Another spectacular 80s Miyazaki blowout

Rating: 9/10 (27 August 2017)

I had the opportunity to view this film in my watchlist when GKIDS was distributing this film to select cinemas across the US, including one approximate to my home. I took my parents to see it, and we had anything but regrets. To start with, the story sent a very powerful message against abuse of power, which in our world seems highly relevant. It presents, again, highly successful sci-fi elements that are intriguing on paper, but are especially wondrous in animated depiction. Speaking of which, the animation is of that kind of quality that seems not to age, which I'm sure had left many in 1986 speechless. The chaotic action scenes, the epic drama, and the comedy are all simultaneously explored highly successfully by what represents S tier Japanese animation. Some of the cast isn't too complex, but those that aren't are still very fun to watch that it didn't take away from the ones who were, namely Muska and Dola (who I couldn't tell until about an hour in who was the villain). The music is pretty brilliant as well, fitting in with every environment and enhancing my personal immersion. What it comes down to is that this film is only now receiving the admiration it deserves, as well as Miyazaki's other movies prior to My Neighbor Totoro. If you are an anime otaku, you WILL enjoy this film. If you're curious, don't at all give it a second thought. Once again, Hayao Miyazaki, I must bow before you to show that I view you as a gift to animation.