GHIBLICEMBER #4: LAPUTA CASTLE IN THE SKY
It’s the second week of Ghiblicember here on The Arcade and while last week we had a relatively modern film in Spirited Away ,this week we have an older Ghibli film, delving deep into the studio’s past works. So here we have number 4 in our list Laputa Castle in the Sky.
Thomas Geraghty “My favorite is Laputa: Castle in the Sky because the setting is just so magical and the characters are wonderful”
Title: Laputa Castle in the Sky
Release date: August 2nd 1986
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Writer: Hayao Miyazaki
Laputa Castle in the Sky or known simply as Castle in the Sky was the first feature length film made and released by Studio Ghibli.
The world in which this film is set is not a whole lot different to our own, it is quite realistic even by Ghibli animation standards. We meet our young protagonist Pazu who works at a mine with Mr. Duffy helping out with the machinery until his life is changed. One night he spots something or someone illuminating the night’s sky while descending to earth. He catches the young girl, our second protagonist Sheeta who is being pursued by not only a band of pirates who are led by their mother Dola but the military as well led by Colonel Muska. Both are trying to discover the secret of Laputa, a legendary flying city long since thought destroyed or lost. Pazu and Sheeta are thrown into a whirlwind of trouble and deceit; they learn who can be trusted and who the true enemies are in their adventures of discovery and wonderment.
It wasn’t until I watched this film again (and again) that I was reminded of the true majesty that it has. The film’s main downfall for me is that compared to other Ghibli films, a few that appear on our list (but no spoilers) that the story of Laputa Castle although entertaining, is forgettable; when I sat down to watch the film again I realised I’d forgotten huge chunks of it, it had left no impact on me whereas I can nearly recite Spirited Away backwards!
I’m not here to bash it though, Castle Laputa is really a magical film filled with wonder and technology (albeit ancient), sky pirates and young infatuation, I am not saying love because they are both basically ten (and that would be kind of weird) – it is a film for all ages. It has all the qualities of a great Christmas film.
Where Castle Laputa shines is its complete innocence; if you are looking for something flashy then look elsewhere because this film has simplicity wrapped up in complete feel good enjoyment blanket of fuzzy warm feelings. Sheeta and Pazu are relatable protagonists and carry their innocence well with the story and they do in fact carry the story well with support from the minor characters. Not to ruin the viewing experience for anyone who has not seen it but the minor character twist is brilliant, I do appreciate the importance of them but this twist keeps you as informed as the main protagonists as to who they can trust and who they cannot which is a great thing for a film to be able to do.
Castle Laputa is quite a mixed bag, while watching it, you are absorbed entirely by a storytelling rollercoaster but afterwards you’ll struggle to remember what you were watching. It twists, it turns and it throws you for a loop because it never lets on too much of what is happening or about to happen managing to keep the viewer on their toes and engaged in the story as long as it lasts. It is a clear work of the genius that is Miyazaki.
Laputa has influences much like a lot of Miyazaki’s work from literature, the influences in this come from the Jonathan Swift novel “Gulliver’s Travels”. The use of the word “Laputa” which is the name of the floating island in the novel which was controlled by its people is a just name for the floating city in the film.
What definitely needs a mention about this film is it’s breath-taking animation. It is truly a piece of art with the colours used and the almost water colour surroundings make it a warm and welcoming watch. Using influences from every era of architecture in the design of the floating city of Laputa makes it a feast for the eyes; you almost do not know where to look because there is something to see at every single angle of the city. Another feather in the cap of Ghibli and Miyazaki, they set the bar with this film and only continued to raise it with their continued success.
The film is not one of the best known of the Studio Ghibli films even though it is their first feature release. I may have sounded like I do not like this film or do not appreciate it’s majesty but surprisingly this is one of my favourite Ghibli films. It is definitely a surprise for the list but it does highlight all the good things about Ghibli and Miyazaki, Laputa Castle in the Sky has earned its number four spot on this countdown.
