Castle in the Sky (1986)

 

If it's a Ghibli production, directed by Hayao Miyazaka, it's a pretty safe bet you're in for a wonderful adventure, one that explores themes not always found in animated features, with visuals, artstyle and acting coming together to create something wonderful. 

Hyperbole? Possibly. But there's hardly any denying that most of the output from the Ghibli Studios is effin' brilliant. See, craftsmanship does shine through and there isn't a single one of Ghibli's films that feels like it was a product of marketing or 'pumping out a feature because we need that sweet, sweet money'. If that doesn't feel like a breath of fresh air, I honestly don't know what does. 

Anyway...

The film wastes no time, as an airship is attacked by a band of pirates, lead by matriarch Dora. They're after a young girl (more specifically, a mysterious stone she carries with her). When the girl plummets to Earth, they assume she is dead, but the stone actually floats her down into the arms of Pazu, a young boy who is an assistant to an engineer in a mine. Pazu is a kindhearted soul who wants to help Sheeta (the girl) right away. The pirates track her down to Pazu's home and they run away, but when the military suddenly arrives, the plot thickens.

It turns out the army and some mysterious officials are also after Sheeta. This all has to do with a mythical floating palace called Laputa, that is said to hold vast mysteries and - of course - power. Eventually, our two are captured and in order to protect Pazu, Sheeta sends him away. But then Pazu runs into the pirates again and he joins them so they can find Sheeta again and head towards Laputa; Pazu for the discovery, the pirates for supposed treasure. Turns out the pirates aren't evil, just trying to survive. The real enemy is a government agent named Muska. 

This guy has sinister written all over his bespectacled face and demeanour. He is legitimately creepy. 

Of course, they do find Laputa, but the army is also there. Sheeta is in actuality a princess, heiress to the mysteries of Laputa, but so is Muska. He of course wants ultimate power, but there are a few things he didn't quite count on... 

The entire story takes place in an alternate version of 1986, when the whole world is more akin to a rural setting, but with some steampunk flavoured vehicles. The fact that massive airships exist, is pretty awesome. As always, the backgrounds and designs are not only inventive, but breathtakingly beautiful. You honestly can't ever fault the animation quality of these films. Our protagonists are great, as Pazu and Sheeta instantly become friends and it is actually quite believable. The side characters are fun as well, especially the pirate family, who is obviously here for some comic relief. But there is more to them than first glances would reveal, as the matriarch Dora is a character with more depth than you would first think. 

The only thing that very arguably is the weakest part, is the antagonist. Muska is a bit of a one note villain and sticks out like a sore thumb. Especially once they reach Laputa he goes full blown evil mastermind, complete with an over-the-top sinister laugh. It's a bit of a shame, really, as most of the other characters are a lot more rounded, but by the time you reach this point, you won't really care. 

It's a gorgeous fantasy, with a heartwarming story and visuals that are simply stunning. Do yourself a favour and check it out, it's totally worth it.