Daily Staff Writer

Sometimes, it takes a little effort to find a really good movie in the bland soup that is Hollywood’s traditional product.

It may take some effort to find a rental copy of Ghost in the Shell. It’s a 1995 Japanese film, released on video in the U.S. this past June. It’s in the genre called anime, or adult-oriented animated films.

But any effort spent to find Ghost in the Shell will be well-rewarded. It’s an excellent film, a top-notch cyberpunk science fiction adventure.

The story takes place in the mid-21st century, in an unnamed Pacific Rim city. Markets and corporations dominate society, but nations have not faded away and still play an important enforcement role.

Computer technology is literally everywhere, linked in a fully developed global network. Even humans are computerized; rare is the person who does not sport some type of cybernetic enhancement, usually a “wet-wire” computer implant.

These allow users to mentally interface with computers, and become a part of the network.

The plot involves the search for the Puppet Master, a mysterious hacker and data thief. The Puppet Master has become so proficient that he can hack into a person’s mind and control the victim.

An elite police unit, Section 9, is trying to find the Puppet Master, who is threatening an international summit meeting. Major Motoko Kusanagi is on the team looking for the master hacker; she’s a cyborg so heavily modified that little but her soul, or “ghost,” is still in its original form.

As the plot unfolds, it becomes clear that the Puppet Master has an interest in Kusanagi. As she gets closer to him, his identity becomes ever more shadowy — and he may not be human.

Worse yet, he is linked to the powerful Ministry of Foreign Affairs and their enforcement unit, Section 6. Infighting between the units grows until they are on opposite sides.

To get to the heart of the mystery, Kusanagi and her partners must disobey orders and try to solve the puzzle on their own.

Ghost in the Shell is a triumph on every level. The animation is outstanding; it’s rich, detailed and not over-stylized. A particular standout is a chase through a crowded outdoor market.

The plot is tight, yet detailed. More exposition is packed into this film than was seen in the entire summer film season. This yields a plot with few holes and no slack, and which moves forward at a furious pace.

The most pleasant surprise comes from the characterization.

While animated, the film packs a strong emotional punch, and the characters have real depth. Kusanagi is a better lead than is found in most live-action films; tough, yet haunted by the possibility that she was never human to begin with.

Also, the dubbing in the English-language version is outstanding, and never detracts from the drama. That in itself is quite an achievement.

Ghost in the Shell compares with 12 Monkeys and Terminator 2 as one of the best science-fiction films of the ’90s. It’s so good, it even compares well with Blade Runner , which explores similar themes.

Ghost in the Shell is unrated. However, it contains graphic violence, strong language and nudity, and would likely be given an R rating.