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Parents' Guide to

Porco Rosso

By Brian Costello, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Lesser-known Miyazaki has heavy themes, cartoon violence.

Movie PG 1994 94 minutes
Porco Rosso Movie Poster: A pilot in pig form sits in an prop plane cockpit

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 8+

Based on 4 parent reviews

cce
cce Adult
September 8, 2015
age 6+

lots of vices / awsome characters / solid values

At the surface level, Porco Rosso should be a horrible kids movie: lawlessness, smoking, drinking, fist fights, etc. However, the movie has solid, if not transendent bones. The lead character, a world war one fighting ace pilot, as a rule, won't kill -- even if it means he might get killed; even though it'd be easy path and is tempted, he won't join the facist government; yes, he's a bounty hunter, but, it takes mentioning kidnapping of children to actually motivate him. The secondary characters are both strong female roles: a young engineer with guts who confronts Porco on his prejudice, and, the owner of the tavern where the pirates hang out. The protagonist is pictured as simply shallow and self-centered, not as pure evil; and, even in the end, he joins with Porco to fight the fascists. The sea-plane pirates are depicted as crude, but, still capable of redemption. I don't think you have to be old to appreciate the plot -- and, the abundant smoking/drinking creates a lovely opportunity for discussion.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
1 person found this helpful.
SaraitMirt
SaraitMirt Adult
April 1, 2020
age 10+

This title has:

Too much swearing
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

PORCO ROSSO (voiced by Shūichirō Moriyama in the original version and Michael Keaton in the English dub) was a World War I flying ace who became half-man, half-pig after his compatriots were killed in battle. He's now a jaded, womanizing bounty hunter who rescues ships and babies from the attacks of bumbling pirates across the Adriatic Sea, while ignoring the romantic overtures of cocktail singer Gina (Tokiko Kato/Susan Egan). When Porco's plane is shot down by Donald Curtis (Akio Ōtsuka/Cary Elwes), a cocky American fighter pilot who joins forces with the pirates -- and when the fascists take over Italy -- Porco takes his plane to the mechanic, where Fio (Akemi Okamura/Kimberley Williams-Paisley) fixes the plane and encourages Porco to fight Curtis for honor's sake.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (6 ):

This is more than just beautiful anime portraying lots of cartoon violence between characters who border on war film stereotypes; it has a third dimension. Porco Rosso makes parodic references to flyboy films of the past, featuring figures such as the sultry cocktail singer, the comedically cocky American fighter pilot, the spunky tomgirl who fixes airplanes, and even Porco himself as the anti-hero hero. At the same time, the consequences of warfare are critically examined. Unable to commit or settle down, Porco later reveals the story of his transformation: He "quit being human" after seeing the horrors of combat and now lives as half-man, half-pig. It's through Porco that viewers experience the deep hurt and depth of feeling of those who fight.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about heroism. What does it mean to be a hero? What are the ways Porco Rosso is and isn't heroic? Who else is heroic?

  • What is the movie's message about how war affects places and people? What are the consequences of warfare for those who fight it? How is violence portrayed in this movie?

  • Are there any stereotypes in this movie? How are men and women represented differently?

  • How do the characters demonstrate courage, humility, integrity, and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?

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