Friday, May 8, 2009

Movie Journal: Castle In The Sky

Not only is Miyazaki's classic masterpiece of the 1980's instantly captivating, but once the action kicks in things stay in high gear until the final confrontation, thanks to outstandingly structured action. It's like Temple Of Doom for kids. Only better.

The idea is simple, but the execution is not. A young girl who floats down from the sky is on the run from air pirates, who are after her mystical stone, which has been passed down for generations of her family. A boy meets up with her and helps her escape. Turns out that the government too is after the stone, and will do anything they can to obtain it.

That is how the story begins. Sounds simple? Perhaps, but by the story's end more twists and turns occur than I originally thought possible. Cool, charming, and above all nostalgic, Castle In The Sky is one of the very best animated features ever produced.

9 out of 10

P.S. I can guarantee you will enjoy it much more if you see it in Japanese with English subtitles, the way it was meant to be experienced.

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