Ghost in the Shell (30th Anniversary Screening)

9:30pm - Sunday, Aug 3, 2025

Ghost in the Shell (30th Anniversary Screening)

Mamoru Oshii's landmark 1995 anime film GHOST IN THE SHELL is a title that has evolved into something of a cultural phenomenon, spawning sequels, remakes, and even a live action feature. The story follows a cyborg policewoman named Motoko Kusanagi, who is herself a "ghost in a shell" (meaning her living consciousness is somewhere being projected into a organic/mechanical body). She struggles with what it means to be "alive" while searching for a master hacker known as “the Puppet Master” whose motivation goes beyond merely disrupting the status quo. Full of action, pathos, and glorious vistas of a city mixing tradition and futurism, GHOST IN THE SHELL is best experienced and appreciated when viewed on the big screen.

"... a pillar of the cyberpunk movement and a testament to visual realism in animation." (Nerdist)

"A stunning feat of modern animation, GHOST IN THE SHELL offers a thoughtful, complex treat for anime fans, as well as a perfect introduction for viewers new to the genre." (Rotten Tomatoes)

"For sheer mind-expanding sci-fi strangeness this is hard to beat." (Time Out)

"Most alluring are the crumbling neon cityscapes, real world/cyberspace fusion and the musings on identity." (Total Film)

Sunday, August 3
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

GHOST IN THE SHELL "Kôkaku kidôtai" (Mamoru Oshii, 1995 / 83 mins / 14 A / Japanese w/EST) In the year 2029, the barriers of our world have been broken down by the net and by cybernetics, but this brings new vulnerability to humans in the form of brain-hacking. When a highly-wanted hacker known as 'The Puppetmaster' begins involving them in politics, Section 9, a group of cybernetically enhanced cops, are called in to investigate and stop the Puppetmaster.


*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

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