In the year 2029, the world is made borderless by the net; humans live in virtual environments, watched over by law enforcement that is able to download themselves onto the net and even into minds. The ultimate secret agent of the future is not human, has no physical body and can freely travel the information highways of the world, hacking and manipulating whatever and whenever required.

The agent, created by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is designated code name Project 2501 and distanced from them under the pseudonym "The Puppet Master." 2501 seems to be the perfect solution to their international espionage requirements. Everything runs smoothly until this prototype virtual agent concludes it is a life form in its own right and requests political asylum and true physical existence in defiance of its creator. The Puppet Master has an uncanny control over people's minds and can make them do what it wants them to.

An agent, Major Motoko Kusanagi, is a highly trained female agent sent to counter the Puppet Master's threat and will have to make the ultimate decision when the Puppet Master suggests a merger with her. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Internal Bureau of Investigations are engaged in direct explosive confrontation, Kusanagi must decide if she will fulfill the Puppet Master's ultimate objective to become truly human and exist outside of the Electronic Net.

This movie is possibly the most visually stunning anime ever made. It is one of the two anime mentioned when most people think of anime (along with "Akira") and is so for good reason. The animation is flawless and the backgrounds are compared with that of "Blade Runner." The story is as cyber-punk as they come, all stems from the mind of William Gibson (Neuromancer) and has inspired "The Matrix" as well. A must see for anyone interested in anime or any long-time fans favorite.

Section 6 Department Chief Nakamura