[Anime Review] Laputa - Castle In The Sky

Laputa - Castle In The Sky

"After 22 years of the initial release, I still consider this is the best Ghibli movie and my all time Favorite" -bezoe

A girl named Sheeta falls out of the sky and lands in Pazu's arms. Soon after a gang of air pirates led by Dola, as well as a mysterious man named Muska, are on their tails. The chase leads them to a floating castle that once belonged to an ancient race of people.

This is probably the 20th time I watched this anime over the past 25 years of my life. The concept of the storyline was superb and its very unique. Its a very energetic piece of anime, because right on the beginning, we already in the middle of the story that lead into a chase between goverment and pirates. There was a very good robot scene here, when the robot try to protect Sheeta from the army.

Character design was very Ghibli style (not hot but cute type, and adorable). Pazu and Sheeta really have one of the best characteristics of all Ghibli anime. Dola (The pirate leader) was awesome, she is really funny when she try to manage her underlings. The robot design I think was very simple, but still very iconic.

Background design was probably one of the best of its era (80's) but even now when I rewatch it again, its still awesome (Remember, this is still the era when people coloring using traditional media - a.k.a no 3d or some fancy computer yet). The design of the Laputa also needs to be praise, especially the roots.

Animation was outstanding, its super smooth in some area, and very good quality in a busy scene. One of the scene that i really like is the train chase, I think the bridge colapsing was really awesome animation. The other one probably the town brawl scene + when they are escaping.

Soundtrack... Was mindblowing, Joe Hisaishi did it again. It was a very beautiful music, the whole movie won't be as great as it wasn't by Joe Hisaishi. The ending ost was probably one of the most beautiful piece I ever heard in my life. The 1st time I heard it I was around 6 years old and I still be able to remembered it when I rewatch it again after like 10 years.

Bottomline: This is my favorite anime of all Ghiblis (I haven't watch the latest Ghibli's anime yet though.. - Ponyo)

Overall Rating: A