Castle in the Sky , also known as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, is a 1986 Japanese animated fantasy adventure film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It was produced by Isao Takahata, animated by Studio Ghibli, and distributed by the Toei Company. In voice acting roles, the original Japanese version stars Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa, Kotoe Hatsui, and Minori Terada. The film follows orphans Sheeta and Pazu, who are pursued by government agent Muska, the army, and a group of pirates. They seek Sheeta's crystal necklace, the key to accessing Laputa, a legendary flying castle hosting advanced technology.
Mayumi Tanaka, who voiced Pazu in the original Japanese version
Mark Hamill received critical praise for his performance of Muska in the 2003 English dub.
While Laputa's giant tree is seen as a metaphor for the restorative capability of the natural world, its underside is a symbol of the immorality of modernity.
Director Hayao Miyazaki in 2009
Hayao Miyazaki is a Japanese animator, filmmaker, and manga artist. A founder of Studio Ghibli, he has attained international acclaim as a masterful storyteller and creator of Japanese animated feature films, and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished filmmakers in the history of animation.
Miyazaki in 2012
Miyazaki first worked with Isao Takahata (pictured) in 1964, spawning a lifelong collaboration and friendship.
Miyazaki opened his own personal studio in 1984, named Nibariki.
Miyazaki at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con