Porco Rosso
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Movie Reviews of Porco Rosso
Movie Review: Something particularly for the romantic adventurers
Summary: 5 Stars
So, it's finally going to happen. Here's hoping that the people at Disney do the original version some justice..... by leaving it alone!! My family and I have watched a bootleg copy that was given to us of this film on DVD for the last couple of years. While the subtitles are sometimes a bit hasty posted to read, repeated viewings have helped to make this a very enjoyable film. It has also slowly become a sort of cult favorite with us. The ending is particularly poignant. As a guy with a soft spot for genuine romance and a passion for adventures, particularly those involving older aircraft, this film really leaves it's mark. My entire family look forward, eagerly to seeing the new release for American audiences.Also, comparing this film to other films by this director and storyteller is silly. Miyazaki is a versitile creator, capable of involving many types of storytelling and animation techniques and story pacing to tell a wide variety of stories on film. For those who think this is a kids film, it is not, no more than Casablanca is a kids film. They can watch it and probably will enjoy it but this is not "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Kiki's Delivery Service". Comparing it to them is not relevant regarding the story's content or the animation. Do people let their little ones watch "Princess Mononoke" because it's an animated feature? I certainly hope not. "....Mononoke" deserved it's PG-13 rating and "Porko Rosso" deserves it's PG rating for reasons regarding content.Movie Review: FYI
Summary: 5 Stars
Porco Rosso is by far my favorite Miyazaki film due to its witty humor and the anti-war theme. Althrough kids might not fully understand the movie, none of the content is actually "mature" enough that a whole family cannot enjoy this movie together.
The music and scores are fambulous as usual since Miyazaki and Hisaishi combined both their expertise together FLAWLESSLY.
I admit, I'm the pickiest person when it comes to voices matching personalities, but I really can't complain about the dubbing for this movie. It is actually enjoyable and believable as opposed to some dubs for other Miyazaki movies. The script follows the original quite closely. That makes me happy. Good Job!
The only thing I had a problem with was that they did not use the original for "Les Temps des Cerises" and the ending theme. I liked the voice of the original singer (Tokiko Kato) more so then the one they picked (don't know who), but the new one is not bad either.
Many might think that the ending is a bit of a blur, but that's Miyazaki's signature (i.e. watch end credit of My Neighbor Totoro and Nausicaa of Valley of the Wind). Miyazaki never does sequel of his films, which I fully agree with since somethings are better left unsaid and left to the imagination (which is a theme in most of his movies), but he does give hints throughout the movie on the ending. As for the actual ending, figure it out for yourself :)
Movie Review: "Face it, I'm a pig."
Summary: 5 Stars
Those words give Porco Rosso, the "Red Pig", carte blanche to act in ways that Marco Berlini (his former self) couldn't. On the surface, that means mercenary and amoral.
Sort of like Bogart in "Casa Blanca" or "To Have and to Have Not." In other words, nothing you could easily sum up in just a few words, and he likes it that way. It helps the new guys underestimate him, just the way he wants. Also like Bogart, Rosso lives in a time and a place just outside of active war, and just outside any jurisdiction that would take an active interest in him. And again like Bogart, he enters that un-war, on no side but his own, and wins what he wanted to win.
This isn't an animated copycat, though. It's Miyazaki's story all through, built around a romantic passion for flying and around strong, young female characters. In this case, two young women, and both a bit older than Miyazaki's usual - old enough for romance. A chaste sort of romance, up to a point. The passion for flight is the "Rosso", Marco's signature red seaplane.
The story? Just trust Miyazaki, you know it's going to be good. Miyazaki's films all seem to target specific ages, though, and this one isn't nearly as "young" as Kiki or even "Spirited Away." I'd guess it's good for tween/teen-agers, or adults willing to act a little child-like. That's child-like, not childish, a distinction that Miyazaki respects.
//wiredweird
Movie Review: Captivating Story but not one for Younger Kids
Summary: 5 Stars
Porco Rosso is the story of Marco, an aerial soldier-of-fortune in the Adriatic during the 1930s. Because of his selfish nature, brought on by the loss of loved ones and friends, he is under an enchantment which has turned him into a pig. Forced into an aerial dual with an American mercenary over a girl, Porco comes to realize that people love him in spite of himself and his desire to drive people away.
This is like a European film done in Japanese animation and I love it. It is witty, has adult level humor (not sexual but things kids wouldn't get), and it allows Hayao Miyazaki to indulge in more facinating aircraft. First class voice talent including Michael Keaton as Marco/Porco, Brad Garrett, Bill Fagerbakke, Kimberly Williams and favorites of other Studio Ghibli/Disney releases - David Ogden Stiers, Susan Egan, and Cary Elwes - give added depth to the outstanding animation.
Now for the, "Not one for the younger kids" disclaimer. Since this is targeted at adults and has a European flavor with Japanese production, the film has characters smoking and drinking. (Not that it bothers me but I don't have younger kids.) Besides that, there is no cuteness as there is in Totoro or Kiki's Delivery Service.
I highly recommend this - just put the kids to bed first and kick-back and enjoy.
Movie Review: Surprisingly Excellet!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have to say, that against my better judgement, I was a little nervous comming to this film. I mean, come on, a guy with a pig's head?
HOwever, after watching the film, I hardly even noticed it and found myself swept away but the storyline instead. THough Porco Rosso certainly does not make you delve deep into your reserves trying to figure out why we do what we do, unlike Nausicaa or Princess Mononoke, it is a more lighthearted romp through the post War era. Filled with brilliant animation and memorable characters, Miyazaki does not fail to bring us anothe masterpiece.
This is a great piece of work that everyone from adults to kids can enjoy. There are many lighthearted jokes and plenty of things to quote from. The humor is real, original, and truly funny, unlike the forced nature of most films these days. Even my eleven year old brother and I (i'm fifteen) were in stiches and enjoyed it thoroughly.
One of the best parts of this film are the planes Miyazaki so clearly loves. They look and feel authentic and really pull the film together. Also, we are given a great cast of new characters with an EXCELLENT english cast. Two thumbs way up!
This, as well as other works by Miyazaki are worth watching and owning, no questions asked. So don't hesistate and enjoy!