Porco Rosso: A Stylish Anime Comedy That Falls Short on Story
“Porco Rosso,” or “The Crimson Pig,” unfolds a visually stunning anime landscape set in the pre-war era of Southern Europe, where the lives of civilian pilots and air pirates intertwine. While the animation boasts elegance and captivates the eye, the storyline, unfortunately, doesn’t quite soar to the same breathtaking altitudes.
A Pig’s Tale in the Adriatic
Set against the backdrop of the late 1920s Adriatic Sea, the narrative introduces us to Marco Pagot, an Italian pilot who underwent a mysterious transformation into an anthropomorphic pig during the tumultuous times of World War I. Now widely recognised as “Porco Rosso” – a name derived from his vibrant red seaplane – he earns his keep as a bounty hunter, diligently safeguarding passenger and trade ships from the clutches of daring air pirates.
As the pirates come to the harsh realization that they are no match for Porco’s aerial prowess, they enlist the help of Donald Curtis, an American ace pilot, hoping to turn the tide. In a fierce aerial battle, Marco barely manages to survive, his aging aircraft bearing the brunt of the assault. Seeking refuge, he seeks the expertise of the Piccolo aviation company in Milan, entrusting the repairs to Fio, a spirited 17-year-old aircraft designer. This is during the widespread hardship of the Great Depression, which has forced many male engineers to seek better prospects elsewhere.
Miyazaki’s Love Affair with Aviation
It’s a testament to the allure of military technology that even the most ardent pacifist can appreciate tanks and fighter planes. Hayao Miyazaki, despite his deep-seated aversion to war, found solace and joy in meticulously drawing military equipment for the Japanese model magazine Model Graphix from 1984 to 1994. These comics focused on the historical nuances of past aircraft and tanks, as well as the individuals who engineered, built and piloted them.
The Piccolo aviation company, where Fio dedicates her skills, serves as a nod to the Milanese company Caproni, which famously engineered the Ghibli aircraft –the very namesake of Miyazaki’s globally acclaimed studio.
From Comics to the Big Screen
One of Miyazaki’s own comics, “The Age of the Seaplane,” first published in 1989, served as the primary source of inspiration for “Porco Rosso.” Miyazaki’s deep-seated enthrallment with Italian pre-war aircraft likely fuelled his adaptation decision. His revered studio, Ghibli, owes its name to the Italian aircraft Caproni Ca.309 Ghibli, which launched in 1937. The protagonist, a sentient pig, showcases Miyazaki’s fondness for drawing anthropomorphic pigs.
A Shift in Tone
Originally conceived as a lighthearted comedy intended for adults, specifically the passengers riding on Japan Airlines, the trajectory of “Porco Rosso” shifted. It evolved into a full-length adventure brimming with poignant, tragic undertones. The grim backdrop of the Yugoslavian civil war had a profound impact on Miyazaki, compelling him to weave in themes of the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, Marco’s haunted war memories, and Madame Gina’s deeply sorrowful past. Although the dialogue gained richness and depth, the plot’s intricacy remained somewhat simplistic.
Casablanca Meets Rocky III
Upon its 1992 release, the film felt like “Casablanca” cleverly crammed into a farcical comedy. The characters’ dialogues and reflections on the past and present create the initial impression of a serious war film. However, the plot soon diverges into a straightforward “Rocky III” scenario, where the once-defeated champion yearns for redemption through a formidable rematch.
Miyazaki’s unwavering pacifist stance manifests through Marco’s unique approach to combat, prioritizing the disabling of enemy engines rather than causing fatal harm to the pilots. Ultimately, the film intentionally avoids delving into the deeper, more complex themes of anti-fascism or exploring profound human tragedy.
A Pilot for a Non-Existent Series?
“Porco Rosso” often evokes the feeling of a pilot episode with a hastily appended conclusion. A significant portion of the film—nearly an hour—is dedicated to laying out the character foundations and establishing the distinct world, only to then abruptly transition into an aerial and ground battle between Pagot and Curtis. Given the complex characters that have been crafted, it seems a shame they are not expanded on, and perhaps deserve more considerable adventures with greater opportunity for nuance. Fio, most notably, feels underutilised, regressing at times into a mere “prize” for the rival pilots.
Echoes of “TaleSpin”
To more fully understand what potential “Porco Rosso” held, one needs to consider the Disney animated series “TaleSpin,” which similarly followed a seaplane pilot alongside his ragtag group of quirky friends. The similarities between the two properties are simply too numerous to dismiss as mere coincidence. It’s notable that Miyazaki had actually visited Walt Disney Studios during the production of “TaleSpin,” which was released just two years before “Porco Rosso.”
Final Verdict
While “Porco Rosso” might fall short of delivering a relentlessly thrilling adventure, it compensates with its stunning visuals, numerous references to classic films and aviation history, lighthearted humour interspersed with emotionally resonant moments, and thoughtful discussions about aircraft design. Each individual scene offers its unique appeal, particularly for viewers who are engaged with pre-war Europe and appreciate humour. However, the film, when considered as a whole, doesn’t quite reach its full potential due to a plot that doesn’t entirely match the sophistication of its characters and its explored themes.