Kuze, real name Hideo Kuze, also referred as Project 2571, is the initial antagonist in the live-action adaptation of Ghost in The Shell, directed by Rupert Sanders.
History[]
Kuze, a mysterious hacker who infects peoples' cyber-brains, has wreaked havoc over the city. He is the main target of the Major's investigation, until she finds out that they share a strange connection. Kuze tells the Major that they were both transformed into cyborgs by Hanka, and she decides to lead her own investigation. He then instructs her not to listen to Hanka, but instead follow her own thoughts. Later, it is revealed that Kuze was also a victim of cyberization like The Major. Furthermore, he was her close friend and confidant, Hideo, but they were captured by Hanka and transformed into cyborgs, a process which she had succeeded while he had not.
Upon learning the truth about themselves, The Major assists Kuze in escaping Hanka, but he reveals he had planned to upload his Ghost in the Net and live beyond the physical plane of earth. Kuze invites the Major to join him, but she refuses. Kuze fades away and vows that he'll always be there for her. He is shot in the head by a Hanka sniper.
Appearance[]
Kuze is a damaged cyborg with an uncanny look. He has short pointy gray-ish hair. He has numerous skin plates over his body that are broken or maladjusted; those reveal his metallic frame underneath. Kuze also has little option in terms of apparel, as he wears nothing but a pair of black trousers, and is sometimes seen with a black hooded cloak. His speech pattern is very cryptic and also quite malfunctioning.
Personality and traits[]
Similar to the anime, not much is known about Kuze and his identity until the Major meets him. At first, he seems to be a simple terrorist hacker, with his only purpose being inflicting damage and pain. When appears before the Major, she manages to understand that he is trying to stop Hanka from kidnapping and experimenting on innocents. Kuze is then revealed to be more sympathetic and less villainous, as he goes on his own path to thwart Hanka's plans. Kuze also doesn't hold personal grudges for those who are not necessarily evil, like the Major who was hunting him down prior to her knowing his story.
Abilities[]
Kuze is a capable hacker who is able to access and leak the most classified information. He appears to be very dangerous as he knows things that people usually cannot think of. However, he is also quite fragile in terms of physical abilities, and tends to avoid combat or social interaction. His hindered communication skills also prevent him from making new friends and allies, aside the Major.
Relationships[]
Motoko Kusanagi (Major)[]
Before becoming a cyborg, Kuze was close with Motoko Kusanagi. Both were anti-cyberization activists and found refuge in an artists' neighborhood. When they meet again, their past selves appear to resurface, but it is merely memory fogs. Later on, Motoko remembers herself and tells Kuze, and he also comes to remember himself. He then offers her a place to join him in his Network, but she refuses as she still has a life in the real world. Kuze accepts her choice and promises her he'll always wait and be there for her.
Cutter[]
Kuze remembers Cutter as the one who invaded his neighorhood and took him away. Cutter is Kuze's archenemy as well as the Major's.
Ouellet[]
Kuze was the main subject tested by Dr. Ouellet. Throughout the movie, he doesn't seem to condemn her for her deeds, as she was under Cutter's orders and coercion. Furthermore, when Major confronts Ouellet about Kuze, Ouellet appears to be distraught and guilty about her involvement. It is implied she saw Kuze as highly as she saw the Major, a human made at their finest. She then helps the Major and redeems her failure with Kuze.
Dahlin[]
As opposed to Ouellet, Kuze did condemn Dr. Dahlin. It could be because Dahlin did not really care for those under her supervision, and has no conscience or remorse beyond herself (Dahlin is shown numerous times being unconcerned or aloof). Kuze kills her without regrets after he gets the information he needs from her.
Quotes[]
"I was conscious when they dismembered my body and discarded me like garbage" - Kuze recalling his transformation
"You do not listen to me. They tried to kill me first. This, is self-defense. DEFENSE OF SELF!" - Kuze to Major, trying to express his hacking and helping others
"Like everyone else" - Kuze comparing Major to his list of enemies
"Your shell belongs to them. But not your Ghost" - Kuze gives advice to the Major
Comparison with 2nd Gig[]
Some similarities and differences can be noticed between this version of Kuze and the original anime version of Hideo Kuze.
Similarities:[]
- Both are full-cyborgs who have gone through a painful transformation process.
- Their masterminding a large plan and a revolution
- The idea of the plan itself: upload and continue life beyond the physical plane of earth
- Residing in a place far from technology (Dejima and artists' neighborhood)
- Personal relationship with the Major
- Encounter with Batou (Movie version lasted a few seconds)
- Damaged shell with limited properties
- Both versions are manufactured by someone who eventually lost control of them. (Gouda and Cutter)
- Inviting Major to their network and live together.
- Both are implied being alive after their apparent death
- One-man army
Differences:[]
- Hideo Kuze remembers who he is, whereas Kuze does not entirely.
- Kuze is less of a physical being than Hideo Kuze, who is able to freely manifest himself as much as in the real world and the digital world.
- Hideo Kuze, despite having a damaged shell like Kuze, is still very dangerous and fit for battle.
- The way their relationship with the Major is established. Kuze was not exactly Major's lover and they were teens. Hideo Kuze was Motoko's first childhood male friend, and the first man she ever loved.
- The relationship in 2nd Gig is more implied than stated and is more intimate, whereas the movie leans towards a factual and friendly relationship.
- Hideo Kuze is a lot less expressive than Kuze in terms of emotions, but is more stable as a being.
- Kuze has a lack of fascination with paper cranes.
- Hideo Kuze is leader of a group of refugees.
- Kuze is shot in the head. Hideo Kuze "dies" of a virulent micromachine injection.
- Hideo Kuze has no personal grudges like Kuze, but harbors immense frustration in humanity's state.
Trivia[]
- Director Rupert Sanders mentioned this version of Kuze is an amalgam of The Laughing Man, Project 2501 and Kuze. It is to be noted however, that Kuze and Project 2501 are theoretically the same character, but in different continuities.
- Michael Pitt, Kuze's actor, was quite familiar with the Ghost in The Shell movies before interpreting his role.