Castle in the Sky(天空の城ラピュタ)

TV Guide Magazine by

Unusually detailed animation glides hand in hand with the film’s aura of wonderment.

The New York Times by Caryn James

Its detailed fantasy world, including a dark turn-of-the-century mining town and candy-colored futuristic space bikes, is as alluring as any live-action film. Yet this two-hour story about a lost princess, a flying island and space pirates is liable to strain the patience of adults and the attention spans of children.

Slant Magazine by Chuck Bowen

Miyazaki’s concerns with the fragility and wonder of our less tangible surroundings haunt the picture without overpowering it.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

Viewed from a purely narrative perspective, Castle in the Sky is a fun, engaging two hours. Miyazaki knows how to keep things moving without belaboring certain scenes. He doesn’t speak down to his audience and isn’t afraid to mix in exposition with action.

The A.V. Club by Tasha Robinson

On the lighthearted end of the Miyazaki spectrum, but it features more dashing adventure.