Studio Ghibli's First Venture

Rating: 8/10 (3 November 2018)

1985 was the year Studio Ghibli was formed by legends Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, Toshio Suzuki and Yasuyoshi Tokuma. A year later, they released their first ever feature length film, Laputa: Castle in the Sky (or just Castle in the Sky internationally). The film went on to garnish critical acclaim and a huge cult following amongst fans of Miyazaki's work. Needless to say, based on my love and appreciation for this man's work, I deem it as one of his best.
The general story follows the adventures of a young boy named Pazu and a girl named Sheeta who possesses a mysterious stone with the ability of levitation. In addition to keeping the crystal away from military agents, they embark on a quest to search for a legendary floating castle called Laputa. With that said, Pazu and Sheeta make an adorable couple of friends, as their chemistry with each other is very sweet but also heart wrenching given what circumstances come about to them. Both are determined to find this lost castle to rediscover its lost beauty, and it's really nice how they develop within the pirates they meet.
Speaking of said pirates, Dola's gang may seem antagonistic at first, but they're actually a genuinely entertaining and bittersweet gang, as they mold into one of the funniest family duos ever displayed in film. As for the real antagonist Colonel Muska, he is extremely hellbent on recovering Laputa for his own selfish and diabolical reasons, and therein lies possibly the film's biggest theme of all. You can use whatever weapons and machinery to get your way, but no matter what, love and nature are what matter most and taking them for granted does more harm than good.
In addition, the setting that emulates 19th century Europe really gives the film a strange albeit wonderful contrast between the prosperous town Pazu is from to the much more spectacular castle altogether. Even for their first ever feature, the animation really is astonishing, especially the usage of aircraft and clouds breaking up. The moments where the characters are in the air make one feel the sense of high open space, and the atmosphere around really makes one's jaw drop. It's great when the world building can sometimes steal the show from the actual cast.
If there are criticisms I do have, it's that while Dola's sons are entertaining in their own regard, the whole sub arch with them falling in love with Sheeta is rather pointless. It doesn't show up again after a couple of scenes and it actually gives a somewhat creepy feel to the movie. Also, while the Disney English dub is by no means bad, there is a little too much dialogue sprinkled throughout. It doesn't help that there are points that should be silent that are filled with annoying banter and out of place comedy. I'm yet to see the original dub, but I hope it's much better.
Overall, Castle in the Sky remains as the kickstarter to what would eventually become the most beloved Japanese animation studio of all time. The characters are extremely lovable and worth rooting for, the animation is nothing short of gorgeous, and the themes of prospering through nature over political action and violence are just as relevant today as they were back then. If you are yet to see this film, definitely give it a watch to see where the studio that brought us Totoro, Spirited Away and Princess Kaguya originally blossomed. It's an experience for the whole family, and one that I'm happy to rewatch after so many years.