[FREE] Castle in the Sky (1986)

 I’m going back in proper order so here’s another movie review: Laputa: Castle in the Sky or Castle in the Sky (1986) in the English version. Yes, I am still in my Ghibli frenzy mode and will be until I have no more movies to review (which hopefully will last the rest of the school year but I highly doubt it).   Here’s your typical trailer! 

Hayao Miyazaki's fantasy adventure Castle in the Sky begins with a chase scene through a flying ship, where all the passengers are after the young girl, Sheeta . Going overboard to avoid capture, Sheeta is rescued by her powerful crystal necklace which floats her down to safety. She's recovered by Pazu , a young resourceful boy who works in a small mining town. Sharing a common desire to see Laputa, the castle in the sky, Pazu and Sheeta team up to outrun the pirates and the military. Led by hard-bitten matriarch Dola , the pirates are a rowdy yet dimwitted group of brothers who are after Laputa's treasure. Led by the greedy yet civilized Muska , the military is after Laputa's secret powers. Everyone races to get to the abandoned castle of Laputa, which has been overgrown with vines and plant life. Its only inhabitants are the animals and robots who protect a magical garden. As the different parties fight over who gets to control Laputa, it's up to Sheeta to use her ancient knowledge to save it from ultimate destruction

Summary courtesy of Fandango.

The theme is somewhat different from Nausicaäof the Valley of the Wind and Princess Mononoke but they all have something related to Mother Nature. Interestingly, the title is also metaphor for a dream or goal, most usually an unobtainable one. I agree with this because no one would think about a floating castle hidden in the hurricane clouds now would you? Also, in search for such an impossible thing would definitely suit the title. This film also centers on Sheeta as one of the main characters, but not so much as the earlier films I reviewed about. I admire Sheeta for her bravery and courage to self improvement to go on an amazing adventure as in search for a floating that could help her discover more of her family’s past.  I guess this somewhat encourages girls out there to have courage, whether you are some typical girl who takes care of her sheep in the mountains. 

              I recommend this adventure film to every one of all ages. It might be not as violent as a typical American action films such as The Dark Knight, but it has a heartwarming event that you would enjoy.  In fact, I will say this to the other previous and future Miyazaki’s films I will review on: watch them!