MovieChat Forums > Ghost in the Shell (2017) Discussion > Dumbed down?

Dumbed down?

posted 8 years ago by FlorisV
3 replies | jump to latest

Immediately when I heard about a Ghost In The Shell live action film I thought, why ruin a perfectly fine film with a remake? Possibly the best anime film around?

And my first hunch was: "they'll probably dumb it down." Gone will be the philosophical conversations. Take this quote from the synopsis as it's currently described here:
"Section 9 is faced with an enemy whose singular goal is to wipe out Hanka Robotic's advancements in cyber technology."

So they're turning it into an action film? In the original film there was a certain mystery to the origins of the "ghost in the machine" and it's purpose was not necessarily evil. Now, it's simply the enemy? Dumb.

And why cast Scarlett? There weren't enough actresses that look at least a bit more like Motoko? They could have picked one with black hair?

Oh and the teaser trailer looks like garbage. Are they even going to bother making a good looking film? I hope this turns out alright and it might even take interesting new directions (what's with the circle of men) but the first signs are mostly pretty bad.
It might become Scarlett's first real heavy stinker (although I personally found Lost In Translation abominable as well).

But let's wait and see...

[–] JohnBonDon 8 years ago

I had written up a lengthy reply to you because I wanted to point out that Ghost in the Shell is not limited to the 1995 adaptation but then I saw you make this comment:

I hope this turns out alright and it might even take interesting new directions

So you have no problem with the whitewashing and are still rooting for the film?  The only "interesting new directions" would be to usher in a new age of many more whitewashed garbage which will continue to keep out nonwhite American actors from great lead roles. This movie needs and should flop.

[–] codyjvang 8 years ago

I completely agree with you. As a fan of ghost in the shell, I can't stand by it. They are completely ignoring and throwing away the source information of the characters and story. They need to give Asian people more chances at acting so that they can fill in the appropriate role of an asian character than replacing them with a White actor that isn't even Asian. You can't just give a White person a Japanese name who can't even speak or look Japanese at all. I hope the producer and movie both just stop. It's completely repulsive and an insult to its origins and it's fans.

[–] Ghost_Of_Me 8 years ago

One simple answer to all your questions: Its a Hollywood production. They dont care about the source material. Its more than likely going to be a watered down version. But on the bright side, it might bring in new fans to the franchise.