Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society

Movie (1 ep x 105 min)
2006
4.121 out of 5 from 7,888 votes
Rank #534

In the year 2034, two years after Major Motoko Kusanagi abruptly left Section 9, Togusa now leads the members of the elite counter cyber-terrorism team. After a hostage crisis, a mysterious ultra-wizard class hacker known only as the "Puppet Master" uncovers a vast conspiracy that leads to even the highest levels of government. When Kusanagi suddenly reappears, even the members of Section 9 begin to suspect that she may be in league with the mysterious "Puppet Master". Can Section 9 learn to trust the Major again before time runs out?

my anime:

User Stats

23,735 users are tracking this. to see stats.

If you like this anime, you might like...

Reviews

tollie01
8

Right, it's confession time for me. If you have been reading my reviews than you may have noticed that I tend to rip the anime a new one. There is a reason for this though and it has to do with the fact that I can't turn my brain off when watching anime. I can't ignore the stupid shown in the anime and this is a problem as most anime are very stupid indeed. In this case I'm not talking about a 90 pound girl catching a multi-ton cruise missile and throwing it back. Yes, it is stupid but it is a stupid that I'll allow. It's anime. Things like this are normal here and I'm pretty much fine with it. It annoys me to be sure but I will not rant about it. So, having explained this lets rip into this anime shall we? Just a heads up: There will most probably be spoilers. The more I hate an anime the more spoilers there will be. ART: The art is excellent. There is nothing much to say about it really. The GITS series is a popular one and movies tend to have a bigger budget to work with so it is no surprise that it looks good. SOUND: Music by Yoko Kanno. When you see this than you know that you are in good hands. She has made the music for countless anime and is considered one of the greatest composers for anime music. Voice acting is excellent as well. CHARACTERS: Main character is Togusa. After Motoko disappeard he has taken her place as field commander of Section 9. STORY: Motoko is gone and Togusa is trying his best to fill the void that she left behind. Together with Batou he is tasked to find out a new threat that has risen. Very little is known about this group, only that they call themselves the Solid State Society. RANT:....I got nothing. I'm sure that there are plotholes and such but I didn't notice them nor did I care. In the GITS universe this one stands out even more than the second movie. Chronologically it takes place after the second movie and Motoko is still out of the picture. Where in the second movie Batou was leading Section 9 (or that was the vibe I was getting), here it is Togusa. This makes for some interesting dynamics and I kind of liked it. Personally I would have liked it if they hade made this into a series like Stand Alone Complex. There is a lot thay could have expanded on. The new dynamic between Batou and Togusa for one and Motoko also plays a major role in the events happening. While the movie works the thing I liked about the series is the time those take to set things up. In terms of visuals and story it resembles the series and not the movies. If you liked the series then by all means pick this up although it may leave you confused to what happened to Motoko. The movie sort of expects you to know what happened in the movies as well.

ChineseWick
7

"Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society" is a feature-length installment in the "Stand Alone Complex" series, set two years after the events of "2nd GIG." Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, this film continues to explore the intricate cybernetic future where distinctions between man and machine blur. In "Solid State Society," viewers are thrust into a complex narrative involving a series of mysterious suicides and the disappearance of children, all seemingly connected to a figure known as the Puppeteer. With its rich blend of suspenseful storytelling, philosophical inquiry, and cutting-edge animation, "Solid State Society" expands the "Ghost in the Shell" universe, even as it navigates the challenges of condensing its sprawling narrative into a feature-length format. A Digital Ghost Story Expansive Narrative and Thematic Depth: The film maintains the series' reputation for complex storytelling and deep thematic exploration. "Solid State Society" delves into issues of autonomy, societal obligation, and the implications of advanced technology on individual freedom and state control, offering viewers a thought-provoking continuation of the "Stand Alone Complex" saga. Character Evolution: Set in the aftermath of significant changes within Public Security Section 9, the film provides insight into how the characters have evolved over time. The focus on Major Motoko Kusanagi's journey, along with the development of other key members, adds layers of depth to the narrative, enriching the viewer's connection to the characters. Navigating the System Pacing and Structure Challenges: Adapting the complex and layered world of "Stand Alone Complex" into a standalone film presents inherent pacing and structure challenges. While "Solid State Society" strives to weave its multifaceted plot into a cohesive narrative, some viewers may find the story condensed, with certain plot points and philosophical discussions feeling rushed or underexplored. Accessibility to Newcomers: For viewers unfamiliar with the "Stand Alone Complex" series, "Solid State Society" may pose accessibility challenges. The film's reliance on the viewer's understanding of its characters' histories and the series' intricate cybernetic world might limit its standalone appeal, though it offers a compelling narrative for seasoned fans. Echoes of Innovation Visual and Audio Excellence: True to the series' legacy, "Solid State Society" features exceptional animation and design, bringing its cybernetic world to life with vivid detail and dynamism. The film's sound design and soundtrack further enhance the atmospheric depth, immersing viewers in the futuristic setting. Philosophical Inquiry: Continuing the series' exploration of philosophical and ethical questions, the film invites viewers to reflect on the consequences of technology's integration into the fabric of human life. "Solid State Society" challenges audiences to consider the balance between security and freedom, the nature of consciousness, and the role of artificial intelligence in society. Conclusion "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex - Solid State Society" is a compelling addition to the "Stand Alone Complex" universe, offering a nuanced continuation of its themes and characters within a complex cybernetic future. Despite challenges related to pacing and accessibility for newcomers, the film succeeds in delivering a thought-provoking narrative that explores the intersection of technology, society, and identity. For fans of the franchise and those intrigued by the philosophical underpinnings of cyberpunk, "Solid State Society" represents a worthwhile exploration of the questions that define our increasingly digital world.

See all reviews

Related anime

Related manga

Characters

See all characters

Staff

See all staff

Discussions

Custom lists

See all custom lists