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Laputa: Castle in the Sky
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Animation - 8.8 |
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Sound - 8.9 |
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Story - 8.7 |
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Character - 8.6 |
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Value - 8.7 |
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Enjoyment - 8.9 |
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Average - 8.7 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Laputa - Castle in the Sky is one of the earlier productions by Studio Ghibli made in 1986. However, it has pretty much withstood the test of time, and is still an excellent anime movie to watch.
Laputa has stunning graphics and amazing animation even by today's standards. There is a lack of detail however, but it is understandable for a 1986 production. There are also occasional changes in drawing style, which can be very entertaining to watch.
The soundtrack in Laputa are excellent. The background music and theme tunes are great to listen to, and really complement the storyline and scenes. The voice acting is of top quality, and although this has barely any baring on the quality of the voice acting, an academy award winning English actress voices one of the main characters.
The storyline of Laputa can be scrutinised. Although it starts well; is nicely paced; and has a conclusive ending, it lacks development and leaves plenty of unanswered questions. The story would seem excellent to the younger audience, but a number of obvious plot-holes can be spotted by more observant viewers.
Laputa features a cast of extremely entertaining characters, both in looks and in their actions. Although there is a distinct lack of development, it is expected, given the size of the cast and the length of the movie. The voice acting enhances the personalities of the characters a lot, as does the animation.
Laputa - Castle in the Sky is to this day a highly impressive anime movie. It is an excellent watch for the younger audience, and can be very enjoyable for more mature viewers. I would recommend this anime movie to anyone who wants to watch a good anime, and doesn't mind an earlier time-stamped movie.
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nauXolo |
(2006-05-16 12:18:47) 2006-05-16 11:45:39 |
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| An amazing action flick despite its age. Both lively and fun, Laputa is such a great watch from start to end. The overall infusion and balance of both visual and sound is near perfected in this movie and it is easy to get caught up in the pace of this movie. Only downfall is it that it might be boring for those who want more brain or emotion involved in their media.
Animation detail stands out the most in this movie and allows the viewer to enjoy the story and the characters without having to worry about being alienated from the presentation. Beautiful background scenery and simple but effective character designs with very good attention to small details. Music in Laputa is effective for enhancing moods - energetic and lively at times, calming and emotional at others. Truly a great blend between sight and sound. At times I truly felt like flying.
The story is very linear and simple. No plot twists, no weird mysteries, just a simple story about chasing the clouds and dreams. Nevertheless, it serves as a suitable framework and follows a decent pacing for events to unfold. However, this simplicity is also a potential downfall. Lacking any mind stimulating elements that truly capture one's attention may cause some people to not enjoy this and become bored over time.
As for the characters, despite the fact that the personalities are very typical: 1) strong willed boy who is very capable and brave 2) noble hearted girl who is strong willed as well 3) evil greedy villain who will stop at nothing to gain power and technology. Nothing too intricate or complicated - a clear distinction between good and evil, but I can never get tired of such characters. But to those who have seen a lot of these movies, it'll be awfully repetitive.
Overall, Laputa Castle in the Sky is a beautifully made action/adventure film. Great blend of music, visuals, story, and character that will be enjoyed by a wide audience for many years to come.
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
| I must say, I expected more from Castle in the Sky. The characters and storyline were sort of lack luster and could have used more work. The animation and sound were both great though and made up for some of its short comings. Also, the whole story seemed highly obssessed with flying which didn't make a lot of sense. I don' t recommend Laputa: Castle in the Sky too strongly for anyone but the biggest Miyazaki fans.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| One of the renown Miyazaki's earlier works, it's a beauty to see. Imagine mythical flying cities and air pirates.
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Haven’t seen an anime in a long time, so I wanted to make sure it was a good one : a Miyazaki. Ghibli films always make me feel a little better – mostly because they always have a great followthrough and actually have substance, unlike many other anime movies I’ve seen.
And what makes it great is Miyazaki’s ability to draw you into whatever emotion he wants you to feel, or into any situation he’s creating for you. Very few movies or tv shows have me on the edge of my seat anyway, and even less for animated ones – but I was just like that at least several times. This is the reason for the high value score... because its something you can expect from this director as a standard, as well as its easiness to watch again.
The animation was standard fare for his movies, I kind of like the style as it easily can put you into a good mood when watching. It adds to the pure fun of watching because there’s often not as much dark tones or serious detail going into a lot of it. I say this and yet, when he portrays the landscapes sometimes you can’t help but exclaim how good it still looks.
I saw this subbed, and the jap voices were fine. No complaints here – the ending theme didn’t entice me enough to stick around and listen to it though.
The characters were also standard fair for this director – the strongwilled, kind hearted boy who fights for what’s right no matter how tough it is (a redeeming, if not unrealistic trait we all wish we had), the shy girl who develops into standing up for herself and saving herself at the end… heck even the old lady I could swear I’ve seen in some of his other movies. All in all, acceptable.
The story was great, with enough twists and rising action – as well as multiple themes – to satisfy my desire for a well thought-out plot. Power corrupts, only a heavenly entity could rule with such power, and even a theme for all of his pro-nature fans (hint hint, the untouched flourishing ecosystem in Laputa). I thought it was more entertaining than Whisper of the Heart, so he’s workin his way up again.
Overall, Laputa is definitely worth a watch, especially if you have children to watch it with. I’ve always thought that Miyazaki films are what Disney wishes it could be – probably why they are releasing so many of them over here in English. I hate Disney…but still find the kid at heart when watching stories like this.
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| Average |
10.0 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I've grown up watching this as a child. And because of it I absolutely love Studio Ghibi.
The anime's sweet and adventurous and everything at the same time, don't know how he did it, but he did it.
And the best thing about this anime is that it can be viewed at many different levels, as expected from Studio Ghibi. Lots of deep meaning behind the whole story and everything just ties in. This is a must watch for everyone. And it ages like wine, the older it is, the better it gets.
And the theme song has been and is and will be one of my top five songs. Just go watch it.
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petran79 |
(2006-04-27 14:21:35) 2005-11-25 08:16:43 |
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| Average |
7.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| I wish I had seen this when it was released 20 years ago. At that time it would make quite an impression. Still I found it a very good movie but it felt a little out of place. The fault lies not within the film. In 20 years many animation studios, especially Disney, produced countless movies with the same topic more or less. Though I found this more enjoyable than those movies. And much more enjoyable than the overestimated ''Steamboy''.
Even now it is worth watching since it has some features that seem to be absent today. It is not strictly for kids since it includes some death scenes of soldiers. I have yet to see a death scene in Disney's movies of that kind of story.
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Wynter |
(2009-05-04 05:59:55) 2005-10-05 18:42:28 |
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| This remains one of my favourite Studio Glibi films to date, even after seeing the more recent titles like Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle. Like all these new Studio Glibi films, this is a movie can be enjoyed by anyone of any age. Even if it is called just a kid's film, this movie capture's every viewer instantly with its wonderful characters and imagination. This movie is defently worth watching, and should be a part of any Studio Glibi collection.
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Jagger |
(2006-06-19 13:15:34) 2005-09-30 23:15:20 |
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Laputa is an excellent anime movie, probably better than any Disney movie made. It's also probably the best Miyazaki movie I've seen (along with Mononoke Hime), as I personally enjoyed this a lot more than Nausicaa or Spirited Away. It's still not the best Ghibli movie though, since Grave of the Fireflies deserves that title.
Animation:
The animation may seem dated now but was excellent for its time and even now, the artwork looks great, so it definately deserves a high score.
Sound:
The opening theme, background music, and especially the ending theme, are all excellent and really add to the anime, giving it that grandeur feeling that matches the themes of the anime.
Story:
The story may not be complex or sophisticated but it still has that Miyazaki magic, at its best. It has a great setting taking place in the 19th century, has references to an ancient civilisation that collapsed under the weight of its own technology, and has a truly epic feel. The fortress of Laputa itself seems to have been inspired by a few ancient mythical civilisations such as Lemuria, Atlantis and Rama. The anime also has enough originality to it (for the time) that was inspiring for many fantasy anime (and RPGs) to come.
Characters:
The characters don't really develop much, given the length of the movie, but they were lovable enough that I was missing them after the movie was over. It's the characters that pull the story forward in this movie.
Value:
I've already seen this movie several times over and didn't get bored once. If I saw it a few more times, I still wouldn't find it boring.
Enjoyment:
This was one of the most enjoyable anime I've seen. It's epic, entertaining, touching and just lovable. Highly recommended.
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zitch |
(2005-09-30 03:15:39) 2005-09-30 02:39:55 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| If nothing else, Miyazaki films are imaginitive, unique, and, in the end, a magical experience. They remind me of the magic of the older Disney classics (back when Walt Disney himself was running the show, instead of the hack jobs now...). Miyazaki may use elements from literature or fairy tales and myths, they are often rather original stories in themselves, unlike most Disney films.
And this is what we get with "Laputa: Castle in the Sky". A world that seem to have almost equivalent technology to 1920s Earth, and where pervades a story (that most believe is a myth) of giant fortresses that ruled the earth. Laputa was rumored to one such fortress that still survives that contains great treasures and technology so advanced, it seems almost magical.
It is here that we watch Sheeta's and Pazu's journey to uncover the secrets of Laputa and battle with pirates and goverment agencies. I was entralled with awe and wonder at the magic that was performed on my screen, from the start to the end. And this is magic that is appropriate for a family to get together and experience.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| I watched this movie so many times since I was young and I'm not yet bored of it. The artwork is very pretty and detailed, especially Laputa itself. Modern fans will probably find the artwork a bit dated but it's to be expected as this is rather old.
The characters aren't very developed, they are there to tell a story. One of the best elements of this was the music by Joe Hisaishi - the Laputa theme Moonlight Confession from the OST is so beautiful and fitting.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Laputa is an anime movie which hooks you in from the start and keeps you watching until the end. Think of this movie as the 19th century's own take of what the future would of been like in the 20th century. This movie has plot twists galore, great background, airship, and robot designs (this movie was made in 1986 where CGI animation didn't exist at the time), a good music score, and memorable characters. You'll get a kick out of the humorous scenes of the three pirate brothers with their mama, Dola, as the captain. Every plot and character element in Laputa is given enough time to occur naturally not feeling rushed or forced, a great thing for this adventure anime as the viewer is given enough time to have a good enough understanding of settings like Pazu's coal miner town, the military fortress, Dola's pirate ship, and the floating castle Laputa. I can certainly say that Laputa is an excellent adventure anime to check out made by Studio Ghibli.
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Kaj |
(2005-07-22 23:10:02) 2005-07-22 23:09:16 |
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| This is FAN-TAS-TIC. I have to say I find these early works of Miazaki is much more captivating than his later ones. The later ones just seem somewhat more... tamer than the earlier stuff. At least that's what it seems from what I've seen so far.
This is a thrilling adventure that combines elements of fantasy, sci-fi fairy tale, and... FBI(?!) in that distinct Miazaki way that delivers a family epic to the viewers. But first impressions first. My first impressions of this was... oh god, yet another female lead, and, unsurprisingly, one that looks like all the others. The main character, Sheeta, is pretty much a cross between Nausicaa from Valley of the Winds and Kiki from Kiki's delivery service. I supressed a groan as more unsurprise was to follow - the typical main girl is joined by the typical boy sidekick. Sometimes I do wish Miyazaki's cast follows less of a formula.
Although the cast is the same, the relationship between the two main charaacters is slightly different from the usual Miyazaki - I don't think I've ever seen the boy and girl are so closely bonded in the other ones before. Also, the boy actually plays much more of a main role than in any other Miyazaki film.
This reminded me very slightly of last exile during parts of the anime. Maybe it was because of the boy's ambition of following his father's footsteps, or maybe it was because of the fairy tale format, it may even be some parts of the music to a small extent. The music is the usual quality goods on the Miyzaki films. I love it, although it wasn't quite as catchy as the Kiki's Delivery Service music.
Overall... well, it's Ghibli. Enough said. If you don't like their other stuff, you won't like this either. If you do like their other stuff, I can pretty much guarantee like this too.
Highly Recommended if you liked: Kiki's Delivery Service, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Winds, My Neighbour Totoro, Spririted Away.
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CoachZ |
(2005-08-27 19:25:18) 2005-06-22 13:08:11 |
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Sheer brilliance of how this was made into an adventure. The animation and music were also one of the better qualities compared to most of the previous and later films. The crystallized rocks from around the beginning of it were very well done that shown a lot of detail with the crisp look as it was aspired to be. And the time with the snapshot of when the picture was taken of Laputa was also a nice touch. Joe Hisaishi once again creates a well played orchestra, which made the story felt like a whimsy tale; probably better than anything I’ve listened to from his later direction that caused it to look so preserving. Although this was one of the first few movies that were created soon after Nausicaä, the story was quite good on the concept that it catches with the characters; moreover a sense of idea that it imposes as the created value of what the voracity and supreme influences of control can always rear itself an ugly face, with that process of leaving the simpler and serene-like natural entities that can lost from those same reason as well. As for Sheeta and Pazu, their roles were very stable and made the whole segment worthwhile. Probably around the part when they were at the pirate’s ship, there were a couple of hilarious scenes that made part of the story amusing during the time when they were helping around. The crew that always say “mama” were mostly the comic relief, from their clumsy traits that was somewhat batty; even during when they were trying to find and capture Laputa from the start. The other guy who was working with the government was the real cause of the conflict, but then was just using the army just to get to the floating castle; but then again, he was someone that I didn’t expect him to be when he explained who he really was later on. I’ll let this one be taken as the considered flicks that was graciously interesting; than the concluding highlight that it was relying on.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Yet another classic Studio Ghibli film. Miyazaki should give Disney lessons. This film would entertain children and adults alike.
This review is based on the Japanese subs and language track, albiet it from a localized DVD.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Now this anime is an old anime. But this anime still rocks VERY HARD. This anime is still better than 90% of junk that out there and you should definetely grab this one (along with other Studio Ghibli animes)
the most captivating thing in this anime is the characters. This anime have absolutely likable character that you will root for till the end (Pazu and Shita especially). There are some twists to all the character development (like the pirate is actually good people) and surprises that will keep you interested until the end of this anime and you will love it. It really is a rare treat.
the designs and settings are also extremely beautiful. the world they created is poetic, artistic, and creative.
Music is also very good and it sets the mood perfect for this anime.
the animation is very well done. This thing is OLD but it's still awsome.
you can seriously watch this over and over again and you will still enjoy it.
This anime is a serious rocker. Watch this anime. It's beautiful, amazing and it really is a great anime to behold.
~ avoid english dub like plague. Shita and Pazu sound like a grandma and grandpa in that one.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Wonderful movie, one of the best of Miyazaki. I was amazed how things went so fast, you don't have one boring minute. When there's no action there's comedy etc.
This movie just drags you in a fantasy world which is Miyazaki's strongest advantage over other artists. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it yet.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
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| Average |
9.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| A wondrous and thoroughly enjoyable fantasy anime movie. Combining humour with heart, mystery and intrigue into a very tight and very well executed story. A masterpiece.
Read my review for more
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m-oyaji |
(2005-02-09 14:57:11) 2005-01-07 15:26:32 |
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| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Without a question the best Miyazaki work in my book. Considering all facets, the characters, plot, message, music are all things that easily make this anime a classic. Great sense of direction!
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
| Average |
8.3 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Well, it's easy to see why Ghibli animes are so popular. It is easy-watching anime, simple plot, intresting and adorable characters and very well made on the whole. I understand that I do sound a little pesimitic, but all anime doesn't have to have infinitly complex plotlines and angsty teenagers with superpowers.
It's an enjoyable movie, even though I classify it more as a Diney-style animated movie than an anime.
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