Castle in the Sky
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Movie Reviews of Castle in the Sky
Movie Review: Castle in the Sky....
Summary: 5 Stars
Is it just me, or do those very words, without even knowing what they refer to, contain a whimsical, imagination-inspiring power to them?"Castle in the Sky" is by Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, who I've come to believe is one of the most masterful storytellers alive today, and maybe of all time. It begins with a young girl, Sheeta, drifting down from the sky into the arms of a young miner named Pazu. From there begins an incredible adventure as these two search for answers to the girl's origins while running from both air pirates as well as mysterious agents. I don't intend to reveal much of the plot here, but suffice it to say, this movie reignited the feelings I used to have as a child when watching such classics as "The Wizard of Oz" and the "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" (which I also just recently purchased on DVD.
The movie was created several years ago, but was recently brought to America, with a wonderful redubbing into English, thanks to Disney Studios. If you're looking for visuals like the mind-blowing, computer simulations in recent Disney hits such as "Finding Nemo", this isn't it. However, if you're a fan of traditional cel animation, this film may be one of the best ever produced. Miyazaki's attention to detail, his ability to bring these two dimensional characters to life, is awe-inspiring.
For me, the greatest thing about this movie is that it's reminded me of the kind of fictional magic I hope to create myself one day, and makes me wonder if it's too late in my life for me to become an animator. The bad thing about seeing a movie like this, is that I know that I could never produce anything nearly as beautiful.
Fortunately for me, if I ever get the opportunity, I'm just stubborn, determined, and delusional enough to give it a shot anyway.
Movie Review: Deja Vu
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to have an exciting time just as you see the films like James Bond movies, or Indie Jones series Miyazaki animation film as this one is just for you. Miyazaki often uses similar settings, ploys used in previous works and Castle In The Sky is no exception.
PAZU AND SHEETA
Pazu and Sheeta are the pairs exactly like his 1978 TV animation series Future Boy Conan. Pazu became less superhuman than Conan who has incredible power. Sheeta, however, is almost the same as Lana. It is bacause the basic movie plot was originally prepared for the sequel of Conan.
ECOLOGICALLY MOTIVATED
Most of the animation works he was deeply involved are themed with human and nature. Takahata's Heidi series in 1974 sets viewers closer to simple life in alps full of nature. Future Boy Conan in 1978 promotes ecologically friendly ideal community Highharbor. Naussica of The Valley of The Wind finds the heroine who stands between the antagonistic nature and human world. Castle tries to conclude that civilization who forgets firm soil withers away.
BOND FILM LIKE ACTION
That's what the movie is all about. Miyazaki's animation is vivid with action and each action seem so real we are enchanted instantly.
LAPUTA SO DISTANT
Contrary to our expectation the stay in Laputa floating kingdom is so short and I wish I could see the castle a bit longer.
SUPERGRANNY DOLA
Miyazaki films have lots of impressive old women characters such as Yubaba in Spirited Away and Dola in this film. Her street-smart yet with warm-hearted character gives the film the depth.
Verdict: Typical Miyazaki film enjoyable to wide audience.
Rating: 90 out of 100
Recommended for: Wide range of moviegoers.
Movie Review: War, peace, man and nature
Summary: 5 Stars
The floating city, Laputa, was just a legend, a dream of explorers. But Pazu, given voice by James Van Der Beek, has a goal. His goal was to find Laputa like his father did before him. And then one day a girl, voiced by Anna Paquin, fell out of the sky. And things went weird.
The story is based on the Laputa of Gulliver's Travels, a flying city of thinkers and scientists, the city in this story has been waiting for the return of its people and rulers for 700 years. A city of wealth, advanced science and powerful weapons, it could be dangerous in the wrong hands. In fact it could be dangerous in anybody's hands!
The movie has a touch of magic and science fiction, with air pirates, military governments, robotic gardeners filling the scenes with action, adventure, battles and wonder. The setting seems to be a version of our Earth but with many changes. The landscape seems worn, mined out, the towns and cities, of the nonfloating type, look dirty and in great need of repair. There is an underlining message about the environment as well as the need for balance with the Earth but that never gets in the way of the plain old story telling that makes it a delight to watch.
Fans of Nausicaa will notice the animals in Laputa's garden as being related to Teto and will also notice how many of the uniforms and aircraft designs seem to suggest a link between this film to that one. The robots seem very retro, somehow warm and cold at the same time. Fans of Last Exile, the TV series, may also enjoy this film, as fans of this film may wish to buy the first disc of Last Exile to check it out.
Extras are cool, allowing us to meet the English voice caste, including Mandy Patinkin, Cloris Leachman and Mark Hamill. A must for any DVD library.
Movie Review: GREAT MOVIE? I DON'T THINK SO!! FLAWLESS MOVIE? I THINK SO!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Well, the only flaw was that the movie had to end, but this is easily one of Miyazaki's greatest movies( but he never makes a bad one!). I have the R2(Japanese) version with subs, 2.0 DD, and about 83% progressive, but this version will have DD 5.1 Japanese and English, and be 100% progressive! It will also have a redone soundtrack by it's original composer Joe Hisaishi(which translates to Quincy Jones in American, who is also a great composer!), redone dub with Anna Paquin, James Van Derbeek, and other Hollywood celebs, it will come with a second disc(no there isn't a box or special edition, so preorder now!) that will have storyboard to movie comparison, trailers, and some more stuff! The only thing bad is that Disney will probably put their own movie trailers on the second disc. Now that that's out the way, for my review: THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES OF THE 80's, NO MAKE THAT OF ALL TIME!! It starts out with a bang, Mama and her gang overrun a blimp for a necklace that can make things levitate that a little girl named Sheeta has been kidnapped for. They bust into a room and the girl climbs out the window to get away but falls into the sky and falls. We see Laputa engraved on a stone and then see probably the greatest intro to any movie...EVER!! It shows the story of flying castles and what became of this. A young boy spots Sheeta falling and catches her just in time. Thus, the beginning to a great story with amazing visuals, interesting characters, funny scenes, and great character development. This movie or any Ghibli movie will turn non-believers into frothing at the mouth anime fans like you and me! P>Well that's about all the time I have! Be sure to buy this piece of animated history, something Disney could never make!!
Movie Review: One of Miyazaki's more adventure-based films...
Summary: 5 Stars
I love almost all of Miyazaki's works (with the exception of Porco Rosso), and Castle in the Sky is no different. Miyazaki's story-telling style tends to be rather slow-paced, which is fine, but I really enjoyed this movie for its faster, more energetic pacing. Almost immediately, the action starts, and it doesn't let up until the momentous climax.
The story itself is filled with entertaining fantasy elements- including sky pirates, princesses, and exciting chase scenes. Overall, the story is not too deep (there is some environmentalist themes in there), it is more of a adventure-driven tale. While watching this movie, I was repeatedly reminded of some of my favorite RPG games-- and that's a good thing. Castle in the Sky is also helped along with some very humorous parts (especially Dola), so it never got dull. I must also say that I enjoyed the English dub and found no problems with it. So, if you love whimsical fantasy tales, then this may be the film for you.
P.S.- While the movie is excellent, the dvd bonus features are rather lacking. This is unfortuneate, since bonus features are one of my favorite aspects of a dvd. The only thing included is a short sequence on the English voice actors (it's okay), a storyboard (who watches those anyway?), trailers (how I love watching ads), and an "introduction" by John Lasseter (what is the point of this?). As for that last part, I have no idea why Mr. Lasseter feels the need to spend five minutes telling us how great the movie will be. He does this on every Miyazaki film (seriously, can they really ALL be his favorite one?!). Well, anyway, I would've liked to have a nice making-of feature, but don't let the dvd ruin your enjoyment of this great film.