Common Sense Media Review
By Charles Cassady Jr.
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Exciting anime fantasy has some violence, peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Castle in the Sky
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 28 parent reviews
Parents say the film features significant levels of violence, including scenes of gunfire, explosions, and peril that may be disturbing for younger viewers. While many appreciate its animation and storytelling, concerns have been raised about its suitability for children due to its portrayal of mature themes and questionable interactions between adult characters and minors.
- violence concerns
- suitable for older kids
- beautiful animation
- mature themes
- emotional storytelling
- potential for fright
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is beautifully animated and offers a sweet adventure with messages about love and perseverance, although some find the portrayal of the female lead as a damsel in distress concerning. The film's violence and the age of its characters raise some appropriate age questions, while many viewers appreciate the character development and humor that provide an enjoyable experience for families, especially those new to anime.
- beautiful animation
- positive messages
- suitable for families
- concerns about violence
- character development
- humor in adventure
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
CASTLE IN THE SKY's steampunk setting is a vaguely European early 20th century. In this world exists a legend of a fabulous flying fortress called Laputa that's laden with treasure, robots, and powerful weapons. Sheeta (voiced by Keiko Yokozawa in the original version and Anna Paquin in the English dub), a farm girl with an heirloom amulet crystal that points the way to Laputa, is chased by both government forces and a family of sky pirates. Briefly escaping into a mining community, Sheeta finds an unselfish ally and protector in a brave boy named Pazu (Mayumi Tanaka/James Van Der Beek). Together they try to outwit their enemies while on a journey leading inevitably to Laputa.
Is It Any Good?
The sumptuous design, artwork, and cliffhanger pacing -- and the innocent "sense of wonder" so important to science fiction -- bring this animated film to glorious life. Hayao Miyazaki's Castle in the Sky is a family-friendly action fantasy, even if the main characters lack depth: Pazu is a bold and brave orphan boy, Sheeta is a bold and brave orphan girl, etc. That said, Ma Dola (Kotoe Hatsui/Cloris Leachman), a colorful, crusty old pirate matriarch who vigorously commands a flying criminal gang made up of her own husband and many sons, is a delight.
The film's pacing isn't perfect -- a nature-oriented twist that saves the heroes from doom seems to come out of nowhere (thin air, you might say). But in the end, some fans consider this one of Miyazaki's best.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sheeta and Pazu's character strengths in Castle in the Sky. How do they demonstrate courage and teamwork?
Do you consider the main characters role models? Why, or why not?
How do nature and technology interact in the story? Do the robots and airships seem more futuristic, or old-fashioned? How does the movie use both realistic forces and fantasy elements in the imagery of the flying fortress in the sky?
Which parts of the movie, if any, were frightening to you? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 2, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : April 15, 2003
- Cast : Keiko Yokozawa , Kotoe Hatsui , Mayumi Tanaka , Yoshito Yasuhara , Minori Terada
- Director : Hayao Miyazaki
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Anime
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : fantasy action violence and peril
- Last updated : December 13, 2025
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