Watch Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers

Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers is an anime film that continues the story of Major Motoko Kusanagi and her team of specialized cybersecurity experts in the year 2027. This film, dubbed by FUNimation and directed by Atsushi Takeuchi, stars the talents of Maaya Sakamoto, Ikkyu Juku, Kenichiro Matsuda, Tomoyuki Dan, Takuro Nakakuni, Yoji Ueda, Kazuya Nakai, Miyuki Sawashiro, Ikuya Sawaki, and Takako Fuji.

In this second installment of the Ghost in the Shell: Arise series, the plot follows Major Kusanagi and her team as they investigate a string of bombings in the city. The bombs themselves are sophisticated, containing technology that has not yet been seen on the market. As the team investigates further, they begin to uncover a plot that involves the creation of illegal artificial intelligence programs that are beyond the reach of the government.

What sets this film apart from previous entries in the Ghost in the Shell franchise is the exploration of the relationships between the characters. While there is plenty of action and intrigue to keep viewers engaged, there is also a focus on the development of the characters as people, rather than just members of a specialized task force. Major Kusanagi, in particular, is given more depth and backstory than ever before, which helps to establish her as a complex and multi-faceted character.

The animation in Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers is stunning. The attention to detail in the character designs and backgrounds is impressive, and the action scenes are expertly choreographed. The fact that the film is set in a futuristic, cybernetic world allows for plenty of interesting visuals, such as the use of holograms and virtual reality. There is a sense of grittiness to the world that adds to the overall tension of the plot, and the film never shies away from depicting the darker aspects of its dystopian future.

The voice acting in Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers is top-notch. Maaya Sakamoto, who voices Major Kusanagi, brings a real presence to the role, portraying her as both confident and vulnerable. Ikkyu Juku, who voices Daisuke Aramaki, the leader of the team, is equally impressive, imbuing his character with a sense of authority and intelligence. The rest of the cast also performs well, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters.

While the film is certainly accessible to new viewers, those who are familiar with the Ghost in the Shell franchise will likely find even more to appreciate. The film pays homage to its predecessors, often referencing events and characters from previous entries in the series. However, this never feels like a crutch, and the film stands on its own merits, even for those who may be unfamiliar with the franchise as a whole.

Overall, Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers is an excellent entry in the Ghost in the Shell franchise. It combines thrilling action with character-driven storytelling and impressive animation to create a truly memorable experience. Fans of cyberpunk and sci-fi will find plenty to enjoy here, but the film's universal themes of identity and connection ensure that it has something to offer to a much wider audience. So, it is a must-watch for anime lovers who are looking for an exciting and engaging experience.

Ghost in the Shell: Arise, Border 2: Ghost Whispers is a series that ran for 1 seasons (1 episodes) between November 30, 2013 and on FUNimation