Overview
Castle in the Sky (Laputa) is the first feature Studio Ghibli produced after the studio was founded in 1985, released in Japanese cinemas on 2 August 1986. Hayao Miyazaki wrote and directed it, Isao Takahata produced and Joe Hisaishi composed the score. The story begins when a girl named Sheeta falls from the sky into a mining town and is rescued by a boy named Pazu. The mysterious stone she carries is linked to Laputa, a legendary flying castle, so both the army and a gang of sky pirates chase the two children.
OtaHub's take
The film's appeal lies in its meticulously hand-drawn world: strange flying machines, a mining town clinging to cliffs, ancient robots and a castle covered in greenery among the clouds. The style is often called steampunk, yet it keeps Miyazaki's characteristic poetry. The chases along railway tracks and through the sky are staged with the rhythm of a classic adventure film, broken up by quiet moments that let the two leads grow close.
Beneath the adventure, Laputa puts people, technology and nature in front of one question: when humans hold a power beyond their control, will they use it to protect or to destroy. Nearly 40 years later, the film returns to Vietnamese big screens from 25 September 2026 at a running time of about 124 minutes, giving younger audiences a first chance to see a work that laid the foundation for Ghibli's storytelling, visuals and music.
Verdict
Castle in the Sky suits every age, from children who love adventure to adults who want to revisit a classic. With its detailed hand-drawn imagery and Joe Hisaishi's music, the re-release is a rare opportunity to enjoy it on a big screen. Anyone who has never seen a Ghibli film can also start here, since the story is complete in a single film and needs no background knowledge.
