On the surface, Porco Rosso (1992) is a lushly animated adventure flick with a tinge of nostalgia for the pilots of the 1920s. Underneath the skin, its a film fraught with anxiety about war and fascism. In some ways, it is like Miyazaki's first feature, The Castle of Cagliostro (1979), a seemingly frothy popcorn film that contains well-hidden sadness at the core; however, here that sadness is much more visible.

This seems to be one of Miyazaki's lesser known films for whatever reason. Is it because the main character is a middle aged man disillusioned with life instead of a child or teenager? Is it the pre-WWII setting? Is it the lack of fantasy elements (outside of the protagonist having turned himself into a pig, that is)? I don't know, but it's a shame.

This is a beautiful film and I longed for its domestic release. Unfortately, I felt very disappointed at how the movie just abruptly ended. It looked as if they were on some sort of deadline and since they were running behind, they just ended the film! It's a real shame, as up until the ending, the movie was great--exceptional animation and direction throughout! I've seen many Miyazaki films and this was the first that disappointed me (though, I must admit when I saw Nausicaa I was even more disappointed). Instead, try watching Kiki's Delivery Service, My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke or Castle in the Sky--all are much more complete and satisfying Miyazaki films.