Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 4: Ghost Stands Alone
Synopsis
The story of this fourth installment takes place amidst signs of postwar reconstruction in the winter of 2028. Tensions are rising in New Port City as demonstrations are held concerning the interests of foreign cartels. This leads to a shooting incident involving riot police. It all started with a cyberbrain infection released by the terrorist "Fire Starter." An independent offensive unit led by Motoko Kusanagi entrusts the suppression of the situation to their ghosts and aims for their own justice. Below the surface of the incident, lies the "tin girl" Emma and the "scarecrow man" Burinda Junior. As Kusanagi deals with the incident, she draws near to what those two ghosts were seeking. (Source: ANN)
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed. Some appreciate the franchise's history and cyberpunk themes, while others find the plot rushed, confusing, and underdeveloped. The short runtime and vague character motivations are major points of criticism.
Strengths
- Longstanding and respected franchise with maintained quality.
- Mystical cyberpunk world of police and mysterious crime
Weaknesses
- Rushed and underdeveloped plot due to short runtime.
- Confusing and chaotic plot with vague character motivations.
- Plot is an egregiously strung together series of dumb events