Another Studio Ghibli movie that needs a whole lot more attention, this time from master Hayao Miyazaki, the genius responsible for the likes of Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and Howl's Moving Castle. Castle In The Sky is somewhat different from those movies, however, in its attempts to be a rollicking yarn, consisting of some of the most brilliant action sequences ever rendered in animation. Seriously: this thing's like a rollercoaster ride. The plot is undeniably muddled in places, but there's no denying the fact that is a wonderful artistic achievement - one that, back in the '80s, poised Miyazaki as an animation director to be reckoned with. Like his other work, there's much beauty to be found, with classic Miyazaki themes and obsessions - from looking after the natural world, to aviation - apparent throughout. This was also the first ever Studio Ghibli film... and man, what a doozy!
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
