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Ghost in the Shell (15) + Introduction by Shōji Kawamori

Anime's Human Machines

Ghost in the Shell

How human are you if every part of you is cybernetic and you’re not even sure who controls your brain?

Based on a successful manga by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell takes us into a world where brains can be hacked, memories erased and fake ones implanted, where it’s easy to upgrade your human body for superior cybernetic equipment and where unenhanced people are rapidly becoming an underclass. It asks what is the purpose and the future of humanity, and how we might deal with any sentience we create.

The movie, a Japanese-British co-production part-funded by Manga Entertainment, is cited as inspiration for The Matrix and the work of James Cameron. Its heady brew of glossy technology, political intrigue and philosophical enquiry remains compelling two decades on.

We are delighted to welcome Shōji Kawamori, anime creator, and mechanical designer on Ghost in the Shell, to introduce this screening.

Japan 1995 Dir Mamoru Oshii 83 min Digital presentation

Screening in Japanese with English subtitles

Sasakawa Foundation
The Japan Foundation logo - a purple butterfly
Japan-UK Season of Culture
anime of cityscape containing shop signs in chinese characters

Watch: human shape and cityscape in Anime

 

Luís Azevedo (aka Beyond the Frame) looks at the way anime presents and builds cities on screen.

Photo of Barbican Cinema red seats

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Barbican Cinema 1

Location
Barbican Cinema 1 is located within the main Barbican building on Level -2. Head to Level G and walk towards the Lakeside Terrace where you’ll find stairs and lifts to take you down to the venue floor.   

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk Street, London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.