Real Women of Gaming

The discovery of self is an extremely important journey. Perhaps that is why there are so many stories about it. To find yourself or to start on the path of knowing yourself is something that everyone can relate to. It can be a dangerous path though. Particularly in a fantasy world with airships and magic. 

Castle in the Sky comes from the amazing mind of creator Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki has been creating beautiful anime in his studio for years. In fact many of us have grown up with his anime. I came to his work later as an anime fan and have been trying to catch up. Castle in the Sky was the latest of his movies that I watched. 

Pazu never could have guessed the twists his life would take on a fateful evening. Working late, Pazu sees a floating girl who is about his age. After helping her out of the air he brings them both home where he cares for her. The next day their conversation about her past is cut short by none other then pirates! However they are soon being chased by government agents as well. Can Pazu and Sheeta get away before it is too late? What is it about Sheeta that is so important? 

Castle in the Sky is very much what I expect from a Studio Ghibli film. There is beauty everywhere. A joy in the simple things in life. The importance of kindness and helping others. There is also, of course, peril. This film is somehow dark, hopeful and also slapstick all rolled into one. 

The animation is indicative of an older style. As I have said in previous reviews this is not bad, just a little different for anime fans who are mostly familiar with newer styles. The character designs are really interesting in this anime. You have space pirates led by an older woman. Government agents. Rounding it out with local people who are just trying to live their lives in  their small town leads to a lot of different designs for characters. I think this diversity lends to the fantasy element of the movie. 

The music is, as always,a perfect match. It has elements of pastoral whimsy while also lending to the darker scenes. The work put into animating the settings are the real star. To go from airships to towns to trains to underground. The thought of having to animate that is enough to make a person’s head spin. Studio Ghibli always steps up to challenges and knocks them out of the park. 

Would I recommend Castle in the Sky? Yes. I would. I think this movie will pair well with all kinds of anime fans. Honestly, you really cannot go wrong with an anime from the creative team of Hayao Miyazaki. 

ALWAYS KEEP SPARKLING!!!