Review of Castle in the Sky

I thought I have watched all ghibli movies, then I realized that studio Ghibli has so much more in store. Starting from Howl's Moving castle to Spirited Away, I've fallen in love with them. In fact, ghibli movies are what jumpstart me to know more about the anime realm. Thanks to them, now I know how anime could bring me different emotions that I have never felt before. The story is great and all, and it retains the classic Ghibli style of movies, a fantasy filled with romance. But no, this show is not about a castle that can move on its own, it's abouta castle that floats in the sky, Laputa. The story introduces us to two main characters named Pazu and Sheeta, which Sheeta has a glowing stone that has been passed down to her from her ancestors and it holds many mysterious powers. Chased by the Pirates who seeks her powerful stone, she was forced to jump down from an airship where she was kidnapped by the Army, who also aims for the stone. Luckily, she was saved by her stone upon landing and was taken by Pazu for care.

Pazu is a hardworking boy who goes through the same fate as Sheeta, who had lost both of his parents. His father once told him that he had met Laputa, a castle that floats between the clouds in the sky, and his father even managed to capture with his camera a glimpse of it. But no one except Pazu believed him, that's why Pazu has dreamed for a long time to go see Laputa for himself, to prove that his father's great discovery is not a laughable matter. And finally, at last, he could actually pursue his dreams, as both he and Sheeta discovered that Sheeta's stone came from Laputa, the land of dreams. The stone could lead them to a world that no one would believe had existed for a long time.

As much as I love Ghibli movies, I won't lie to myself and give Castle in the Sky above the 'great' scheme, let alone the masterpiece title. I would probably rate it higher if I watched it as a kid, or simply came back to the movie as an adult to reminisce my childhood memories. Why?

First of all, the story. I might get canceled for saying this but as I had come across several Ghibli movies beforehand, I think that the story of Castle in the Skye holds nothing special by all means. Predictable and boring are the two words that can summarize my thoughts on this show. Yup, I said it, but I'm pretty sure that this won't apply to all of you, especially if you haven't encountered even a single Ghibli movie before. Simply said, Castle in the Sky is nothing special compared to the other movies of the same studio.

However, you might be wondering, why would I rate this show 8 when I don't like the story? Well, it's the scenes and soundtracks. As a movie that came out decades ago, the scenes shown are fantastic and beautiful. Also, Ghibli has never ceased to impress me with their choice of soundtracks. It's so amazing that for many reasons, has sparked heartfelt emotions within me. Well, I wouldn't expect anything less from Ghibli.

All in all, I think Castle in the Sky is overall very good. But as much as I loved Ghibli movies, I have to say that this movie falls behind the other movies of the same studio, just a little bit. Anyway, I would say that the anime is worth the watch, especially if you're new to Ghibli.