"In
the year 2029, the world is made borderless by the net; augmented humans live in virtual
environments, watched over by law enforcement that is able to download themselves into
super-powered, crime busting mecha. The ultimate secret agent of the future is not human,
has no physical body and can freely travel the information highways of the world, hacking
and manipulating whatever and whenever required."
Major Kusanagi Motoko is a member of this elite force, investigating the illegal export of an expert programmer -- a programmer whose skills might be used to derail sensitive diplomatic talks with the Gavel Republic. But Kusanagi discovers that this is merely the beginning of a major coverup instigated by Section 6, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The MFA has its own problem, a problem that's gotten out of hand. A master computer criminal is on the loose, hacking into the very souls of various people, programming his victims to do his bidding... a master criminal known only by his alias: 'The Puppet Master'.
This is one of the later films of anime genius Masamune Shirow, and also one of the more confusing to the audience. Quite a few people will be confused throughout much of the film, but it's still a fantastic anime. Once you understand what's going on, you can appreciate the philisophical twists in the end. Of course, if your'e still confused, ask a friend to explain it to you. The movie sends a message that we shouldn't rely on technology too much in the future, lest it come back to bite us in the ass.
Animation: 9/10
Story: 8/10
Action: 8/10
Overall Rating: B
Available on VHS, Laserdisc, and DVD