11. DOOMSDAY / The Moon over the Ruined Castle

Kusanagi and her team do everything they can to stop the US from implementing their draconian plan to end the nuclear standoff with "N."

12. DOUBLE THINK / Event Boundary

The Section 9 crew start living their regular lives as if nothing ever happened — and the only one who finds it strange is Kusanagi.

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Best order to watch ghost in the shell movies & tv shows.

Getting into the Ghost in the Shell franchise can be complicated. Here is the best order to watch all Ghost in the Shell movies and TV shows.

The Ghost in the Shell franchise has existed for decades in many different media and formats – here is the best order to watch all Ghost in the Shell movies and TV shows. In 1989, a serialized manga series by Masamune Shirow would introduce Major Motoko Kusanagi and the techno dystopian world that would remain relevant for years to come. Following the manga, Ghost in the Shell was adapted into animated movies, animated TV series, video games, and even a live-action theatrical film.

Despite all the adaptations, Ghost in the Shell ’s impact on pop culture comes mostly from the 1995 Ghost in the Shell movie by Mamoru Oshii. The classic animated feature combined elements from different sci-fi inspirations, such as Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner , with the characters and the setting from the manga, and it added a level of philosophical discussion that was not so present in the original work. Although no other entry in the Ghost in the Shell franchise managed to be as impactful as the 1995 film, each of the following movies and shows expanded the franchise in a different way and added more nuances to the story of Major Kusanagi and the Section 9.

Related: Every Ghost In The Shell Movie, Ranked From Worst To Best

Between the several movies, TV shows, OVAs, and compilations, there is no correct order to watch Ghost in the Shell . That is because there are at least three different continuities, with events that do not necessarily connect and sometimes even contradict that of the other universes. However, there is a logical Ghost in the Shell watch order that can make the experience much better. The original Ghost in the Shell movie is by far the best starting point, as the quality of the film makes up for the initially quite complicated story. That can be followed by the direct sequel Ghost In The Shell 2: Innoncence (2004) , and from then on, the view can dive deep into the animated series and the straight-to-home video films. Here is a breakdown of the best Ghost in the Shell watch order.

Ghost In The Shell (1995)

The original Ghost in the Shell movie places the audience in a dystopian world in which the characters’ alignments, origins, and motives can be hard to follow. The Mamoru Oshii film obviously could not count on the footnotes commentary that Masamune Shirow used in the manga, and it went instead for a very defined “show, don’t tell” approach with scenes that go on for minutes without any significant dialogue. That said, the initial difficulty in following The Major's story in Ghost in the Shell is not enough not to recommend the film as someone’s first and best contact with the saga. Not only was Ghost in the Shell (1995) the first adaptation of the manga but it also remains as the best entry in the Ghost in the Shell franchise to this day. It beautifully introduces the viewer to the franchise's dystopian cyberpunk world, and it sets the tone for everything that would come later in the Ghost in the Shell franchise. It is also important to notice that the 2017 live-action Ghost in the Shell movie starring Scarlett Johansson as the Major and Pilou Asbæk as Batou is mostly a remake of the 1995 film. Likewise, 2009’s Ghost in the Shell 2.0 is a reproduction of the 1995 film with updated animation techniques and the addition of 3D elements.

Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence (2004)

It took almost a decade, but the first Ghost in the Shell got a sequel in 2004’s Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence . Mamoru Oshii returned to direct. While the sequel is not as good as the first one, it expands upon the stories and the themes of Ghost in the Shell (1995 ). Most of the characters from Ghost in the Shell (1995) , such as Togusa, Batou, and Section 9’s Chief Aramaki, are back. However, Major Kusanagi has been missing since her encounter with the Puppeteer, a character that served as an inspiration for Michael Pitt's Ghost in the Shell villain , in the first movie. Giving that element of continuity, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence is better if watched right after Ghost in the Shell (1995) .

Ghost In The Shell: Arise Watch Order

The Ghost in the Shell: Arise series consists of five 50-minute long episodes, plus a theatrical movie that can be seen as prequels to the events of Ghost in the Shell (1995) . For example, Ghost in the Shell: Arise reveals how Major Kusanagi and the future members of Section 9 got to know each other, and it explores the characters’ backgrounds before they were a team. Arise also sees the first contact between the Major and Chief Aramaki, and it lays down the idea of Kusanagi questioning her memories and her very own existence. That said, the Ghost in the Shell: Arise series is far from being as good as Ghost in the Shell (1995), and thus it’s best to watch it after the first two movies. The watch order for the Ghost in the Shell: Arise universe is as follows:

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 1: Ghost Pain (2013)

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 2: Ghost Whispers (2013)

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 3: Ghost Tears (2013)

• Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 4: Ghost Stands Alone (2013)

• Ghost in the Shell Arise: Border 5 - Pyrophoric Cult (2015)

• Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie (2015)

Related: Ghost In The Shell: Ishikawa's Backstory Explained

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex Watch Order

The animated show Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002) was the start of a brand new Ghost in the Shell continuity that had no connections with the 1995 film – despite featuring the same characters. The show was followed by a sequel, 2004’s Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig , as well as an original movie and two compilations of previously aired episodes. Recently, the Stand Alone Complex universe continued with the Netflix CG-anime Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2045 . For being the longest-running Ghost in the Shell continuity, the SAC universe is better if watched after the original movies and the Arise titles. The watch order for the Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex universe, excluding the retelling compilations such as Ghost in the Shell : SAC_2045 Sustainable War , is as follows:

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (2002)

• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd Gig (2004)

• Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society (2006)

• Ghost in the Shell: SAC _2045 (2020)

Next: Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 Sustainable War Cast Guide

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

Major Kusanagi and Section 9 are called in to resolve a hostage crisis at a Geisha house staffed by android geisha. After the crisis is averted Aramaki is approached by a friend of his in the military who reveals that one of the hostages in the Geisha house was under investigation after requesting a report detailing military actions to be taken in the event of various states of emergency. Given the sensitive nature of the case, Section 9 is therefore asked to pick up the investigation where the original team left off.

A heavy-assault multiped tank runs amok under the control of an unknown hijacker. After going on a destructive spree at the Kenbishi Industries testing facility, the multiped takes off towards the urban area of Niihama. Kusanagi briefs her squad at Section 9 HQ, explaining that the tank's designer, Takeshi Kago, died a week before, and that no terrorist organization has claimed credit for the heist. Since the military refuses to get involved unless terrorism is the motive, Section 9 is called in to stop the tank.

A series of android suicides prompts Section 9 to investigate the manufacturer. While Section Head Daisuke Aramaki questions the plant manager, Kusanagi and a Tachikoma covertly hack into the plant's database to try and uncover any possible wrongdoings by the manufacturer. As it turns out, all the androids were of the same model, an obsolete product known as the GA07_JL android.

An old friend of Togusa's named Yamaguchi is murdered after sending him pictures concerning an unsolved case involving a hacker known as "The Laughing Man". His investigation leads to the discovery that the members of the Laughing Man task force have all been implanted with cybernetic surveillance devices called 'interceptors', which reside in the vision center of the subject's brain, recording everything they do. Shortly thereafter the information is leaked by Section 9, prompting the Police to call a press conference to announce their 'findings' regarding the interceptor devices. During the broadcast the mysterious hacker known as The Laughing Man returns, hijacking a Police official's cyberbrain and delivering a threat to the Superintendent-General.

Section 9 suspects that the Police Investigators handling the Laughing Man case are using their primary suspect, a former Serano Genomics, Inc. programmer with a shady anti-corporate past as a decoy to hide some form of higher-level corruption. Aramaki orders Section 9 to commence around the clock surveillance the programmer in an attempt to catch him in the act.

Things go fairly haywire as Kusanagi suspects that The Laughing Man has inserted a virus into the police units guarding the Superintendent-General. As Section 9 members struggle to evacuate the Superintendent-General to safety, the anti-virus team at HQ races to develop a vaccine to protect against it. After the immediate threat is averted, Aramaki orders Section 9 to open their own investigation into the Laughing Man case.

Cast & Crew

Atsuko Tanaka

Motoko Kusanagi

Akio Ootsuka

Kōichi Yamadera

Togusa / The Laughing Man

Yutaka Nakano

Rikiya Koyama

Complex, mature anime for serious genre fans.

Information

© 2002-2004 Shirow Masamune-Production I.G. KODANSHA

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Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

• View history

It is followed by a second season named Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex 2nd GIG .

• 4 Voice Cast
• 6 Reception
• 7 Production and Distribution
• 8 External links
• Based on the Manga by : Shirow Masamune
• Chief Director/Chief Writer : Kenji Kamiyama
• Executive Producers : Mitsuhisa Ishikawa and Shigeru Watanabe
• Screenplay : Shotaro Suga, Yoshiki Sakurai, Dai Sato, Junichi Fujisaku, Nobuhisa Terado
• Storyboard : Toshiyuki Kono, Atsushi Wakabayashi, Jun Matsumoto, Ryutaro Nakamura, Masayuki Yoshihara, Hideyo Yamamoto
• Animation Directors : Takayuki Goto, Masahiro Sato, Kyoji Asano, Meiju Maeda, Kenichi Yamaguchi, Jun Uemura
• Character Design : Makoto Shimomura
• Mechanical Design : Kenji Teraoka, Shinobu Tsuneki
• Background Artist : Hiroshi Kato
• Art Director : Yusuke Takeda
• Color Coordinator : Yumiko Katayama
• Director of Photography : Koji Tanaka
• 3D Director : Makoto Endo
• Editing : Junichi Uematsu
• Music : Yoko Kanno
• Sound Director : Kazuhiro Wakabayashi
• Sound Effect : Daisuke Jinbo
• Animation Production : Production I.G
• Production Adviser : Shirow Masamune
• Produced by : Production I.G, Bandai Visual, Bandai Entertainment, Dentsu, Nippon Television Network, Tokuma Shoten, Victor Entertainment, Manga Entertainment

Taking place in a fictional city of Japan called " Niihama-shi " ( New Port City ) in the year 2030, Stand Alone Complex tells the story of a special operations task-force called Public Security Section 9. The series follows the exploits of Section 9's agents who range from ex-military to ex-police to even ex-mafia as they address each case and how it affects them on a personal level, eventually leading to the mysterious figure dubbed by the media as " The Laughing Man ".

Public Security Section 9 is an elite domestic anti-crime unit charged with the task of preventing technology-related acts of terrorism and crime. Their duties include response to serious cyber crimes (i.e. cyberbrain hacking, cyber-terrorism), investigation of unlawful acts of those in public office and of high-profile murder cases. From time to time they also serve as protection to foreign VIPs.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex follows an alternate and separate storyline from that of Mamoru Oshii's theatrical film adaptations. The TV series expands further on the careers of Motoko Kusanagi and Section 9, and also retains more elements from Masamune Shirow's original manga than Oshii's feature films.

Literary references within the series include One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest , Flowers for Algernon , the Nine Stories , especially "The Laughing Man" written by J. D. Salinger, and The Catcher in the Rye , also authored by Salinger.

Episodes [ ]

There are 26 Episodes in Stand Alone Complex , each between 22 and 25 minutes in length.

▶  Main article: Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Episodes)

Voice Cast [ ]

• Motoko Kusanagi : Atsuko Tanaka
• Batou : Akio Otsuka
• Togusa : Koichi Yamadera
• Daisuke Aramaki : Osamu Saka
• Ishikawa : Yutaka Nakano
• Saito : Toru Okawa
• Paz : Takashi Onozuka
• Boma : Taro Yamaguchi
• Tachikoma : Sakiko Tamagawa
• 01: "Inner Universe" by Origa (eps 1-26)
• 02: "Rise" by Origa
• 03: "Get9 (rerun OP)" by Jillmax (eps 01-26)
• 04: "Christmas in the Silent Forest" by Ilaria Graziano
• 01: "Lithium Flower" by Scott Matthew (eps 1-26)
• 03: "I Do (rerun ED)" by Ilaria Graziano (eps 01-26)
• 04: "I Can't Be Cool" by Ilaria Graziano
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex O.S.T.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex GET 9 single
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex O.S.T. 2
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex O.S.T. 3
• Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. Solid State Society O.S.T.
• Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex O.S.T. 4

Reception [ ]

[info to be added]

Production and Distribution [ ]

• In Japan, it was first broadcast on the pay-per-view Animax channel.
• The show's original United States airing was on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim block.

External links [ ]

• Producion I.G. Page
• Producion I.G. English Page
• Anime News Network's Encyclopedia.
• 1 Motoko Kusanagi
• 2 Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2045
• 3 Laughing Man