Support NeoGAF

[Razgriz-Specter]

I never argued that production value alone makes a good movie. I stated that it would be innovative and amazing for Hollywood to try.



I disagree. While it is plainly obvious that native speakers will have a natural tendency towards a Japanese speaking movie, remaining close to source material by having the movie in Japanese would not only thematically add to the environment and feel of the movie but also play towards the fans. It is not a safe bet, but it would be innovative and possibly aid in pursuit of artistic awards.

I think the world market would appreciate a GiTS film in Japanese.

A Japanese movie is lucky enough to get a few rare screenings outside of Japan.
The general public(the main source of box-office money) isn't going to care unless its some masterpiece of the year.
The budget needed for something like this really requires the general public to support it.

 

[sans_pants]

This is the opposite of good news everyone.

One day, Hollywood will grow some balls. Japanese source material, it would be innovative and amazing to have a hollywood production but the movie in Japanese with Asian actors.

Until then, we get stuck with the blonde with the raspy voice playing the major. ugh.

Who the fuck is gonna play aramaki? Togusa?

Ugh.

Why would American film companies make a Japanese movie?

 

[Principate]

I never argued that production value alone makes a good movie. I stated that it would be innovative and amazing for Hollywood to try.



I disagree. While it is plainly obvious that native speakers will have a natural tendency towards a Japanese speaking movie, remaining close to source material by having the movie in Japanese would not only thematically add to the environment and feel of the movie but also play towards the fans. It is not a safe bet, but it would be innovative and possibly aid in pursuit of artistic awards.

I think the world market would appreciate a GiTS film in Japanese.

Anything can innovative and amazing, the issue is such a movie would almost never get a big budget outside of a rich producer/directors pet projects. How many large budget Hollywood movies are filmed entirely in another language with subtitles? What are the success of those movies in general?

In general a large budget production for a movie would be a pipe dream and at a lower budgets the Japanese film industry is more than adequate to produce themselves. It's the sort of niche that doesn't exist in anywhere worthwhile.

 

[whatever77]

This is the opposite of good news everyone.

One day, Hollywood will grow some balls. Japanese source material, it would be innovative and amazing to have a hollywood production but the movie in Japanese with Asian actors.

Until then, we get stuck with the blonde with the raspy voice playing the major. ugh.

Who the fuck is gonna play aramaki? Togusa?

Ugh.

Japan already has their shots to do adaptations of GitS, and they are in the form of anime movies and anime series. Who says adaptation need to be live action? Japan doesn't like to "do" live action and they don't really have an active action movie industry anymore (unlike HK and SK). So, why should Japan do the adaptation in live action? They are best at 2d animation and that's how they want to adapt the story in the media they are good at.

In other words, the Japanese adaptation is over. Like them or hate them is your choice. Now its Hollywood's term. Hollywood's adaptation has nothing to do with the Japanese adaptation. If you don't want it, all you need to do is ignore it.

Hollywood will do the story in the media they are good at, which is high budget CGI, live action 2-hour movie. And they will do it tailor to the Hollywood markets, which are primarily NA, Europe, plus emerging China (the China market has a specific rules that it has an annual quota limit and need to be censorship friendly, so usually PG/PG13 movies only) Japan movie market is small compare to the other 3 markets I mention. None of the three markets cares about a Japanese actress star in a high budget action movie. It's a little insincere to call out Hollywood being racist but not the markets. The market places are just as racist as the Hollywood producers.

And if the Japanese GitS movies are popular enough, they will do more anime movies. Why don't they do it? The fact of matter is anime movie market is not as popular as you thought anyway. It's not our fault that the Japanese domestic market don't want to support more GitS anime movies.

 

[Skinpop]

Has there even been many Japanese made live action adaptations of anime, manga, etc that are on par with the source material?

Usagi Drop is really good, but it was directed by SABU one of the best living japanese directors.

Let me dream....

this could actually work really well.

 

[NH Apache]

A Japanese movie is lucky enough to get a few rare screenings outside of Japan.
The general public(the main source of box-office money) isn't going to care unless its some masterpiece of the year.
The budget needed for something like this really requires the general public to support it.

Why would American film companies make a Japanese movie?

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Letters_from_Iwo_Jima

68 million at the box office. Almost entirely in Japanese, produced by Warner Bros.

 

[Joni]

I never argued that production value alone makes a good movie. I stated that it would be innovative and amazing for Hollywood to try.



I disagree. While it is plainly obvious that native speakers will have a natural tendency towards a Japanese speaking movie, remaining close to source material by having the movie in Japanese would not only thematically add to the environment and feel of the movie but also play towards the fans. It is not a safe bet, but it would be innovative and possibly aid in pursuit of artistic awards.

I think the world market would appreciate a GiTS film in Japanese.

It would not add to the feel of the movie. There is nothing 'Japanese' about the theme or the feel. And considering Ghost in the Shell centers around a high-high technology society, how would current Japan be a more believable setting for this compared to current USA? The center of high technology has shifted clearly away from Japan.

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Letters_from_Iwo_Jima

68 million at the box office. Almost entirely in Japanese, produced by Warner Bros.

68 million on a 19 million budget means it made just above its budget. On the budget something like GitS needs, it would be a flop. LEtters from Iwo Jima is already so cheap because it was made together with Flags of our Fathers making it cheaper already. It also made less than $14 million in the US which makes it a bomb. Studio's make less money from the foreign box office. Oh, and the movie proves too that it would be mainly for the Japanese market. It made 42 million in Japan, 2/3 of its gross. Japanese movie don't get big audiences outside of Japan, which makes it a total waste.

 

[Haly]

In the anime, at least, there's a subtle political backstory that's far more reminiscent of Japan's situation (as a small, technologically advanced but militarily weak country) which wouldn't really translate well over here.

None of that is integral to the story so.

 

[Secret Fawful]

So, they're going to cast Patrick Stewart as Kazundo Gōda, then, right? R-r-right?

[cries]

 

[jhmtehgamr20xx]

Anyone know if this is going to be rated R or PG-13?

I am tired of neutered adaptations. GitS is R-rated territory, plain and simple. Going PG-13 or especially PG not only tones down the gunfight intensity, but waters down the transhumanistic, technological and political talk as well. That stuff gives GitS its meat; strip it away and it's just another decent cyberpunk flick with some censored gun shootout scenes.

Personally I'm willing to excuse some parts of the typical Hollywood whitewashing since ScarJo is in and she was pretty damn good in Lucy (which is basically a precursor to a live-action GitS. Which reminds me, they should get Luc Besson on as director), but if they neuter all the complex ideas and tame down the punch on the gunfights just to get a PG-13 or heaven forbid PG rating, then screw it. They don't get my support whatsoever, they'd entirely miss the point of what GitS is about by doing that.

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

Do asians make up a good % of demographics when it comes to film. The asian community gets shit roles every time in Hollywood. If its not racist, its just stereotypical. Where as the latino community is getting movies made for them (Paranormal Activity: Marked ones) the asian community is still stuck with. 1. Super smart. 2. Kung Fu. 3. White mans trophy. and I've noticed 4. effeminate chubby starting to poke its head up. Is it just a demographic thing? The asian community isn't watching films as much as others, or, what is the deal? Do you think?

As stereotypes in films have sort of watered down for most groups, Asians are still looking at the same variety of characters from the 1950's in todays large pictures/tv.

are you really asking this like you have no clue?

like seriously?

 

[Rentahamster]

I wonder if Mel Gibson were to direct, he'd film the movie with Japanese actors, speaking the Japanese language.

That would be something.

 

[abadguy]

I can't see her as The Major. She'll just be Scarjo playing a cyborg.

This can't be stated enough. This is pure sci-fi. I hope they keep that in mind. I will allow ScarJo because she does good action.

Don't get your hopes up. It will be a generic Sci fi action flick that will ultimately completely miss the point of GITS.

 

[- J - D -]

So, they're going to cast Patrick Stewart as Kazundo Gōda, then, right? R-r-right?

[cries]

They need a token Asian actor in the movie somewhere, who better than for the antagonist?

Or, my bet is Ken Watanabe for Chief Aramaki.

 

[Discotheque]

I wonder if Mel Gibson were to direct, he'd film the movie with Japanese actors, speaking the Japanese language.

That would be something.

He probably would but he'd also have to seek alternate funding too like he did with passion of the christ (which paid off)

 

[Fixed2BeBroken]

You mean the movie where everybody was praising the robots fightings and trashimg human scenes? Yeah...that's not a star vehicle. You don't see Charlie Hunnam headlining blockbusters after it either.

What are you talking about? After Pacific Rim Charlie had to finish last season of SOA.

the dude is still doing big things and turning down Big Roles....

wtf

Here's an interview from 2013. Judge for yourself

you do realize that doing an interview, where she has to think of what she wants to say in japanese, then translate it in her head, and then say it in english, and then do the vice versa with whats being asked, will make her sound much more terrible...

as opposed to reciting lines.

 

[Joni]

I can't see her as The Major. She'll just be Scarjo playing a cyborg.

The major is basically a hardass woman that can kick ass. If she can play Black Widow, she can play Mokoto. It will mostly depend on her hair color and the director now.

 

[True Savior]

If they make this scene , the entire world will be happy with ScarJo casting.

 

[Femmeworth]

No, a Japanese made live actions GITS would be horrible because their standards of acting are, ironically, far below that of certain auteur anime.

Imagine if Oshii remade it in live action.

 

[ComputerMKII]

Imagine if Oshii remade it in live action.

Oh please God no

 

[beato_angelico]

you do realize that doing an interview, where she has to think of what she wants to say in japanese, then translate it in her head, and then say it in english, and then do the vice versa with whats being asked, will make her sound much more terrible...

which is a roundabout way to say that she's not fluent in english.

 

[Can Crusher]

People who want Japanese actors speaking Japanese in a Japanese city should file their complaints at the Japanese company that sold the rights to a Hollywood company intent on making movies for a western market.

This ain't Samurai Champloo. Japense culture is the last thing I associate Ghost in the Shell with.

 

[Not Spaceghost]

I guess she's been type cast into this kind of role. Which is a big shame because I hate her in these kinds of roles, personally think she's 10x better in full fledged dramas.

It's gonna be weird when characters refer to her as Major Kusanagi.
Oh god no, they're totally going to rename her to Major Mary Kroger, just fucking watch.

Also watch them change the setting to like Neo New York or some shit.

 

[Unbound By Death]

Enough black widow.

 

[Jex]

So in GITS there's a small worldbuilding detail about how Major chose a common-looking mass-production type body to help with espionage. Not that we actually ever saw other Major look-alikes but the idea is believable.

I'd like to see them include this little tidbit in the LA movie and make Scarjo play other minor roles as background characters to make it seem like some major corporation designed a body modeled after Scarjo, which is wildly popular among the cyborg public.

Well in the original Ghost in The Shell movie during the "City Montage" the Major directly spots a "look-alike" see here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WB-ik-Bpl0c

There's actually an instance in the movie where she does she herself

http://youtu.be/wYVbQ-GQTxQ?t=38s

Well bugger.

 

[abadguy]

At this point I don't mind it. People crying need to realize that the people at Hollywood are not going to bank millions of dollars on what they consider unbankable actors.

With that much money on the line I wonder how many here would take the risk just to make a statement.

Funny seeing posts saying things like this and then the movie goes on to bomb hard so in the end the main actor's "star power" counted for fuck all.

 

[Opto]

which is a roundabout way to say that she's not fluent in english.

neither was Mila Kunis in That 70s Show

 

[tbm24]

Here's an interview from 2013. Judge for yourself

Her English is not bad at all. Given that's an interview from 2013, she could/is capable of easily refining it to be passable/just fine. On top of that nothing wrong with having an accent accompanying it anyway.

 

[abadguy]

Meh this. Meh all of it. I hope it stays in development hell forever.

If they just made a appleseed movie race wouldn't be a problem. Briarios has to stay black though. I;d be horrible regardless.

I'd watch Appleseed film directed by Neil Blomkamp. As i said in the other thread i could actually see Scarjo as Duenan. Provided she bulked up a bit.

As for a Kikuchi as The Major. Can't see it either. Much like Scarjo she simply doesn't fit the character at all.

 

[Lime]

Well, the good news is that this thread made me learn that there's finally a 1080p bluray transfer of GITS.

I can finally throw my 2.0 version and its 1080i of the original in the trash.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

LOL @ people fancasting the Pacific Rim chick.

One of you tell me what makes her such a good pick for Motoko.

 

[Kinyou]

you do realize that doing an interview, where she has to think of what she wants to say in japanese, then translate it in her head, and then say it in english, and then do the vice versa with whats being asked, will make her sound much more terrible...

as opposed to reciting lines.

Getting an accent to go away is still pretty hard. I don't think Ken Watanabe is doing it just for fun.

Her English is not bad at all. Given that's an interview from 2013, she could/is capable of easily refining it to be passable/just fine. On top of that nothing wrong with having an accent accompanying it anyway.

So you think she's such a perfect fit for the major that it's worth taking those risks?

 

[TheSeks]

Anyone that likes this picture, PLEASE watch 47 Ronin. Then come back and argue how should Japanese actors should headline a major English production.

47 Ronin's problem was shoe-horning Keanu Reeves into the script to headline it. (Partly Reeves fault) Plus the terrible script (not really Reeves' fault).

 

[ComputerMKII]

LOL @ people fancasting the Pacific Rim chick.

One of you tell me what makes her such a good pick for Motoko.

I don't even see why the Major would have to be Japanese. I thought her (artificial) body was just a standard, mass-produced model which might as well by any other... also, the movie seems to imply that the only part of her that's human is somewhere in her brain, so that leaves even less importance to her physical appearance.

 

[Hiltz]

This has disaster written all over it. It's the next Aeon Flux. The next Oldboy. The next Kite... okay that last one was awful before the live action remake.

 

[beato_angelico]

neither was Mila Kunis in That 70s Show

...and?

 

[koutoru]

This reminded me of that live action Bleach movie that supposed to be in the making.

 

[Mokujin]

Not seeing it, I have always wanted a GITS movie since its one of my favourite series but I can´t see Scarlet as a good fit

I understand that she is very well positioned right now in the action / scifi genre and she is mega famous but I would have liked another actress with a more athletic body to portray Motoko.

 

[Ikuu]

LOL @ people fancasting the Pacific Rim chick.

One of you tell me what makes her such a good pick for Motoko.

She is Asian.

 

[SCULLIBUNDO]

She is Asian.

That's where I assume the decision begins and ends for most of the people behind the casting. Nothing about acting chops or work that shows evidence that she'd lend herself well to the character.

Just 'she's asian, just like the visage/shell/empty sleeve that Motoko is inhabiting at the start of the manga/anime film I like! MAKE HER LOOK LIKE THE DRAWINGS!'

Again, the setting is something I'd argue for. But the character's superficial appearance is literally disposable in the film.

 

[BeatResetsTheWorld]

Imagine if Oshii remade it in live action.

Given 2.0, I hope that never happens

 

[Dram]

Some translated Japanese reactions to the announcement.
http://www.japancrush.com/2015/stories/johansson-given-lead-in-remake-of-ghost-in-the-shell-reactions.html

 

[ComputerMKII]

That's where I assume the decision begins and ends for most of the people behind the casting. Nothing about acting chops or work that shows evidence that she'd lend herself well to the character.

Just 'she's asian, just like the visage/shell/empty sleeve that Motoko is inhabiting at the start of the manga/anime film I like! MAKE HER LOOK LIKE THE DRAWINGS!'

Again, the setting is something I'd argue for. But the character's superficial appearance is literally disposable in the film.

Yeah, that's what I meant. I agree with you.

Her body even gets torn to shreds at the end of the movie. If you were looking for a sign that her physical model is not sacred and irreplaceable, well, there it is.

 

[The Elite]

Some translated Japanese reactions to the announcement.
http://www.japancrush.com/2015/stories/johansson-given-lead-in-remake-of-ghost-in-the-shell-reactions.html

I think those are all reasonable reactions that mirror much of the reasonable responses we've seen here.

 

[Valonquar]

This has all the the same potential as that American Akira movie that never seems to get made. I guess I'm all for it, but if they fuck up the Tachikomas I will be quite disappointed.

I'm still sad James Cameron isn't making the Battle Angel movie anymore/anytime soon.

 

[commedieu]

are you really asking this like you have no clue?

like seriously?

How is me offering possibilities equating to you thinking I have no clue? There is something specific in the Asian trajectory when it comes to hollywood film, that historically african american/latinos have broken through, in hollywood (To a point, a black man still wears a dress every now and then). Wanted to know opinions on what folks thought.

I already suggested its demographics, but the progress for how asians have portrayed is slow in American film/tv. Even with that in mind.

 

[Joni]

LOL @ people fancasting the Pacific Rim chick.

One of you tell me what makes her such a good pick for Motoko.

It is kind of ironic the only suggestion for a Japanese actress in this topic is a Japanese actress that has absolutely no star power in her own country.

 

[ComputerMKII]

Some translated Japanese reactions to the announcement.
http://www.japancrush.com/2015/stories/johansson-given-lead-in-remake-of-ghost-in-the-shell-reactions.html

稲妻レッグラリアット(SB-iPhone)＠＼(^o^)／:

Mila Jovovich would have been good.

lol

Yeah, no.

 

[Kinyou]

Some translated Japanese reactions to the announcement.
http://www.japancrush.com/2015/stories/johansson-given-lead-in-remake-of-ghost-in-the-shell-reactions.html

＼(^o^)／

One of them suggested Milla Jovovich which imo is not a bad pick. (as long as W.S. Anderson stays out of it)

Yeah, no.

At least she wouldn't mind doing nude scenes.

 

[Razgriz-Specter]

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Letters_from_Iwo_Jima

68 million at the box office. Almost entirely in Japanese, produced by Warner Bros.

1. Budget was 19 million, almost nothing. GitS would need to be around 100 at the very least.
2. It was directed by Clint Eastwood, not many actors/directors are as recognizableas him.
3. It was a historical movie of one of the biggest events in history from a fresh perspective.
4. Also as I said It was nominated for best picture.
5. Even then being one of the best war movies of all time it only made 13 million in the US.