Castle in the Sky (Tenkû no shiro Rapyuta)

Release Year: 1986

Director: Hayao Miyazaki

Review:  'Castle in the Sky' is a more straight forward adventure than other Miyazaki films.  The frenetic pace from start to finish really works well.  The story of a young, independent, princess who's kingdom is hidden floating of Laputa, fits perfectly into Miyazaki's wheelhouse.  Essentially a chase film, the movie follows Sheeta and her friend Pazu as they try and track down the lost city all while trying to escape both pirates and the government.  Taking queues from several genres, its a fast paced action adventure film which has that special Miyazaki flare.

What Miyazaki does so well is taking familiar constructs and re-imagines them.  Instead of hunting for Atlantis underwater, the goal is Laputa, a floating city.  Instead of pirates on water, there are pirates in the air.  All this allows for a completely fresh feeling adventure that's full of heart.  The connection between Pazu and Sheeta is strong, and keeps you invested in the two's adventure.  Miyzaki isn't one to have shallow character development so every character has a purpose and feels like they contribute something.  No one can be taken at face value, and even those that seem evil have more than one side.  This is what make Miyazaki films so great.  Everything has its place and fits together so well that it really lets the imagination of Miyazaki shine.  This is a fantastically rich film and one that will live up on repeat viewings.
Rating: 4/5