2017 Ghost in the Shell Remake: A Fan's Analysis and Expectations

As an SEO expert, my thoughts on the 2017 remake of Ghost in the Shell revolve around its potential success and the critical reception. Will it be worth watching on the opening weekend, or is it better suited for a later viewing?

Trailer Review and Audience Reception

My opinion is that if movie critic sites like Rotten Tomatoes give the film a particularly low score—below 30—I will definitely be in the theater for the opening weekend. However, my current expectation is that it will receive relatively good reviews, and I may indulge and see it soon after, perhaps during a flight or on video.

After seeing the updated Rotten Tomatoes score, at 71, I now plan to head to the theater this weekend. The final trailer viewing solidified my prediction that the film will be moderately well-received, meeting my expectations for a franchise reboot.

Global Perspective: Japanese and American Responses

While I am not the primary target audience for this film, given that 20 years have passed since I last watched the original, the movie's announcement and cast selections presented an interesting angle from a global perspective.

When news of the remake and Hollywood star Scarlett Johansson took the lead role was announced, the reaction in Japan was largely positive. The general sentiment was that the creator of the original, Masamune Shirow, would be proud of the work's transformation into a US feature film starring a well-known actress. Notably, in Japanese culture, many do not consider Japanese Americans as fully Japanese. Therefore, the decision to cast Johansson, a memorable figure in Japanese popular culture, was seen as a form of export strategy. The American cast was a deliberate choice to appeal to a broader international audience.

However, the trailer received mixed reactions. In my personal opinion, it was not very compelling, similar to the trailer of the latest Japanese spinoff. Nonetheless, the wait-and-see approach remains my stance.

Critical Views and Industry Reaction

Another perspective on the remake comes from those who are less optimistic about it. Some viewers, including myself, are less inclined to watch high-budget anime movies unless a notable filmmaker such as James Cameron jumps into the fray.

White washing is often mentioned in discussions about casting. However, it's a complex issue, and the same can be said for the Japanese castings in their own content. For instance, the live-action adaptation of Full Metal Alchemist in Japan featured a predominantly Japanese cast, despite the original being explicitly German in its setting.

My decision to avoid the movie is not entirely due to ethical concerns. I can be swayed if people I respect and trust, who have a reasonable opinion, recommend it. But overall, I am more inclined to give my support to filmmakers who create great content rather than capitalize on existing IP.

Final Thoughts

The 2017 Ghost in the Shell remake holds a certain allure for many fans, whether through expectation of seeing the iconic story in a new light or through the sheer talent behind it. My experience watching the final trailer reaffirmed my initial thoughts, leading me to finalize my plans to see the film in theaters.

Ultimately, the success of this remake will be gauged by both the critical reception and audience engagement. As a fan, it's hard to ignore the potential excitement and cultural impact, especially given the expectations and excitement it generated among Japanese audiences. Time will tell if it lives up to these expectations.