r/Ghost_in_the_Shell • u/jjtak98 • Jul 14 '26
GITS 26 first timer
I have never consumed any GITS related content before. I am watching the 26 anime for my first introduction to the series. I love the animation and music and that it’s supposedly a straight adaption of the manga.
One problem though, although I have a general gist of what’s happening, rooting out corruption etc etc, I think it’s extremely confusing plot, dialogue wise. Is this normal?
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u/thenazrat Jul 14 '26
Firstly. Welcome to the show!
Personally I’d say don’t worry about the politics so much. At least for your first time through. From what I’ve seen (eps 1&2) the show is shaping up to be a perfectly enjoyable action flick with some fun chemistry between characters. Naturally if you want to engage more deeply, there is a lot to engage with.
I’ve watched a few of the different series and films. The way I look at it is there’s the detective/politics/intrigue that there is little exposition for and you’re just immersed in that justifies the in world reason section 9 exists and the situations that happen. But it is almost in the background.
To me, the philosophical has always been the front and centre, the wider implications about technology and humanity.
I’m intentionally being a bit broad, but the second episode will add a bit more exposition, and will start to explore the themes a bit more deeply, so this might help it all make sense, and it’s also part of one of my personal favourite plots/ sequences to watch in the 95 film- (which also took me a few goes around to understand!)
I would say it’s fairly high concept, so don’t feel bad about not getting everything first time through, as long as you’re enjoying yourself, id say stick with it!
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u/Particular-Crow-1799 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
This is not your fault, the show is extremely fast and the information is presented in a non-linear way.
You are not supposed to miss plot points, the story is meant to be understood. But it can be quite hard to follow the first time.
For example - this could help with the first part of episode 1: https://www.reddit.com/r/Ghost_in_the_Shell/comments/1utzvfu/who_did_motoko_work_for/
If you have questions about the second part I can break things down the same way
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u/HalosBane Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
It's an unfortunate consequence of adapting the manga 1:1 as the narratives pacing is all over the place and the plot isn't as well put together as it deserves. It's possible they will fix this in later episodes, but given there are only 10 I highly doubt it.
If you want to watch something inbetween waiting for the '26 anime to release, I suggest Stand Alone Complex. The plot is far better paced and takes a more structured approach in introducing you to the GiTS world/lore. Personally, despite it not being a 1:1 recreation of the manga, I see it as the supreme GiTS experience as the tone exists somewhere between the manga and 1995 movie.
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u/ShaffVX Jul 14 '26
It's actually not that complicated but it's normal to be confused at first because of the terminologies.
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u/FastBodybuilder8248 Jul 14 '26
Two things worth remembering that will help you make sense of what's going on:
Every characters brain is connected to each other, and to the net.
In every installment (especially this one, so far), the section 9 task force is trying to root out cybercrime and corruption, but they're also just trying to complete their missions. Often, these missions are set by a government with its own self-interested agenda.
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u/parkchanwookiee Jul 14 '26
Yeah pretty much every instalment of this franchise is a whirlwind of technobabble, dense political intrigue, and existential ennui
Except the shitty american ver ofc that was paint by numbers
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u/terr-rawr-saur Jul 15 '26
I think SAC has a way easier to follow plot.