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.

Dead Leaves (2004) is about two recluses who get caught in constant ubsurdity. We watch them do anal in a prison cell, fight gaint mechas, and watch the birth and death of a living being. It is the same Imaishi energy but placed in a concrentrated form: a film. For what it's worth, it's likely his best work visually. Merely because his comedy works and his budget stays consistent from beginning to end.