Ghost In The Shell

"My name is Major Mira Killian and I give my consent."
 
There was a lot of controversy surrounding Scarlett Johansson in the role of Major Motoko Kusanagi. All of it was pressure from the politically correct thought police regarding the white washing of the Japanese anime character. It is a cartoon creation right? Human Torch was a comic book creation of a white man ultimately portrayed by a black actor in film too.

But whatever.



Apparently it wasn't enough to knock her out of the film. Not quite enough pressure from her flock. Fast forward a few years and we have the #MeToo movement in full swing and a host of other movements upset about race or sex or gender identity politics or straws or balloons or some thing in one form or another.

In fact it's so bad now even liberal Scarlet Johansson bowed out of playing the part of a transgender in a new film (Rub And Tug) because people were upset. But of course she payed them all the required apologetic lip service and appeasement necessary to retain her politically correct status and remain a proper liberal in good standing. Remember where appeasement got Europeans with the Nazis in the 1940s.



Of course playing these various roles I thought was a profession referred to as acting but who am I?

No one wants to upset anyone with an agenda and well playing right into those hands will only make it harder in the future for all of Hollywood. The men there should have an idea by now how the rules of the game will be bent right or wrong.

Well, they gave it a shot with Ghost In The Shell (2017). This writer, a fan of the Japanese anime by Mamoru Oshii, was open to seeing the live action interpretation. I'm just one of those people who can put politics aside and enjoy the art. I even championed it hoping for the best and wishing those involved well.



It seems fitting this writer viewed Ghost In The Shell after Blade Runner 2049 (2017). The world of artifice is in full effect in both films, but there is something about Ghost In The Shell that lacks the artfulness of Ridley Scott's world or even Denis Villenueve's film. It's filled with computer animation and details. It's busy, but not beautiful or visually enticing or interesting like the Blade Runner films visions of the future. This film feels, sadly, artless.

Sequences involving the Major that should be dripping with quality cinematography are dark and generally uninteresting. The battle with the Spider Tank, also dark, isn't nearly as dynamic or memorable as Oshii's film.



There were legitimate concerns to see Ghost In The Shell in the hands of director Rupert Sanders. He's no Scott or Villenueve. It's not even a close call and the results bear that fruit.

The scriptwriters do the source material a significant injustice deviating significantly from the original story. Where the film goes will likely disappoint those who prefer material be faithful. One of the screenwriters was responsible for several of the dreadful Transformers films. Another was involved with X:Men: First Class and I've never loved the X-Men films for often radically departing from the story threads of the comic books. Why? Ghost In The Shell also misses the graceful, existential considerations the anime handled so beautifully. Those concepts seem clunky and forced here.



There are some nice tributes here from the basset hound (an Oshii favorite) to the faithfulness of some scenes from the anime, but it doesn't translate quite as well to live action in Sanders' hands. It's a bit of an empty shell really.

Fans of the anime and the various extensions like Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex and Arise should see it to scratch the itch of curiosity, but this is by no means an essential interpretation. The anime, based on the manga, is infinitely better, more complex, more philosophically and intellectually sound and satisfying than this film. Fans would be better sticking to the anime medium and the various offshoots of that franchise.



This film isn't nearly as smart as it wishes it was and even deviates from the existential exploration advanced and explored by Oshii. Performances are generally not great either including Johansson's work, who I'm beginning to think phones it in an awful lot. It is true however that this generally dumb, dumb script doesn't help the cast.

Sanders just really misses the mark with a graceless, grim and drab piece of world-building that is downright depressing and visually painful.



One last thing, who is Major Mira Killian? Sigh.

Oh well, maybe another director, another scriptwriter and another time.

Writer: Jamie Moss/ William Wheeler/ Ehren Kruger.
Director: Rupert Sanders.

 

Ghost In The Shell: A Major Motoko Kusanaki Controversy (Part V)

Stop! Stop! Stop! I can't take it anymore. It's not your film! Get your own funding and make your own damn movie with Asian actors! Stop it already people!



Pilou Asbaek (Lucy, Game Of Thrones) was cast as Batou, Major Matoko Kusanagi's right hand man, for Dreamworks' Ghost In The Shell. He's European. He's not American. He's not Asian and gosh darn it he's white. Get over it!

Steve Wright at SciFiNow had this to say, "While it is a decent bit of casting---we're sure Asbaek will be great---it does however represent the second case of a white actor being cast in the film based on such a classic Japanese story." Racism will never die.

What these writers with agendas basically say is: Well, he's talented. He'll be great, but he's white. What!



Don't give me Ghost In The Shell is a Japanese film. Batou is a hulking, strapping white fellow with blonde/white hair in the Oshii animated classic.

Days later when it was reported Sam Riley (Maleficent) would be set to play The Laughing Man, a faceless cyber enemy, which never came to pass by the way, SciFiNow concluded its reporting with "yet to see any non-white actors cast. Hmm." Laughable alright!

Ultimately, it turned out Michael Pitt (Hannibal) was cast to play The Laughing Man. Unfortunately Pitt is white too! Damn these white people! The fact he is an excellent performer is actually meaningless when it comes to perceived racial requirements.



In a refreshing turn Otaku USA, via Deadline, via Crunchyroll, reported the casting news sans racial commentary. Imagine a world where journalists reported news without injecting their own racial biases? Now that would be quality journalism and a marked move forward rather than the backward of recent years.

Can we stop with racism? I don't think so. Too many people turn to it to power an argument. Can DreamWorks cast and make its film to be judged on its own merits? Media bias and betrayal of news reporting with an agenda has been a harmful development in the 21st Century.

Is Ghost In The Shell, given Asbaek and Johansson's involvement together previously in Lucy, going to be nothing more than Lucy reimagined? Maybe. Or will we get something much more (with white people)? Maybe.



The racial trends are troubling. And reassurance by the film's producer, Steven Paul, on July 3rd 2016, that the film is shooting for an "international" flavor are hardly enough. Steven don't you know International and Asian are hardly the same thing. Gosh already. So yes, cries of whitewashing continue. To offer an example: "And how exactly is this whole global approach suppose to change anything? The main character is still white, you're still whitewashing. This doesn't change anything. This movie is still going to be a clusterfuck and I am going to boycot it." Now that's a perfectly rational approach to a film you haven't seen. Oh and by the way, Boycott is with two "t"s.

And in case you didn't know, and you may not, because it was not widely reported or whined about, but Tokyo born "Beat" Takeshi Kitano (Outrage) was cast as Daisuke Aramaki. He's Asian! Where is the outrage there? That's right there wasn't any. But where is the celebration? Truthfully it doesn't matter. And he'll be great. He'll be Asian and we don't need to hear about race on these films anymore. It's not about the right race, but the right casting. It's just just another disturbing trend.



Meanwhile, Mamoru Oshii himself has visited the film set of Ghost In The Shell either with a full endorsement, approval or to ensure monies are allocated to the correct accounts. Composer Kenji Kawai was in tow as well. Excitement is certainly building with the Japanese and others despite cries of whitewashing. Apparently Oshii and Kawai didn't get the memo or aren't the least bit offended themselves.

But I mean it, you don't like something, go make your own movie. I see fan films all the time and they are excellent.



Ishiro Honda made Gojira in 1954. Honda is dead. Adaptations on that character and Honda's initial ideas have flourished over decades by different directors and different countries. Some good. Some bad. You always have the originals. You always have some of the greats alongside some of the stinkers, but Godzilla endures.

Would it be too much to ask for the allowance of artistic interpretations on a property like Ghost In The Shell? Would that original property not survive and endure anyway? Of course it could and it will.

Ghost In The Shell Film: A Major Motoko Kusanagi Controversy (Part IV)

You do realize this is how it's going to go with this film.

Every little thing about the anime classic, Ghost In The Shell (1995) originally directed by Mamoru Oshii, will be under the microscope by fans.

The live action interpretation is set for March 2017. Boy, it's going to be a long road. I hope it's worth it.

The latest revelation is that scriptwriter Jonathan Herman has been called aboard for script rewrites. Herman is known for co-writing the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton (2015).

Opinions are very divided, perhaps split down the middle (not a scientific poll), about this Hollywood adaptation. I'm not sure Herman's credentials suit Ghost In The Shell, but he may be the biggest fan of the property and completely understand and grasp the material. Certainly time will tell. He's also likely not to be the last.

It is interesting how people are willing to destroy something that has yet to see the light of day. The knives for all involved are completely out.

Shouldn't the material be judged on its own merits before conclusions are made? Innocent before proven guilty. You know, that reasonable sort of thing.

Ghost In The Shell Film: A Major Motoko Kusunagi Controversy (Part III)

Sigh.

Politics, race and pop culture. All eyes to political correctness continue and DreamWorks caves into the pressure in sending a conciliatory message to the masses or to its few noise makers.

Has anyone actually seen the films of Scarlett Johansson and her ability to transform a role? She's a genuine talent. She is capable of heavy lifting both drama and action in large heaps (Lucy, Her, Lost In Translation, etc.). Johansson is an inspired choice for the role of Major Matoko Kusanagi and with the right make-up and production design will fill the shoes of that character with stunning aplomb. A live action version of Ghost In The Shell could be exceptional. I actually have a good bit of confidence in that decision as far as casting goes for an American version of a Japanese property, a property with a percentage financed by Americans. But really who cares?



I thought we were supposed to be color blind, ethnicity blind as we were expected to be for Fantastic Four (2015). I thought we were striving for a world where race and identity didn't matter, but that's the narrative we're supposed to believe until its convenient to forget.

In October, DreamWorks succumbed to political pressure and cries of whitewashing following the casting of Johansson in a Japanese role and have submitted casting calls for multi-ethnic extras for the upcoming film. Great. That's fine. Some groups continue to be incensed. Apparently that's not enough. I suspect race will cloud this film into the ground. God help the person selected to portray the hulking blond Batou.

The media love this stuff too and these tantrums amount to nothing more than empty cries of racism. It places companies, directors, etc. on the defensive and in a no-win situation despite their efforts.



Otaku USA actually attempted a whitewashing comparison utilizing the Tom Cruise vehicle The Last Samurai (2003), a solid film.

By the way, the comparison is apples to oranges with The Last Samurai centered on a very Japanese cultural and historical backdrop. The film is fictional and romanticizes story events of a very specific period in Japanese history. Ghost In The Shell is a fictional story set in the future wide open to science fiction possibilities and interpretation. It's also animated with a character that even appears Caucasian in some iterations of the franchise. Interpretations vary there too. The whitewashing label is simply not a clean apply when making the contrast.



Otaku USA would further compare Edge Of Tomorrow (2014) to a literary property, but single-handledly takes the position of declaring that film "racism-free" (well that opinion is valid then) and takes pleasure in noting the repeated death of Tom Cruise as something to take comfort in. I guess that's funny. I love these websites that determine what is racist and what isn't like self-righteous, almighty Greek gods from atop Mt. Olympus.

The bottom line is the application of race and cries of racism will continue. The nonsense has an audience. It's not likely to be quelled in my lifetime.

You'd think those same people would be over the moon that the live action Attack On Titan (2015) featured an all-Japanese cast, yet despite high production values people have even expressed their dissatisfaction with the adaptation of this anime.



Like the unhappiness directed toward Attack On Titan, race really should have nothing to do with any of these properties. White, black, Asian or other Ghost In The Shell will be judged, not on race, but on the film's merits, its content and execution. Race will have little to do with it nor should it.

How will we as a people find harmony when some and the media stoke tensions and prop up cries of racism at every turn even when none exists. They live through the eyes of race and identity politics. Did you know there is a war on women? Sadly, all of this has infiltrated every aspect of our culture. That is the reality. And the reality is it will likely worsen without courage to counter it.



My mother firmly believed the color of your skin should not matter and her world view was forcefully imprinted on me as a child. She very much lived by the words of Martin Luther King, Jr. without actually referring to his wisdom. She believed we should "live in a nation" where people would not be "judged by the color of their skin, but the content of their character." I believe in those words too. Sadly, that messaging seems lost today and a misappropriation and mutilation of something else has culminated in something radically different. I can only speak for myself on this issue. Everyone certainly has a unique experience that shapes their world view and their core beliefs. I can't discount one's experiences, but the words my mother imparted informed me accordingly. These were righteous words of kindness and they came from a good place and a good heart. Today, the constant refrains of racism go too far, because I understand what the term actually means. Whitewashing too. I'm not saying these things don't happen, but are we taking things a bit too far?

These problems are far too complex for this mere humble blog post, but on this small issue, a film, a microcosm of a much larger issue, I will be in the minority looking forward to Ghost In The Shell without the prism of race as a filter for where things take this project. I don't really care and I know this silly piece of pop culture conflict has people torn as much as politics and race stir trouble at almost every turn today.

But when it comes to Ghost In The Shell, if it was a Japanese film with an all-Japanese cast that would be sure to delight. As it stands it will not be and I'm just fine with it.

 

Yes, Scarlett I'm fine with you.

Ghost In The Shell Film: A Major Motoko Kusanagi Controversy (Part II)

"The past is just a story we tell ourselves." -Samantha, played pitch perfectly by Scarlett Johansson in Her (2013) clearly in preparation for her role as Major Motoko Kusanagi in the live action Ghost In The Shell film-

"I want to learn everything about everything. I want to eat it all up. I want to discover myself." -More Major Kusa ... I mean Samantha from Her-

"You know what's interesting, I used to be so worried about not having a body, but now I truly love it. I'm growing in a way that I couldn't if I had a physical form. I mean, I'm not limited - I can be anywhere and everywhere simultaneously. I'm not tethered to time and space in the way that I would be if I was stuck in a body that's inevitably going to die." -Major... oops, Samantha from Her again-



Obviously I offer these quotes with a touch of humor. I finished the film Her and was actually overcome not only by the beauty of that film, the emotional depth is stunning, but the fact that the role of Samantha, played by Scarlett Johansson, thematically echoed the spirit of identity and life through the concept of a ghost-like entity, in this case, Theodore's computer. Theodore is played with such relatable grace by Joaquin Phoenix it's hard not to love every fiber of this Spike Jonze film that probes deeply at the human condition and what it means to be alive. It was easy to connect with Her if you are someone who is searching for answers and looking to discover deeper meaning from this life.

But we turn our attention back to the slated live action Ghost In The Shell film and the casting of the role of lead Major Matoko Kusanagi and the rather pathetic controversy of it all.

Apparently I will be forced to add my two cents to this ongoing controversy for as long as it is sustained in the annals of the positively ridiculous.



Yes, the fact Hollywood, and specifically DreamWorks, is working on a live action adaptation* (and that's exactly what it f@!#ing is people) of Mamoru Oshii's Ghost In The Shell has apparently worked people up into a right lather (think of shaving cream) with the casting of white (hot) actress Scarlett Johansson. I may forever Wikipedia that last name, yet for some unknown, unearthly reason I have mastered J. Michael Straczynski down cold. Go figure.

Some anime fans have been bothered over the fact an Asian actress has not been cast in the role of the beloved protagonist from Ghost In The Shell. Groups have lashed out and called the casting move the latest in "whitewashing." Honestly, I hate to be colorful here but this politically correct garbage or efforts to hijack just about anything and make it about race just goes up me. In fact, as many of you know who visit here, I was one of the earliest to jump in and comment with this post here.



Well the latest update proves this thing won't be going away any time soon and I will continue to add a dissenting voice to the masses. The newest development reveals there is now a petition with somewhere in the ballpark of 36,000 names calling for a casting change for an actress of Asian decent to take the role of Kusanagi. The petition is targeted at DreamWorks. It's downright insulting and tells you a lot about people. I wouldn't sign that petition if they needed just one more name. Hell no! And DreamWorks should hardly cave to pressure. Don't you dare.

The petition reads as follows: Dear Dream Works Studios, As moviegoers and fans of the original 1995 Ghost In The Shell film, we respectfully request you cast an actor of Asian descent for the lead role of Motoko Kusanagi rather than Scarlett Johansson.

The American film industry is already unfriendly to Asian actors without roles in major films being changed to exclude them. One recent survey found in 2013, Asian characters made up only 4.4 % of speaking roles in top-grossing Hollwood films.

Please use this opportunity to help talented Asian-American actors receive recognition for their work. There are so few opportunities for them to shine in Hollywood, and this film would be a perfect platform. Good grief. I guess we can expect petitions from every ethnicity in the future.



Okay, I'm going old school California valley girl here, but gag me with a spoon.

I've heard people mention Lucy Liu (Kill Bill) and bloody hell I couldn't bear a movie starring her. No thanks. Rinko Kikuchi (Pacific Rim) is certainly a fine idea, but she simply doesn't have a North American following and that is exactly where the money for this thing is going to be coming from.

This is a ludicrous controversy. But let's take a look at the counterpoints out there that make a whole lot of sense beginning with my man Robert over at Robert's Anime Corner Store.

Robert writes, "While I agree that Kikuchi is absolutely perfect for that role, it's never going to happen and the 'whitewash' argument is stupid. If the film is made in Hollywood it's going to have a Hollywood adaptation, and that means westernizing many of main characters with big Hollywood names for the primary audience - which isn't us. I doubt the movie will even be set in Japan. This is one of the reasons I rarely support Western adaptations of Japanese properties, though I admit Edge of Tomorrow was pretty awesome. For what this adaptation must be to get made, I think ScarJo is a fine choice and it will be up to the producers if we end up getting something that resembles GiTS in name only or not."



But I will go one even further, I fully support DreamWorks efforts and the casting of Scarlett and I hope they make a killer Ghost In The Shell adaptation true to the spirit of the original film. The Matrix (1999) channeled anime concepts beautifully. Look no further than The Animatrix (2003) itself for gorgeous evidence. Even Pacific Rim (2013) was masterful in channeling the spirit of the anime piloted mecha subgenre. So it is possible. But an Asian actress is not required for the role. If that's how anime fans view the original Ghost In The Shell (1995), then we all have the anime don't we?

Just look at Avalon (2001), Oshii's live action picture. There was a clear effort to cast an actress that built upon the thread and spirit of Ghost In The Shell in Polish actress Malgorzata Foremniak. It's a fine film, but look how well things turned out with an actress with zero name recognition. By all accounts the film was a financial disappointment. Oshii was channeling his former character through that actress, but for all intents and purposes, his vision, while unquestionably realized, was seen by few. Not to mention, Oshii himself crafted the role of Ash after the Kusanagi character and turned to a Polish actress not an Asian actress for the part.

Here's a terrific letter to DreamWorks from an anonymous author. "Dear DreamWorks Studios, As moviegoers and fans of the original 1995 Ghost in the Shell film, we respectfully request that you cast a machine for the lead role of Motoko Kusanagi rather than Scarlett Johansson.

Motoko Kusanagi is a machine. By casting a meat popsicle, instead of a machine, DreamWorks is perpetuating and endorsing the bigotry against machines that pervades human culture." Ah, brilliant. That is absolutely classic.



People have said, 'well, her name is Japanese, therefore she must be Japanese' and that is a false deduction. There are more than enough people in this world with names that might lead one to think a person is from a country of origin or of a racial persuasion of which they are not.

Further Mamoru Oshii adapted the work of Masamune Shirow and made significant changes to the manga text. Others have gone on to adapt the franchise further and continued to alter the thread of the franchise through the evolution of these characters and concepts.

Even Mamoru Oshii would tell you as recent as a 2013 interview with TIFF that Hollywood copies Japanese films and Japanese films copy Hollywoood. Ghost In The Shell was even Oshii's loving riff on Blade Runner (1982) with his own distinct and original touches, whereby The Wachowski Brothers generated The Matrix trilogy paying tribute to Ghost In The Shell while infusing the series, once again, with their own unique and original storylines and artful ideas.

This is indeed a cycle and one in which an Asian actress is NOT at all necessary for the role.

A live action Ghost In The Shell could do for Ghost In The Shell (1995) what Gareth Edwards did for Godzilla and with the right names attached and people behind it it could certainly be a hit. It could also very well be a Battlefield Earth (2000), based on Ron L. Hubbard, but be assured that it will not succeed if the backers of Ghost In the Shell go the Japanese route of Space Battleship Yamato, Gatchaman, Patlabor or Blood: The Last Vampire where these films will remain niche favorites. DreamWorks has certainly delivered a number of great films like Saving Private Ryan (1998), the thoughtful Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Minority Report (2002). Why not? Okay, discard those alliances made for the Transformers films.



One anime fan wrote on OtakuUSA.com that the petition was "rude" and "silly" and that there were "more important" things to worry about. The person called it a "sad day." Yes, we've had a good many of those lately. It's nice to see a sensible anime fan who gets the bigger picture and fortunately there are many of those voices out there.

Besides, when you stop to think, isn't Scarlett semi-qualified after portraying the artificial, disembodied voice of Samantha in Her coupled with the ass-kicking Lucy or Black Widow? Maybe, just maybe, she will be an exceptional choice.

*Adaptation (n): Transfer and interpretation of another's work, written, film or other; ironically a 2002 film by Spike Jonze.

Ghost In The Shell Film: A Major Matoko Kusanagi Controversy

On an Anime-related note, it's disconcerting to hear some circles discard the announcement of a live action Ghost In The Shell (2017), slated to star Scarlett Johansson in the lead, by dubbing it the latest recipient of the infamous "whitewashing" - nothing insulting intended about that reference.

Some groups have been quite vocal about the subject. Must every subject be centered on race? At times it can feel inescapable. Speaking specifically to the point of filmmaking, race is sometimes an issue on a selective case by case basis. The latest film to be made in question is Ghost In The Shell. When was it clear that lead protagonist of that film, Major Motoko Kusanagi (and the name alone should not be the only indicator) of Section 9, was Asian? The visual information makes it unclear.

Some wonder if we will ever be colorblind as a people? Recent events and issues are evidence we are a long way from that.



Marissa Lee, co-founder of Racebending, was quoted by The Los Angeles Times, saying "We’re seeing Hollywood continue the trend of whitewashing roles from source material that features Asian and Asian American leads while failing to provide roles for Asian American actors." (Otaku USA)

As a fan of Anime I personally embrace the work of Japanese directors who create live action versions of Patlabor or Space Battleship Yamato or Gatchaman (though I've yet to see that one). Those efforts in Japan seek to fully employ Japanese or Asian actors to play the respective character roles that in many cases actually looked Caucasian in the first place as drawn by animators. You can think Gatchaman (a.k.a. Battle Of The Planets) or Starblazers. These characters hardly looked the part. Are stylized efforts made to reach a larger audience by animators? The style of Anime is certainly a trademark Japanese export.  When the Japanese make their films it's also their own personal creative vision of a Japanese property. But if a Japanese property is licensed outside of Japan and set to star a non-Japanese actor why is that problematic for certain groups? After all, these Japanese-centric live action productions are hardly reaching the masses. And when Japanese companies license their properties there is an acceptance and desire to reach another audience. So what if a property is set to reach a larger audience with a bigger star? It doesn't always work, but it won't necessarily be the problem if it fails. You can look at Godzilla (1998) and Godzilla (2014) for two unique Toho-licensed property examples. Those films were filled with Caucasians and not just Americans. Mind you, it doesn't make them great films.



M. Night Shyamalan's The Last Airbender (2010) (a film I have not seen) received similar criticism and in that case received very little support upon release. Racebending went after that film and even called for boycotts. Can we expect that again with a Hollywood take on Ghost In The Shell? Racial diversity in film certainly exists but some films, if they don't meet a certain criteria or racial barometer, which also seems to differ in definition person to person, then apparently becomes fair game to criticism. Cries of racism begin to circulate declaring foul play or creating a contentious air surrounding a developing film and so it goes. Shyamalan, certainly not my favorite director, offered a fine reflection when attempting to defuse and quell the controversy regarding Anime. "Anime is based on ambiguous facial features. It's meant to be interpretive. It's meant to be inclusive of all races, and you can see yourself in all these characters" (Washington Post). Good for him too. I often have the same perception of the Anime I view. I, we, always honor the Japanese artists and writers behind these amazing works, giving them great respect, but it's not a foregone conclusion that the characters of the Anime we love our definitively Japanese in every story. It's just not true.



Looking specifically at Ghost In The Shell we can blame artist/ creator of the franchise, Masamune Shirow, for creating this mess with his original Manga. Shirow, by the way, noted his original work can even "transcend national boundaries (Stray Dog Of Anime: The Films Of Mamoru Oshii, Brian Ruh, p.133). So why not national identity? Author Brian Ruh noted himself the material's "international nature" (p.133). To further emphasize those blurred lines, Ghost In The Shell, the film, was the first Japan anime to be partially financed by a company from outside Japan. American-based Manga Entertainment was guilty as charged supporting the enterprise.

Looking to the lead, one can certainly look to the original Ghost In The Shell by Mamoru Oshii and see Kusanagi as a character with an almost androgynous appearance at times. Never mind that she was also mostly a cybernetic body. Later, Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, the series, established a much more feminine, sexy heroine with more Westernized attributes with those big gorgeous Anime eyes. Ghost In The Shell: Rise offers yet another interpretation. So like Star Wars or the writing of Phillip K. Dick, the work of Ghost In The Shell is out there, dynamic and others will interpret it. How ironic that Ghost In The Shell is about gender and more importantly identity.



The negatively-charged term "whitewashing" certainly draws a reaction. But is race a real issue? In film, is it that much of a problem today? Countries have put their own unique spins on the properties of other countries for years in science fiction (Edge Of Tomorrow is based on Japan's All You Need Is Kill (2004) by Hiroshi Sakurazaka), horror (Ringu) and comedy (The Office). There's also several variations on a theme often recorded (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) by different countries. The list goes on. Why does the race topic persist? Was Racebending there for All You Need Is Kill to complain that Keiji Kiriya was altered to William Cage. How about the fact Rita Vrataski was now a British Emily Blunt? Bloody hell more whitewashing. Heck, maybe I'm making a point for Racebending. These seem like trifles in the big picture. There are just too many damn instances to complain about casting one way or another. If the Japanese decide to remake All You Need Is Kill perhaps we will see the creators grab Rinko Kikuchi from the racially diverse Pacific Rim (2013). Fine. And by the way thank you Toho for employing Nick Adams (Frankenstein Conquers The World, Invasion Of Astro-Monster) in the 1960s. That character could have been Asian.



Michael B. Jordan was cast to play Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) in the new Fantastic Four (2015) film. Johnny Storm was always a white boy growing up for me with a Caucasian sister named Susan Storm (The Invisible Girl). Is this blackwashing? Its not how I remember it, but so be it. And by the way you don't have to buy the tickets. But was Racebending there for that one? And if we are to be color blind for that one than why not all of them? Again, the list goes on. The original Nick Fury was Caucasian. Racebending? Battlestar Galactica's Starbuck was originally a male in the classic Battlestar Galactica series but altered to a female in the new one. Genderbending? Boomer was a black man. Damn! Gender-race bending bender bender? By the way, I love both interpretations. What about CGI? Is there such a thing as CGIwashing? Aki Ross was Caucasian in Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within (2001), but does she get a pass because Ming-Na handled the voice work? Seriously. What about the other voice actors? Is this not a slippery slope? It's unlikely you'll see a white Black Panther and nor would I want one. I prefer source material be adhered to myself. I even wish the X-Men movies stayed truer to the source material as stories go, but what can you do? Why do people get worked up over certain casting decisions in general? Why does one group have the right to demand one race over another? It's silly. Shouldn't we invoke these concerns when they matter? Just deliver a solid film please.



It's all certainly fair game to discuss, but I have difficulty presuming Ghost In The Shell should be a strictly Asian actress given the ambiguity of the visual source material.

Sadly, this small, meaningless little controversy surrounding Ghost In The Shell slated for 2017 release and slated to be directed by the man behind Snow White And The Huntsman (2012) got under my skin (no pun intended to be referenced) simply because, in the big scope of things, it is certainly symptomatic of an overarching divisiveness that seems to have taken root politically and culturally. The reasons for it are vast, but it's truly disheartening to see the divide take root. The conversation should be a healthy one, without double standards.



This subject is getting old like me, but the race issues that are constantly beaten on headline news, by Hollywood and by people who seem to have a deeper agenda is getting tiresome. Film is just another arena. Good grief already. If it's genuine conversation people want to create and Ghost In The Shell is the latest lightning oh well. I'm not sure what good comes of it. Keeping on point, I'm actually rather pleased to see Ghost In The Shell being given a reasonable budget like Gareth Edwards' Godzilla. Were there a lot of Asians in that one?



As far as films made overseas, has anyone seen the live action version of Blood: The Last Vampire (2009)? Patlabor: The Next Generation (2014)? Let's be honest, the effects could be better, but I'm willing to overlook them. Look, I'm not even sure Scarlet Johanssen is a good choice for the role (never mind the director), and an Asian actress would be fine by me, but I'll be pleased to see this thing come to fruition and look forward to seeing the artistic vision of this entirely collaborative effort from all walks coalesce. You could do far worse than Scarlett. She could look very nice in purple-pink! Black Widow is enough proof for me. Scarlett has even spent a bit of time in Japan so I'm kind of optimistic things won't get lost in translation. The negativity by the likes of Racebending, while political, is illogical, inconsistent and not exactly healthy.

 

If race is always in question how are we suppose to move passed it? In 2015, it's just downright disheartening. Look this is just another consideration on the matter but the race issue is a really troubling cultural issue that never seems assuaged. Some wonder if racism will ever be a thing of the past, but how can that be when race is tied to something as trivial as casting a part for a film. Certainly there are more significant concerns in the world affecting us all and hitting us close to home. It seemed an alternate viewpoint was in order. As Paul Simon once sang, "silence like a cancer grows."

Gosh, if Akira is ever adapted and cast it could very well be an apocalypse.