It literally means ‘Crimson Pig’. It is a 1992 Japanese animated adventure fantasy film. Written & directed by Miyazaki. It is based on his 1989 manga ‘Hikotei Jidai’ It stars the voices of Shuichiro Moriyama, Tokiko Kato, Akemi Okamura with others. Its score is by Japanese composer Joe Hisaishi.
The plot revolves around an Italian World War I ex-fighter ace, now living as a freelance bounty hunter chasing ‘air pirates’ in the Adriatic Sea. An unusual curse has transformed him into an anthropomorphic pig. Once called Marco Pagot , he is now called ‘Porco Rosso’ Italian for ‘Red Pig’.
Miyazaki revisited the theme of aviation history in his 2013 film ‘The Wind Rises’. Miyazaki wanted to make a sequel . Its working name was ‘Porco Rosso : the last Sortie’,it was to be set during the Spanish Civil War with Porco appearing as a veteran pilot.
On Rotten Tomatoes it has a 8.1/ 10. Metacritic gave it a 83/100. Wilson McLachlan of the ‘Left Field Cinema’ considered it ‘the most under rated film from the Studio Ghibli catalogue’.
It is a beautiful film with Porco as the main character, but the two ladies, Gina , who loves him & Fio , who designs his aircraft. They form an instant bond as they meet. It is Miyazaki’s vision which holds us spellbound. The sea, clouds. the cafe, the workshop all have a life of their own.
Did Fio’s kiss break the spell? Did he go to Gina? Did Gina win the bet? They have left us with so many questions…
The name wasn’t attractive enough but covering all of Miyazaki’s films is the primary aim. So, only the first & the last is to be seen. I have covered all the rest!
Once in his world, there is no escape. Bewitched, wide eyed we just go for it!
Asian Entertainment 