Porco Rosso

Set in 1929 over the beautiful Adriatic Sea, ace pilot Marco has been transformed by a mysterious curse into a pig-headed bounty hunter known as Porco Rosso. Working alone in his bright red seaplane, he makes his living hunting down air pirates. Though he’s well known in flying circles for his talents, he emotionally isolates himself from others, unable to forgive himself for the failings of his past.

When Porco’s plane is shot down by a cocky American pilot, he’s forced to seek repairs from his old mechanic and his spirited teenage granddaughter, a brilliant engineer who insists on helping him rebuild his plane and restore his honor. As they prepare for a final showdown with the American, Porco finds he must also confront the shame and guilt that transformed him in the first place.

From Studio Ghibli’s masterful director Hayao Miyazaki, Porco Rosso is a beautifully animated film that explores how shame can consume us, making us feel like we deserve to be isolated from those who love us. While younger viewers may enjoy the bits of light-hearted comedy and the classic good guy vs arrogant bully adventure, older viewers may recognize the film’s deeper themes about dealing with guilt, self-worth, and allowing ourselves to accept love from others. Rated PG for mild action, Porco Rosso reminds us that even when we feel unworthy, reconciliation is always possible, especially when we accept the love of those who see the good in us.

Runtime: 1 hour, 34 minutes
Rated PG
96% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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