Leeds International Film Festival - Ghost in the Shell Arise

After the first ghost in the shell movie last year at LIFF, it was nice to compare how far the advancement of technology and style had added to the aesthetic of this new ghost in the shell movie. Even though the cell animation and painted backgrounds of the first original movie were breathtaking, this new movie absorbs this style whilst also successfully merging 3D and digital 2D aspects. This makes the visuals stunning and this transfers to the motion of the animation. Vivid colours were used to draw the attention of the spectator, specially with the Majors eyes.

The animation works well, no slow or jarred movements. My absolutely favourite scene is the fight sequence between the major and an enemy blocking her path, the same enemy is scene throughout the series that was released before the movie, the movie being the concluding chapter. Majors movements on this fight sequences are fast and fluid working well with the enemies actions as he tries to stop her from jumping behind his back.

I love the facial expressions seen on the Major in this sequence, as in the old ghost in the shell, the Major is the fan service character and is always drawn to look flawless, even with a missing limb, however in the arise movie her expressions are more realistic. You can clearly see the strain and force that the Major uses to fight and defend herself.