[DerMensch24]

Laputa: Castle in the Sky

Synopsis (Courtesy of MAL):
Spoiler (Click to View)enkuu no Shiro Laputa takes place in a world where humanity once built great flying cities. A catastrophe later destroyed all of these majestic creations, forcing the human race to once again live on the ground. Despite these setbacks, humanity still has a passion for flight and explores the skies with planes and airships. A young girl named Sheeta is on one such airship, having been abducted by the government agent Muska. When the ship is attacked by the air pirate Captain Dola, Sheeta takes the opportunity to escape. Saved by the grace of luck and magic, Sheeta is found by a young boy named Pazu. The two later discover that Sheeta's amulet is the key to finding Laputa—a legendary castle that is said to be the greatest of the flying cities. Together these new friends head out to find the castle and unravel its mysteries before the greedy and evil people of the world do.

Studio: Ghibli
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance
Aired: Aug 2, 1986
Source: https://myanimelist.net/anime/513/Tenkuu...iro_Laputa
Sub/Dub: Both exist and both are well done. Believe Disney has exclusive dub rights to all Ghibli films.

Movie Trailer:
Spoiler (Click to View)

Officially the first film produced under the name of Studio Ghibli (the "first" film being Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind), Laputa: Castle in the Sky continued the reputation of Hayao Miyazaki's wonders in the world of anime. For those who have viewed this film as well as Nausicaä, you will note many similarities (even Nausicaä's pet somehow finds its way into this film if you pay attention) ;)

Nevertheless, as a film targeted to younger audiences in particular yet viewable to all, it delivers. A good pace with the right amount of action and dialogue keep the audience interested throughout the film. The story is very straightforward, and interestingly enough there are times I caught a few plotholes, however these were mere intention that would reveal a few twists in time. The characters, while not too memorable, still hold distinctive personalities that add to the quality of the film's charm. A side note however would be the dubbed voice actor for Pazu gave him a more mature voice for his age while the sub version allows for a proper voice.

As with the reputation of Miyazaki comes art, and Laputa delivers another fantasy of his come to life through beautiful art and techniques. The sound was also superb, as Joe Hisaishi is well noted for this role within Ghibli films. Overall, Laputa conveys a wonderful animated film and for those who have not had the opportunity to view it I would recommend it ;)

[Mafty Navue Erin]

Classic movie with re-watch value and originality. Then again just about everything made by Studio Ghibli has re-watch value and originality.