Blade Runner... the Mother of Ghost in the Shell?

Rating: 9/10 (14 February 2005)

Blade Runner has been accepted by most as a Sci-Fi classic. However, what many people do not realize is that this film was the inspiration for many other films, including the Mamoro Oshii (I know the first name is incorrect)classic, Ghost in the Shell. Any GITS fan can see the parallels between the "I wanna be human" Roy Batty and the "Acknowledge my existence or kill me" Puppet Master. It is also possible to tie Deckard to the infamous Batou (the quiet men of action who like big guns and inhuman women). Rachael, on the other hand, bares little resemblance to the heroine of GITS, Major Mototko Kusanagi. Perhaps the most striking likeness between the two is the detail in the futuristic setting. If anyone has seen GITS 2: Innocence, it is easy to see how Sebastian's hotel/home resembles the lair of Kim, the techno wizard. Even the creepy doll-like creations are apparent in both scenes. Perhap's Oshii and GITS manga creator (his name somehow escapes me)sat down one day in 1982, saw this film, and said to each other..."Hey we could do this, in Japan... with a strong female protagonist... and espionage... and more annoying tanks (see GITS: Stand Alone Complex)".