Laputa: Castle in the Sky poster

Laputa: Castle in the Sky

1986124 minutesN/A
4.7
Arcplot Score
📝 Unconventional
Unverified
N/AIMDb
Genre: Comedy
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
ON THE THIRTIETH EPISODE OF THE BOMB SQUAD PODCAST: Ethan, Tim, and special guest Angie Hachiman discuss the 1986 Hayao Miyazaki film Laputa: Castle in the Sky. Does the film hold up against the rest of Miyazaki's filmography? Find out their thoughts on the film tonight.

Arcplot Score Breakdown

Beat Timing Precision6.2/10
Emotional Arc Impact1/10
Thematic Consistency7/10
Overall Score4.7/10

Beat Sheet

15 plot points

Laputa: Castle in the Sky Arcplot
1
Opening Image
1 min
2
Theme Stated
5 min
3
Set-Up
10 min
4
Catalyst
20 min
5
Debate
35 min
6
Break Into Two
40 min
7
B Story
55 min
8
Fun and Games
65 min
9
Midpoint
80 min
10
Bad Guys Close In
95 min
11
All Is Lost
110 min
12
Dark Night of the Soul
115 min
13
Break Into Three
118 min
14
Finale
123 min
15
Final Image
124 min

Emotional Arc

+100-10

Plot Points

#1

Opening Image

1 min

Pazu, a young boy working in a mining town, looks up at the mysterious floating island in the sky. The world is industrial yet magical, establishing wonder and adventure.

#2

Theme Stated

5 min

The importance of courage, friendship, and protecting ancient knowledge is hinted when Pazu vows to explore the sky island after seeing a mysterious girl fall from it.

#3

Set-Up

10 min

Sheeta, the mysterious girl, falls from the sky. Pazu catches her. They form an alliance and discover she possesses a magical crystal connected to Laputa.

#4

Catalyst

20 min

Government agents and pirates pursue Sheeta, setting the adventure into motion. The stakes are life-and-death, with the pursuit of Laputa and the crystal’s power driving the plot.

#5

Debate

35 min

Pazu and Sheeta wonder if they can truly reach Laputa safely. They question whom to trust and whether they are capable of protecting the island’s secrets from those who seek to abuse it.

#6

Break Into Two

40 min

The duo sets out on a daring journey to reach Laputa, entering a world of airborne ships, treacherous cliffs, and government forces.

#7

B Story

55 min

Pazu and Sheeta develop trust, friendship, and a budding emotional bond, highlighting the human connections amidst the adventure.

#8

Fun and Games

65 min

Airship battles, clever escapes, and exploration of ancient ruins provide thrilling sequences. The duo uses ingenuity and bravery to outwit pirates and agents.

#9

Midpoint

80 min

Laputa is discovered. Its beauty and danger are revealed. The threat escalates as Colonel Muska reveals his plan to seize Laputa’s powerful technology.

#10

Bad Guys Close In

95 min

Muska gains control of Laputa’s machines and threatens the protagonists. Pazu and Sheeta face overwhelming danger as the island’s ancient defenses are activated.

#11

All Is Lost

110 min

Sheeta is captured and Laputa’s powerful weapons are unleashed. It seems the island and its inhabitants may be destroyed.

#12

Dark Night of the Soul

115 min

Pazu reflects on courage and loyalty, resolves to save Sheeta, and reconnects with his inner resourcefulness to overcome the seemingly impossible challenge.

#13

Break Into Three

118 min

Pazu devises a clever plan to disable Laputa’s destructive mechanisms and rescue Sheeta, using the crystal and their combined skills.

#14

Finale

123 min

Laputa’s destructive power is neutralized. Muska is defeated, the island is stabilized, and Pazu and Sheeta emerge victorious, protecting the secrets of the ancient civilization.

#15

Final Image

124 min

Pazu and Sheeta look out over the peaceful valley below. Adventure, courage, and hope endure as the island floats safely above.