Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence

April 29, 2007 By Guest Contributor 7 Comments

Dawkins

I’m not an anime fan, but one film called Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, came to my attention:

[Director Mamoru] Oshii also explores what Richard Dawkins calls the extended phenotype, structures that are genetically encoded, but external to the body. The beaver’s dam and the spider’s web are natural illustrations of this, and, in the film, memory itself has become externalised in this manner.

And judging by the picture, The Selfish Gene also comes into play.

I need to start watching this stuff…


[tags]atheist, atheism, anime, Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, Mamoru Oshii, Richard Dawkins, extended phenotype, Selfish Gene[/tags]

Filed Under: General 7 Comments
  • Aerik

    More specifically, you seem to like the anime genre Cyberpunk.

    There’s actually lots for fans to enjoy about Ghost in the shell, the movies and the series. Do you like memes? Are you interested in the book Catcher in the Rye? Then you’ll love the “first gig” of Ghost in the Shell.

  • Richard Wade

    Ghost in the Shell is very cool. The child-like robots above, always on the verge of full self awareness, often have terrific discussions about philosophy when they’re not battling bad guys. I haven’t seen this episode; I’ve got to find it.

  • http://danharlow.com Dan Harlow

    The image you have is from the television show. Ghost in the Shell 2 : Innocence is the feature film. Quite a good movie, in fact I like it better than the original. Both films and the television series deal with some weighty themes, but then again, most good sci fi usually does (Blade Runner, Solaris, 2001, etc…).

  • Michael

    I actually own both movies and series of Ghost in the Shell and can honestly say that Shirow has some amazing ideas in not only GitS, but Appleseed and his other works as well.

    While the movies tackle alot more of the philosophical arguments, the series tackles the “other side” of terrorism and crime and demands pretty much that you try to see it from the other persons perspective. If an act of terrorism has taken place, then what has happened to bring these people to the thinking that it was a valid and justifiable act?

    Also, interestingly enough… VERY anti-american…

    But if the philosophical and science element gets you, then you should probably check out Neon Genesis Evangelion, and Ergo Proxy.

  • stogoe

    Feh. I am underwhelmed by Evangelion. It’s got some rabid fans, though, so watch out. Ghost in the Shell was enjoyable, but it too has for some reason gathered some ‘otaku’ barnacles with delusions of revealed mystic wisdom.

  • http://austinatheist.blogspot.com AustinAtheist

    Be sure to watch the television series, not just the movies. You’d be missing out on the laughing man.

  • Mriana

    My son explained this episode to me and said, “Yes he does need to start watching it. Anime is not for children.” lol I still say they are cartoons, but some do seem interesting.