Ghost in the Shell

[Ean]

It doesn't. It's the same characters, but it's really AU. The only possible way the show could connect to the first movie is if the show were a prequel of sorts, and there's no indication that it really is. Just an alternate universe.

Yeah, GITS:SAC takes place in 2030 while the first GITS movie takes place in 2029... so SAC would have to be in an alternate universe since the events in it wouldn't be possible based on the conclusion of the first movie... OR someone overlooked the years...

Anyway, even though it seems to be part of an alternate universe (or a little year slipup) SAC follows the adventures of Section 9, a division of the police responsible for Public Safety. As mentioned before, the seemly random events that happen through the episodes seem to have some kindof underlying connection to one another which Section 9 uncovers as the series progresses.

Things are a little confusing since its kindof fasted paced at moments... but bear with it as some of it becomes clearer as the series progresses. Oh yeah, episode 4 is a little different from the others. The previous three episodes were just random missions that Section 9 underwent and seems to serve to introduce you to the GITS world and its characters... Episode 4 is when things start to pick up when the group is 're-introduced' to the 'Laughing Man' case and where you start to see more of the information gathering side of Section 9. Like I said before, things become clearer as the series progresses... hope that helps a little...

[Hellfire7767]

at the beggining of every episode on adult swim when it show the name of the episode it will say at the top stand alone episode or complex episode. all the complex episodes tie together one way or another. mostly it usually contains something about the "laughing man" which in one episode turned out to be a kid genious.

[Zaphod_Beeblebrox]

in one episode turned out to be a kid genious.

thanks for the spoiler, ass-hole.

[blueshogun96]

Ghost in the shell is the only anime that I watch that doesn't make sense to me IMO.

[GloryQuestor]

Ghost in the shell is the only anime that I watch that doesn't make sense to me IMO.

To quote NewType USA editor Gary Stineman on his review of the Special Edition of Ghost in the Shell the movie in the February 2005 issue:

Wrapped up in a crime drama about a hottie cyborg and her semi-mechanical cohorts is one of the most thought-provoking, visually stunning masterpieces of existential drama. Forget anime--this is a literary wonder that will leave you pondering the "big questions" for days to come. But lest you think it's too highfaultn for your tastes, Ghost is also a visceral rollercoaster ride full of pulse-quickening scenes, exciting gunfights and all kinds of intense action. Unlike the recent sequel Innocence, the original Ghost can be just as entertaining even if you don't want to bother with all that head-scratching philosophical junk.

Sounds a lot like Stand Alone Complex as well, doesn't it?

[Spike_ Spiegel]

GITS is just on of those animes that in order for you to "get it" you MUST watch every ep and every sec! thats just how it is.