Castle in the Sky still floats today

By Staff Writer Felicity He

It’s not a stretch to say that Castle in the Sky is the blueprint of many Studio Ghibli films. Released in 1986, it is the studio’s first feature film and contains themes and elements found across many of its later works. Four decades later, Castle in the Sky stands the test of time at the 2026 Ghiblifest.

The film follows two orphaned children, Pazu (James Van Der Beek) and Sheeta (Anna Paquin), who must avoid being captured by a government agent and a crew of pirates while all three factions race to find Laputa, an ancient floating city in the sky filled with powerful technology and treasure. Director Hayao Miyazaki addresses issues that are prominent in much of his later filmography, chiefly environmentalism, greed, and the duality of technology. He contrasts the film’s protagonists with its primary antagonist, government agent Muska (Mark Hamill). Over the course of the story, Pazu and Sheeta develop an adorable relationship with each other that is built on trust, relying and caring for each other during their journey. 

Castle in the Sky is a story driven more by its plot and themes than its characters, who function largely as symbols; still, our protagonists evolve subtly over the course of the film. Sheeta goes from a timid, damsel-in-distress sort of girl to gaining agency and transforming into a leader unafraid to do what is right. Meanwhile,  Pazu starts out tunnel-visioned and a little self-centered, hellbent on finding Laputa and its riches to clear his father’s name. However, after meeting Sheeta he assumes a protector’s role, leading him to care more about the entire world as a whole and catalyzing his change into a more selfless character.

The film has gorgeous animation that is, however, just below average for Studio Ghibli.  The film’s age really shows in the animation, especially when it comes to the details of faces, clothing, and shading, making some moments appear flat. That is not to say that the animation is bad. Certain scenes, particularly wide shots of dramatic, imposing storm clouds and vibrant, verdant overgrowth, contain the beauty and dimensionality typical of Miyazaki films. 

Aside from beautiful animation, Ghibli movies are known to be sonically stunning as well. Joe Hisaishi, a regular collaborator with Miyazaki, scored Castle in the Sky. The movie’s soundtrack was his second cinematic composition, and his greenness shows with its inconsistency. While the recurring audio motif, featured in the ending credits song “Carrying You” by Azumi Inoue, perfectly complements the atmosphere of the film — its swirling melody reminiscent of windy and melancholy scenes — many of the soundtracks were unneeded. In scenes that were slower, the music was loud and did not match the serenity of what was on screen. Moments that were meant for quiet reflection were instead drowned out by intense strings and bass.

Despite its flaws, Castle in the Sky succeeds in its solid, heartwarming story. Audiences can’t help but feel for Pazu and Sheeta, and the movie’s message — the dangers of technological hubris and the need for harmony between humans and nature — is even more relevant today than it was 40 years ago. It’s not hard to see why this timeless movie set up Studio Ghibli’s catalogue for years to come, cementing itself as a legend in animation history.

Grade: B+