One of my all time favorites.

Just what I expected

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

The film that officially introduced the world to what would become the greatest animation studio of all time, and it lives up to that honor. All these years later in what now seems to be the twilight era of Studio Ghibli, classic after classic under their belts, Castle in the Sky still manages to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its best. Hayao Miyazaki's intention with this film was to show off what the studio was capable of, as well as to act as its mission statement - to create animated features of the utmost quality filled with magic, heart, adventure, depth, and purity of artistic intent. It succeeds with flying colors.It's a notable film in Miyazaki's filmography not only for being his first under the Ghibli banner, but also in that it is perhaps his most traditional work during his time with the studio. It employs many classical storytelling techniques that he would later largely abandon as his voice as an auteur deepened: a solid three-act structure, the MacGuffin plot device, as well as a purely villainous antagonist. This was likely a conscious decision with the intent of laying a sturdy, accessible foundation upon which to build the studio's name, and it's by no means a criticism of the film. Quite the contrary, these tried-and-true techniques are employed in absolutely masterful fashion to create what is a clear contender for the studio's strongest and most narratively satisfying action/adventure film. It also lays the groundwork for what would become many of Ghibli's core themes: coming of age, friendship, awe of the natural world, and rich, morally layered characters who are often not all they may seem at first glance.Though it may not have quite the same level of experimentation, uniqueness, and artistic virtuosity as some of Miyazaki's later works, it remains one of his seminal films, as well as one of his most tightly-scripted, well-paced, and purely fun. A classic in its own right.4.5/5

I saw this when it first hit the home video market, and was enamored with the scope and scale of Miyazaki's imagination. Like a lot of good Japanese animation (anime) this one doesn't stick with giant robots or sadistic antagonists, or other familiar tropes that pervade anime and science fiction in general. Having said that there is a military bent or element placed in the film. As with some other Miyazaki offerings the military is seen as a tool that is often misguided or misused for other people's schemes. So it is that Paizu, the main character, and Sheeta, the damsel in distress with a family secret, are challenged by the local authorities as they seek to discover her origins and the source of intrigue regarding her past. The film is an anime epic, long in scope and vast in imagination, and filled with both action and adventure as well as more reflective moments. And when I said this was a good adventure film for all ages, I meant it. Where there is some military violence, there's no blood shed, and the sexual intrigue is kept G-rated, PG at worst (and in a very Japanese cultural vein), unlike a lot of science fiction offerings from Japanese animation usually aimed at teenage boys and older. Families can watch this, though very young viewers may get apprehensive or questioning at some of the action."Castle in the Sky" is a riff on a story element from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" regarding a flying city, hence the title of the film. Though unlike Swift's tale this story doesn't take place in the 18th century, but in the Victorian era with what is often referred to as a "steampunk" setting.As with a lot of Japanese "anime" offerings, the animation, though vast in scope and impressive in the tale it brings, it's not Disney. That is to say the animation is somewhat stilted, though a bit smoother than a lot of anime of the time. Even so it is still a pleasure to watch, though older children might get a little impatient with it.A great Myazaki offering. Watch it on a lazy weekend afternoon, or perhaps when there's nothing else on during the week. Either way, enjoy.

Released in 1986 under the direction of the now legendary Hayao Miyazaki and known for being the first full length feature of again the now legendary Studio Ghibli. Too many the film is seen as nostalgic, enchanting and rank highly in the greatest animation films list. However, with this I disagree this isn't just the one of the greatest animation or greatest animation film ever made...It is the greatest FILM ever made. Castle In The Sky completely blew me away to the point of being stunned and left in complete silence by the final scene. Words simply cannot describe how beautiful this masterpiece of a film really is. The soundtrack is possibly the best featured in any film ever, with beautiful orchestral and piano centred compositions capturing the aw and beauty magnificently of the on-screen visuals. The film flows perfectly with each scene progressing the plot and developing the story. Our two protagonists are simply amazing, with the duo having some of the best chemistry ever put to screen and of course while the whole film is simply stunning, the final act is one of the most enchanting, beautiful and magical experiences in film history. I can safely say that this may be one of the only films without a single minor flaw, even nit- picking is near-impossible. The plot follows the story of a young girl who is saved by a mysterious power concealed in her necklace after falling from an airship. She is cared for by a young miner boy who instantly bonds with her and reveals to her his burning passion to find the ancient sky city of Laputa. All while a rowdy group of pirates and a relentless agent ruthlessly hunt the two with the intention of finding and raiding the city. Castle In The Sky also completely surprised me with it's huge, spectacular action scenes and fat-paced adventure theme especially towards the end of the first act. Miyazaki and the Ghibli team completely blew my mind in what they achieved with this anime classic. Castle In The Sky will have you in near tears on how beautifully animated and powerful it is, without a doubt Studio Ghibli's first and best and Miyazaki's magnum opus. Castle In The Sky 100% deserves a 10/10!

This is one of my favorite film by Studio Ghibli. The unique world can only be created by Hayao Miyazaki. The first moment that a girl slowly falls from the sky, in the fantastic sound, audience will be glued to the story. Especially I like the picture of the castle in the sky which spreads after diving into the eye of a storm. I've never seen such an attractive world. The beauty of the picture is one point worthy of note.The story line is quite simple, but suggestively tells something important to us. Varieties of interpretation can be considered. So this animation film is able to entertain not only children but also adults, all generations. I cannot find the worlds but excellent.