While I didn't find this to be one of Miyazaki's best films as many people thought, it was still awesome. What's really weird is that it tells the story of a pilot who was turned into a pig. That's about it. The fact that he's a pig really has little relevance on the story. It's actually completely realistic besides that. It's not like he uses his snout to save the day or he summons pigs in battle or something. He's a pig and that's it. Yes, I do finally realize it was meant to be a joke on the term "When pigs fly".Of all the Miyazaki movies, this one may be the funniest. While not an outright comedy, it really did seem to have more jokes than any of the other movies. That's why I love this guy for always experimenting with different genres. The animation and character designs are as gorgeous as ever. I was weirded out by how short this movie was, as Miyazaki's films are some of the longest animated movies ever made. Still, it didn't need to be long and that was another factor in how unique it was. ***1/2

It's no secret that Hayao Miyazaki is utterly fascinated by all things that fly, especially machines that fly. With the exception of Ponyo, all of his movies feature flying scenes, and you could argue that in the case of Ponyo the same aesthetic is still achieved. But none of his films capture the romantic side of flight better than Porco Rosso. If you haven't fallen in love with aviation by the end of this film, I'm pretty sure you have a fear of flying.The movie takes place in Italy in the 30s, between the World Wars. Porco Rosso is a veteran combat pilot from World War I, who now spends his days as a courier slash bounty hunter slash all around flying expert in the Adriatic Sea. Our story starts when an American ace pilot named Curtis arrives to challenge him to see which one of them is the superior pilot. Plus he's paid by air pirates, who are often harassed by Porco Rosso.Oh, and Porco Rosso is also cursed to look like an anthropomorphic pig. No reason, really. He just looks like a pig. Roll with it.What I like the most about this film is the atmosphere. It captures the essence of the 30s perfectly, the feel of Hollywood's Golden Age. There's piracy and fighting, but men still have a code. There's a hotel built on an island in the middle of the sea and there's a scene in the film where both Porco and the pirates hang around there together. Because they all respect the owner so much, it's an agreed no-fighting zone. For some reason that really speaks to me.And of course, because it's a Hayao Miyazaki film, the animation is utterly gorgeous, the music is hauntingly beautiful, the storyline is deep yet lighthearted, the characters are great and it's just tremendously entertaining for both kids and adults alike. There are some Studio Ghibli films that are better, in my opinion, but it's still one of the best films I've ever seen and its world is the one I'd like to live in the most.

I loved every bit of the movie and the only reason I'm giving it 9/10 is because it ended too soon for me.This is the kind of animation movie that makes one feel good about living in this world. Such beautiful and breath-taking art work of the sky and numerous planes that fly in it! There is no real villain in this story and that is why it feels so good to watch it. It's a happy story (albeit a bit short) and the animation style is a treat to watch.The story is one that kids and adults alike will enjoy. And adults especially will enjoy it more as it brings back memories of a childhood of ambitious heroes and shiny gadgets. Porco Rosso himself is adorable and he made me nostalgic and happy at the same time.You should definitely watch it.

Although the multi-language opening text that appears at the beginning of the film could be confusing, it is adorable and creative. Porco Rosso (1992) is not an ordinary animated feature. It has depth even though it could be weird as it has an unusual heroic protagonist named Marco Pagot who is half human half pig, similarly like Pigsy but is a major celebrity in this film. What captivates me the most are the elements of this film especially the people and culture in the World War era. This bizarre film could also easily pass as a feminist film since there are plenty of strong female characters of all ages and different backgrounds but then again, it is actually also quite masculine since the main character is slightly male chauvinistic and there are plenty of other male characters as well. This film is complex, just like the human society is.Even so, Porco Rosso (1990) is enchanting as it champions love and honor. You should watch this film if you haven't because it's quite fun and interesting to watch!PS. There could be Porco Rosso 2 and we can only wait for its news.