Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986)

A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle.

Jess' Review

I was first introduced to Studio Ghibli in secondary school. I nearly lost my damn mind over Spirited Away (2001) and spent countless hours trying to draw Haku. It was a gateway drug to anime. And whilst I have generally outgrown this (though look back fondly on my nerdier years of Death Note, Wolf’s Rain and Ginga Tensetsu Weed), I defy anyone to outgrow Studio Ghibli. These films are treasures, an homage to art and adventure.

We watched Castle in the Sky today. The Hayao Miyazaki creation follows Pazu and Sheeta in their efforts to defend a mysterious crystal from the wrong hands and discover the hidden, floating city of Laputa. Filled to the brim with vibrant, emotive characters, Castle in the Sky is a delight to watch.

The film is stunning. Visually, the pseudo-steampunk world is expansive and bursting with charm. From the industrialised mining town to the gardens of Laputa, each scene is a piece of art with depth and it’s own, personal kind of beauty. It’s a playground, with a simple story that appeals to a childlike sense of wonder in us all. 

The characters are fantastic in typical Miyazaki style, magnetic, eccentric and undeniably charming. Captain Dola is a personal favourite, tough as nails but remaining a caring Mother to her rag-tag family. The dialogue is littered with humour and I found myself grinning my way through the 2 hour run-time.

I admit with any dubbed film the dialogue can be a little off in places. But for the most part, this was hardly noticeable. I was enthralled, too caught up in our heroes’ journey to gripe about a clunky-sounding line. I have little critique at all in truth. I thought it was wonderful. Perhaps a little predictable, but who cares? It was done with finesse, care and vitality.

Is it Miyazaki’s best? For me, no. That spot is held firmly by Spirited Away. But this film is a testament to his legacy, a delight on every level and nevertheless comes highly recommended by yours truly.

9/10

---

Sam's Review

When I look through Hayao Miyazaki’s filmography, it dawns on me how many phenomenal films the man has made. He's certainly a master storyteller, who’s vision demands respect.

Miyazaki is influenced heavily from his own life. Similar to his other films, Castle has strong female characters, Captain Dola and Sheeta, which are most likely inspired by his own mother, who was from accounts a very strong woman, who pushed against societal norms. The women in his films are never sexualised. Even the romantic aspirations that certain pirates have for Sheeta was originally meant to be admiration for a potential mother figure, until Disney modified it while dubbing the film into English.

As a youth Miyazaki had a fascination with the mechanics of flight, stemming from his father's company, Miyazaki Airplaines. It's apparent from the designs of the various aircraft he animates in his films. Even the goal of this film is to find a flying castle.

At the age of four, Miyazaki witnessed the bombing of Utsunomiya. The travesties of war, and the power of love, are clear themes within his films. Another is humanity’s relationship with nature, often injuring the earth while showing us the consequences.

This is all present in Castle in the Sky. A film that if you pause on certain frames, the image could hang in a gallery and you’d gaze upon it, wondering how the artist envisioned it in the first place. The storytelling is masterful, remaining simple while tackling big concepts. Somehow, no matter your age, Miyazaki manages to draw you into his child-like wonder as you embark on his adventure. With his innovative designs, he has evolved steampunk into the modern day.

The predictability is forgivable, as I find myself too enamoured with the vibrant visuals and the lovable characters. And there's such a charm to the film. In a time when people are selfishly putting others at risk it was heart-warming to watch the camaraderie of the townsfolk.

Most won't appreciate this, but Miyazaki's world-building is incredible. The creatures he creates from the corners of his own imagination are magnificent. His designs, the castles or the aircraft, make me envious of his creativity. How does he build these out of thin air? He is the deity of each world he creates, a caring God.

I worry that some will dismiss the animation as childish, and in a sense it is. But the messages that are subtly infused are profound and thoughtful, and the story is an adventure I'd go on again. The fact that I don't rate this as Miyazaki's best is a testament to his greatness as a film-maker.

8.5/10