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Keanu Reeves and anime are two terms that have often been combined. This is because the actor shares a love of the medium just as much as many of his fans do. Although he is best known for his amazing acting s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s as well as some of the most iconic movies and franchises, his connection to anime is one that comes back from time to time.

Scarlett Johansson

Out of his many famous movies, The Matrix is one movie that stands out because of how much it benefitted his career. There is one connection that the movie has with Scarlett Johansson that many might not realize. Although this connection can be made by going somewhat above and beyond, it has to do with the movie being inspired by the classic anime, Ghost in the Shell. 

The Matrix and Ghost in the Shell cannot be related almost directly. Although both of them have quite a few different concepts and the storyline is ways away from the anime, certain visual aspects made their way into Keanu Reeves’ movie. Scarlett Johansson starred in the live-action adaptation of the 1995 film but unfortunately, it wasn’t as good as fans had hoped. Both the original anime and The Matrix hold a grasp on technology in ways no one could have thought of.

Keanu Reeves in a still from The Matrix (1999)

“They took angles that we used quite a bit in Japanese manga, the direction of Japanese animation, Hong Kong wire action, and successfully combined them into a cohesive whole.” 

While one focuses on finding oneself in the idea of a world outside of reality, gaining confidence and faith in a world that saw naught of what could hold outside the box. The other film has a deep focus on the advancement of technology where governments have an influence that perhaps no one asked for. From visual aspects like the green fourth wall of code to the falling lady from a tall building, some scenes have made their way from Ghost in the Shell to The Matrix almost frame by frame.

Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix Are Not The Same

In their essence, Ghost in the Shell is different from The Matrix. This difference is formed by how Keanu Reeves’ film is an action thriller while the classic anime is a cop-themed project. Visually there are uncanny similarities between the two, but outside of it, with the basis of the story, they stand poles apart. A balance and yearning, these two factors play a big part in differentiating the two projects.

Ghost in the Shell (1995 film)

Such is the case, the similarities begin with how both directors work. Their movement of the camera is much too similar. There is no doubt that deep down they share a connection. However, in an overview, their similarities can be missed by many.

Source: Slash Film