who has seen this movie? is it as good as it looks? i just saw previews for the sequel, ghost in the shell 2: innocence, and it looks amazing! i'm not big into anime really but it has a very matrix kinda feel to it. after reading the synopsis of the first movie, it looks like there is actually some philosophical thought in these films.

anyway, do i need to see the first one in order to understand the sequel or can i go back and watch the first one later? i want to see the movie next week so i need to know if i've got to rent the first one or not.

The first one was brilliant! Though, I can't remember most of it. It's been at least five years, but I do know it rocked! Umm, yeah since you plan on watching the sequel, I would suggest checking out the first installment.

ok. i'l rent it this week. thanks!

I saw it over the weekend and loved it. I think you'll have a better time if you rent the first Ghost in the Shell though. The reason it has a Matrix feel is that the Matrix itself was influenced by Ghost in the Shell. I think the Wachowski brothers acknowledge this somewhere in one of the Matrix' special features section. I highly recommend Ghost in the Shell 2 though.
[Edited 9/21/04 20:35pm]