From street to street, coast to coast, world to world, there is one cyberpunk franchise most anime fanatics may be familiar with. The Ghost in the Shell is one such franchise that has revolutionized itself and became an epitome of what cyberpunk is. The style, portrayal of its characters, its high tech setting, and story building are just a few characteristics that defines what GITS was. The franchaise itself has inspired an expansion to what’s known as Ghost in the Shell Arise, a four-part saga consisting of an ongoing story involving Motoko "Major" Kusanagi, a mysterious woman involved with Section 9. As an adaptation expansion,fans should be excited and what’s to come.

The movie runs approximately 1 hour, the same length as the first film. From what we already known, Major is now relieved of her previous roles as a member of the 501 Organization. Finding her at odds against Batou, she becomes the hunted in the beginning. But troubles doesn’t stop there at all. The real threat concerns of a new enemy with advanced hacking skills that endangers the state. Among other affairs, the movie also focuses on trust and logic. There’s certain characters introduced in the series with odd habits that also spreads a mysterious vibe. If GITS isn’t cryptic enough, the movie also plays a mind game with in its cyberpunk style.

Major returns in the movie as the main protagonist. She generally does not change since from the first movie besides her current status. Intelligent, cunning, and independent, she undergoes an investigation to discover the secret of a certain element in this movie. As void as her character’s personality can be, Major can still be herself most of the time around others whether it’s on missions or with her comrades. Obviously, the enemy isn’t whom she would like to associate with given his status as labeled as “super-wizard-hacker”. More so however is the fact that there is how Major handles her tasks. On the surface, she seems to struggle a bit as both sides enlists aid from specialists to get the job done. The way to two sides clash spells out that feeling of intensity both mentally and physically. As the movie progresses, there’s a sense of conspiracy with the new threat going on in their world. Furthermore, the revelation might be somewhat predictable that sheds out an intriguing suspense formula. And similarly, the movie presents tons of action whether it’s on the road or involving cybernetic struggles.

Action wise, the movie does a solid job to maintain its style. The way characters fight and move presents a rapid pace that is memorable. Their superhuman and matrix style moves demonstrates a fighting that proves why they are specialists. Major is shown on her handy dandy bike at various times throughout the movie to maintain her cool structure along with some glimpses of humor from her mouth. As later on, the movie unfolds revealing more secrets and defines the title meaning of “Ghost Whisper”

The artwork remains generally the same as its previous movie handled by Production I.G. The vehicles, gadgets, and character designs proves solid enough to match its cyberpunk theme. Unlike the previous movie, there’s minimal fan service but instead is replaced by matrix-like movements in various action scenes. Major and Batou generally have more focus on their designs give their status that solidifies them as the primary characters at odds. Otherwise, cyborgs and vehicles are animated flawlessly with its artistry.

Soundtrack proves to be a strength of this movie as it delivers an electronic beat in many of its scenes. More importantly is the way characters are portrayed that gives them the impressions of who they are. Because most of the characters looks intimating or equipped with a sense of high tech prowess, their voices needs to give them a strong outlook of firmness. Thankfully, that is achieved such as by Batou’s VA Kenichirou Matsuda and Logicoma VA Miyuki Sawashiro. The OP and ED song also solidifies itself to give a vivid presentation of the GITS style fans are used to.

All in all, this movie is can be described as a captivating presentation that can bring memorable impressions. But for what is worth, GITS Arise may not be what fans from the original series are used. For an experimental movie, GITS Arise sets its par with this project. There are still 2 more projects from this franchise. With the first two movies, fans should now have a better expectation of what’s to come soon. The ride isn’t over yet so buckle your seat belts.