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Bob Buchholz, Richard Epcar, Crispin Freeman

A.D. 2034. It has been two years since Motoko Kusanagi left Section 9. Togusa is now the new leader of the team, that has considerably increased its appointed personnel. The expanded new Section 9 con... read more read more...fronts a rash of complicated incidents, and investigations reveal that an ultra-wizard hacker nicknamed the "Puppet Master" is behind the entire series of events.

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89% liked it

4,308 ratings

Unrated, 1 hr. 48 min.

Directed by: Kenji Kamiyama

Release Date: July 3, 2007

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DVD Release Date: July 3, 2007

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Stats: 317 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (317)


  • June 12, 2007
    The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex series has been one of my favorite animated shows of all time. This movie is a sequel to the 2 season series and it does not disappoint. First off it would be wise to actually watch or be familiar with the series (52 episodes) ... read moreto get a full understanding of the character relationships and the setting of the film. It is possible to watch this without having seen the series, but it isn't highly recommended.

    As usual the story is very interesting but it is also complex. You really need to pay attention otherwise you will be lost in all that is going on. As far as action goes there isn't a whole bunch, but there is a nice sequence near the end which includes the return of the lovable Tachikomas. Guns a blazing.

    Visually this movie is spectacular and it is pretty similar to the 2nd gig series. It may be even a little sharper. The setting and story concept really allow for the staff to display their artistic talent. Fans of Motoko may be a little disappointed in the beginning because she is nearly non-existent, but she does make up for it in the second half of the movie.

    Yoko Kanno does an excellent job with the soundtrack once again. She gives us some new songs as well as some recognizable originals from the series.

    Fans of the series will get a kick out of everything this film has to offer while others will just enjoy the visuals.

  • September 11, 2010
    The Sound is mixed up. Batou to me is the weakest developed characters in the series and the beginning of the movie focuses on him and the major. I still don?t understand why all rangers have two toilet paper tolls sticking out of there face for eyes. Its like watching a Clint Ea... read morestwood in western without seeing his eyes. The middle focus on a normally hyper detailed plot development where you either strain to the point of breaking a blood vessel to absorb all the multitude of character and layer thrown at you. Then is the robot battling the enhanced human and humans wearing exoskeletons. Then the closure where the ethical and societal dilemmas are brought-up. In my estimation the elevation of Togusa to team leader and attempt to develop him as character evolving his wife and daughter was serious plot development error. In the earlier movies he was the grounding point for the audience to address the bizarre future where virtually every one has electronic enhancement from the age of five. And I thought Id never say it, but I really do like the Tachicomas now. They have more character development than the remainder of the cast. The major has as with anyone watching the GITS is always the focus of attention. I?ve always been torn by the message she portrays. In the original her apparel was pure S&M with a military coat occasionally draped over her shoulders. Then it shifted to more normal appearance but with oversized eyes. Now the eyes have returned to more normal size and she wears basically a translucent body stocking over here fully synthetic body. If you just listen to the movie without watching it her role is definitely a positive role model for women, however if you watch it without listening its just soft core anime-porn. I really find the Japanese view of this situation amusing. They basically don?t evaluate/sensor anime for nudity, because it just drawings not photos. ie Octopus and Fishermans wife.
  • October 8, 2008
    If you like the movies, don't miss the series.
  • October 6, 2008
    Not quite as good as the 2 seasons of the TV series. But still very enjoyable if you are a fan of the show. I'm not too keen on the ending though.
  • July 6, 2008
    An excellent follow-on to where GITS: SAC 2nd Gig left off. "The Major" as ronin made for an excellent twist on the saga of anime's if not filmdom's most compelling badass heroine.

    Unlike the original "Ghost in the Shell", I don't think this stands up well on its own, particula... read morerly for the uninitiated. There's a benefit to have seen the original and to have watched the series, particularly the 2nd Gig, before coming into this movie.

    My recommendation for anyone new to Ghost in the Shell is to watch the original first. That film is a monument anyway, and should be seen by any and everyone. Once you've done that, you could jump into Solid State Society. But if you really REALLY want to enjoy it, Netflix the Stand Alone Complex and SAC 2nd Gig series then come back to this.
  • December 11, 2007
    I liked this movie the best out of the ghost in the shell moves i t made a real comeback for ghost in the shell and it was just great
  • July 12, 2007
    This movie was very enthralling to watch. Although it still went through the same style of complicating things before a solution could be found, emotions will become tossed and turned as our favorite 3 main characters come back for one last hurrah.
  • July 10, 2007
    This is by the best I've ever seen from Ghost In The Shell! I loved the first two series but haven't seen any of the movies. I am really glad I watched this movie! It made me happy! I would like to see a third season to the series.
  • June 13, 2007
    I think Ghost in the Shell can do no wrong, like the previous movies and the tv series Solid State Society is a near perfect balance of action, complex plotting, and philosophical ideas.
  • June 4, 2007
    once again, the ghost in the shell property shows it's high level of quality. not much in the movies or series that i can say is flawed, other than the trend to end before a full resolution is formed, but then again, that's part of it all, now ain't it? to keep you guessing. word... read more to the wise, watch season one and two of the show before seeing this, or it might not make any sense to you. while the themes are universal, the plot is complex, and as such, a background on the setting is helpful. also, this movie ties to the show, but not the other movies, which follows a separate continuity.

Critic Reviews


Anton Bitel
August 15, 2007
Anton Bitel, Film4

the absence of Oshii's magical touch ensures that it is all surface sheen without any deeper brilliance or, if you prefer, all shell without a ghost to give it a poetic soul. Full Review

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