Review of Castle in the Sky

A childhood movie that I've never got to watch (not taking the pirate route, either) until a few hours ago when a local theatre is celebrating with the Studio Ghibli Fest. I aplreciate their effort to put the classics back in theatres. So, to the movie. As a first timer, I should be enjoying the movie before criticizing it, but u know what, despite some flaws, I actually love the story Miyazaki made a while back. I love how it all started with a goose chase between pirates and Sheeta, until she also tries to escape from her own protection. Well, I didnt expect her to fail to escapeby falling off to oblivion, and that's how Im getting more inerested in the movie.
After that, its all adventure, awesome comedy bits, and family-friendly chases and fights.
The layout of the whole story was well-throughout, and it all ends well in the cutest of ways. I actually love the sweet ending, Ill give them that.

I only watched the English version, so all I say is in the Englidh dub.
The VAs for Pazu and Dolly are awesome! Pazu voiced as a strong boy-turned-to-man protagonist style is very inspring, and Dolly voiced as a bad-guy-turned-to-actually-good-at-heart character was well-voiced as well!
As for how characters played their roles:
- both Pazu and Sheeta are awesome!
Sheeta as damsel-in-distress and a strong woman at the same time? Goes to show that not all damsels are useless when trapped! Even at helpless times, she can somehow escape!
I mentioned Pazu's already, but man, that guy just doesnt give up because he's already too smart and strong from the beginning. Hardworking orphan that built muscle via mechanical work. Well done, Miyazaki.
- shouldve added more story for Dolly and her family
Sure, they didnt deserve it just cuz of the chases, but hey, the kids dont care, as long as they wouldnt be ruined by them.
We get a really happy side of the Dolly family, but nevermore after they ate dinner.
It was for the sake of the story, but would love to see side characters like them to matter more with extra clips of story and all.

Art style was (you could say) very Ghibli, but glad the theme of the story fits with the artstyle.
Lets talk about the creativity in the movie. The landscapes, the so-called "airships" (Unrealistic but fan-fuqing-tastic) and the action scenes are WELL DRAWN!! I want to watch the movie again for the action if I wanted to!
Also glad theyve keot the family-friendly theme all throughout, because in the theater, I hear children laughing from the comedic and action scenes (if the fails and trips count as actions)

I couldn't recognize the soundtrack after I finished the film til I listened to samples on YouTube.
Recalling the events while listening to music was difficult, but every single soundtrack is amazing, and very unique for their theme. I would love to watch it again to listen to their soundtrack again just so I could properly review that aspect in the film, but I do love it all, including the theme song, sang by (Azumi Inoue?).
In fact, her theem song reminded me of the theme song from Kiki's Delivery Service!
(I guess its obvious, but I was suprised hearing the same voice!)

Overall, its an 8/10 from me. Not as high as the greatest films to date, but back in the day, this wouldve been Top 5 alongside Spirited Away!