Porco Rosso - A Studio Ghibli film

Continuing the pig theme, let's review Porco Rosso. It is a movie from acclaimed diector Hayao Miyazaki, who also did other classics like My neighbour Totoro and Howl's Moving Castle.

Porco Rosso means Red Pig in Italian. The pig in the story is actually a World War 1 ace human pilot in the Italian Army, who has been cursed and transformed into a pig. After the war he became a freelance bounty hunter chasing after air pirates. As with most other Ghibli films, the rivalry is pretty chummy and amicable. When not trying to shoot each other down, Porco and the air pirates spend their evenings on neutral ground at the Hotel Adriano, the establishment run by Gina.

Gina is Porco's closest friend. She becomes the object of rivalry between Porco Rosso and another pilot Curtis. Gina is a majestic, cultured woman, who seems to hold some power over all the pilots in the area. Another character to note is Fio, a young girl who helps Porco repair his downed airplane. She is bubbly, determined and downright cute in the trademark Studio Ghibli way.

Porco Rosso is highly recommended simply for that feel-good vibe present at every stage of the movie. It is aimed at a younger audience but the cinematography and drawing is simply breathtaking. - Clyde