Ranking All Studio Ghibli Movies

6

PORCO ROSSO

An animated action film where a pig flies around in his plane.

After the war, a former pilot is somehow turned into a pig. Now a free lance bounty hunter, Porco Rosso fights evil air pilots with the help of a bubbly female engineer named Fio.

Home to some of the most captivating action scenes in Studio Ghibli history, Porco Rosso is also a fun, magical movie with awesome visuals and memorable characters. Not to mention a pretty underrated film fit for family movie session.

Along with the unforgettable character Porco Rosso, the movie also somewhat revolves around strong female roles. Fio for example, is a friendly, extremely intelligent and talented young woman. While Porco underestimated Fio's abilities, she was able to pull off the job of repairing his plane. While at times she can be stubborn, she and Porco prove to be an enduring and powerful duo.

Fio is hands down my favourite female character from all Ghibli films. She may be pushed to the side considering the studio's more iconic characters but there's something about her that really stands out for me.

Along with Fio, there is also Gina, who become best friends with the teenager at the end of the film. Gina is a famous opera singer and owner of her thriving hotel. She is a kind hearted and very pretty woman who has been through a lot. Having been married and widowed three times, she's tackled more than her fair share of obstacles. The only person who still remains with her from her younger days is Marco (Human Porco). A dear friend she keeps close to her heart. She is also in love him, but does not attempt to make something happen between them.

While we're on the topic of love, I'd like to bring something up really quick. At first I wasn't very sure if there was anything romantic going on between the characters. It was a little confusing for me to say the least. I now know that the main love birds are meant to Porco and Gina, however for me it wasn't very obvious that it was meant to be the two. The main reason for that : Fio. Now as you know I love Fio, but what's the deal with her feelings for Porco. Porco is significantly older than her, him being 30 something and she's only 17. Not to mention they actually kissed...on the lips. It may only be a harmless crush, but it was still confusing and odd.

But let's forget about that for now.

Another thing I love about this movie is the underlying message that war turns people into pigs. Maybe not literally but figuratively. After being cursed to take form as a pig, Porco finds the curse easy to accept as he understands it to be punishment for his actions and partaking in the war. Branching out from his everlasting guilt. 

Another thing I love about this movie is how a physical pig man is considered normal in Italy, where the story takes place. He'll just be walking down the street and no one for the life of them will care.

In conclusion,  this movie is definitely one of Studio Ghibli's must see films. Its storyline is packed with humour and adventure, guaranteed to give you an unforgettable movie experience.