LAPUTA: Castle in the Sky｜Anime

2022.01.29

“LAPUTA: Castle in the Sky” is the first Japanese animated film produced by Studio Ghibli and released in 1986. It is the third animated feature film directed by Hayao Miyazaki .
It was the first original animated film directed by Miyazaki, and was the first Studio Ghibli film to be established after consulting with Toshio Suzuki, then of Tokuma Shoten, who later became a producer at Studio Ghibli. The number of drawings was 69,262. The number of colours used was 381.

Synopsis

The girl Sheeta (Princess Lusheeta Toel Ur Laputa) was captured by the government’s special services and transported on an airship. Taking advantage of an attack by the air pirate Dora’s family, Sheeta tries to escape and accidentally falls from the airship. Meanwhile, Pazu, a young boy working in the mine, sees something falling from the sky. It is Sheeta who has fallen from the airship. The blue stone that Sheeta was wearing had helped her to descend, floating slowly and mysteriously in the air.
Sheeta and Pazu thus meet and are drawn into a battle over the blue stone. The film depicts the adventures of an ancient heritage and a huge floating city.

LAPUTA: Castle in the Sky | Recommendations

This animated film LAPUTA: Castle in the Sky is highly acclaimed amongst Ghibli’s films, especially amongst those who have seen many of Ghibli’s films, and the innocent courage of Pazu and the pure-heartedness of Sheeta are amongst the reasons why many viewers love this film.
The film also has many highlights, such as the wonderful setting where sadness turns into hope, the theme of the conflict of human ideas, many famous quotes, the overwhelming beauty of the images and the appeal of exciting adventures.
The various characters in the film are all catchy and lovable, which is one of the reasons for the film’s high popularity. Personally, I love the aerial pirates, the Dora family, for their humanity, their kindness amidst their harshness, and their cuteness and loveliness. They add depth and charm to the story.

The music by Joe Hisaishi also enriches the world of the story. The scenes of Laputa soaring through the air and the depiction of flowers blooming in the meadows are sure to strike a chord with the viewer.
All in all, this is a film in which you can feel all of Hayao Miyazaki’s moment-to-moment enthusiasm for his work.