Production I.g.

Production I.G mostly acted as a chauffeur between prominent directors - demonstrating various styles and talent.

A catalyst of animation cuts on Ghost in the Shell (1995) revolutionized experimental and cyberpunk aesthetics in cinema while sacrificing pacing. Deviations from high-animation to boring terminal graphics ruin the philosophical nuance - a continuation from the basis in Angel’s Egg.

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex (2002) incorporates the same cyberpunk elements of the movie but to much different effect. Logical puzzles get adapted into satisfying conclusions (given you pay attention). The barebones aesthetic is a fine decision, since much of the anime is a (rather clunky) exposition dump on many societal (and otherwise) nuances.

Kick Heart (2013) is at least an art-house demonstration of Yuasa’s eccentricity. Behind smooth plot-lines is an overdone wrestling centerpiece - too prominent in what could’ve been done more subtly - still conveying the maso-sadist dichotomy.

There's a certain depth to Dead Leaves (2004) not present in other Hiyoruki Imaishi works. Perhaps due to its shortness does the over-the-top presentation of ideas actuality click into something coherent. Either way, the stupidity is on display in a much more presentable manner in Dead Leaves.