Castle in the Sky: A Deep, Reflective Review of Miyazaki’s First Masterpiece

When I rewatched Castle in the Sky, I was reminded of something I often forget: that Studio Ghibli began not with a small, quiet film, but with an adventurous epic that still feels richer and more imaginative than most modern animated movies. Castle in the Sky wasn’t just Miyazaki’s first official Ghibli film—it was a declaration of intent. It showed the world what he wanted to create: stories filled with wonder, emotion, mystery, and a profound respect for nature and humanity.

Even decades later, the film feels timeless. Its world pulses with a sense of discovery. Its characters feel honest and grounded. And its central mystery—Laputa, the floating city in the sky—remains one of the most iconic symbols in animation.

This blog is my personal, analytical, and emotional exploration of Castle in the Sky, written as someone who has watched the film many times and continues to find new meaning within it.

A World that Feels Real, Lived-In, and Full of Secrets

One of the most striking things about Castle in the Sky is its world-building. From the moment the film opens with airships cutting through the clouds and sky pirates chasing a mysterious girl, the world feels active, chaotic, and alive. Miyazaki crafts a setting that blends steampunk machinery, mining towns, rustic farmlands, and dreamlike skies.

The towns feel dirty and industrial. The sky feels limitless and full of secrets. Laputa itself, when it finally appears, feels ancient but not dead—like something still watching the world below.

The world of Castle in the Sky is not explained through heavy exposition. It simply exists, fully formed, inviting the viewer to explore it through the eyes of the characters.

Sheeta: A Symbol of Innocence, Strength, and Ancient Responsibility

Sheeta is one of the most quietly powerful protagonists in the Ghibli universe. At first glance, she appears gentle and frightened—falling from the sky, pursued by air pirates, hunted by the government. But as the story unfolds, Sheeta reveals strength, compassion, and an emotional core that anchors the entire film.

Her relationship with the ancient stone, her lineage, and her connection to Laputa give her narrative weight. She is not a chosen hero in the typical sense. Instead, she carries a burden she never asked for, yet she approaches it with courage and wisdom.

Sheeta represents a moral contrast to the destructive ambitions of those trying to harness Laputa’s power.

Pazu: Youthful Courage and the Desire to Believe

Pazu is the kind of protagonist who reminds us why childhood dreams matter. His determination to help Sheeta and to prove that Laputa exists comes from a place of genuine belief, shaped by the memory of his father. He represents the spirit of adventure—someone willing to climb cliffs, stand against armies, and face impossible odds simply to protect what he cares about.

What makes Pazu compelling is not brute strength but sincerity. He falls, fails, gets scared, and still continues. His courage grows naturally from his compassion for Sheeta and his unshakable dreams.

Together, Sheeta and Pazu form a partnership built on trust, empathy, and shared hope.

Dola and the Sky Pirates: Chaotic, Greedy, and Surprisingly Heartwarming

Dola and her pirate crew start as comedic antagonists—loud, greedy, and opportunistic. But as the story progresses, they shift into unexpected allies who end up providing some of the film’s warmest moments. Dola, in particular, is unforgettable. She balances gruff toughness with genuine care for Sheeta and Pazu, almost adopting them into her chaotic pirate family.

Their shift from threats to protectors reflects one of Miyazaki’s recurring themes: that even flawed individuals can choose compassion.

Colonel Muska: A Chilling Villain Built on Control and Ambition

Muska is a type of villain rare in Ghibli films: cold, political, and ruthlessly intelligent. He represents the dark side of technological advancement—the desire to use power for domination rather than peace. His obsession with Laputa’s weapons gives the film tension and philosophical depth.

Muska is frightening because he is believable. He speaks calmly while committing cruelty. He represents the dangers of unchecked authority and the seductive nature of godlike power.

Laputa: Awe, Mystery, and the Conflict Between Wonder and Destruction

When Pazu and Sheeta finally reach Laputa, the film expands from an adventure story to something more contemplative. The floating city is serene and haunting. Ancient robots roam the garden-like ruins with a sense of duty long after civilization has vanished. Nature has reclaimed the stone towers. Flowers bloom over forgotten weapons.

Laputa itself becomes a symbol:

The beauty humans once created
The destruction they became capable of
The consequences of abandoning responsibility

Laputa is a fantasy location, but it carries real-world weight. It’s about the rise and fall of civilizations, the consequences of arrogance, and the question of whether humanity can be trusted with immense power.

Themes: Humanity, Technology, Greed, Nature, and the Fragility of Peace

Like all Miyazaki films, Castle in the Sky carries rich thematic depth:

The Consequences of Power

Laputa’s advanced technology becomes a warning about the danger of pursuing power without restraint.

Nature Reclaiming What Humanity Forgets

The overgrown gardens and wandering robots show how nature heals what humans ruin.

Trust, Friendship, and Innocence

Pazu and Sheeta’s bond is built on genuine care rather than forced romantic beats.

Legacy and Responsibility

Both protagonists carry the weight of their pasts—Sheeta with her ancestry, Pazu with his father’s dream.

The Value of Choosing Compassion

The final choice Sheeta makes is one of the most powerful moments in Ghibli history, symbolizing humanity’s potential to reject violence.

Why Castle in the Sky Still Stands Strong Decades Later

Even after all these years, Castle in the Sky feels fresh. It has an energy and sincerity that modern films often lack. It balances adventure with philosophy, humor with tension, action with heart. It doesn’t talk down to its audience and doesn’t rely on spectacle alone.

It is a film that respects the imagination of children and the intelligence of adults.

It is timeless because it was never designed to chase trends. It was made to explore humanity, dreams, and the dangers of forgetting what truly matters.