Hayao Miyazaki directs Mayumi Tanaka, Keiko Yokozawa and Kotoe Hatsui in the Studio Ghibli animated fantasy adventure about an orphan from a mining village who rescues a princess who fell from the sky.

As often happens now I had a strong feeling of déjà vu when watching this for what should have been the first time. According to Wikipedia there was a truncated version floating around U.K. terrestrial telly long before anyone over here even knew what a Ghibli was. The iron giant centurion robots definitely felt familiar. Steampunk pirates. Magical stones. The mystical joy of flying. Just an epic romp with a perfect blend of romance, adventure and dream. Set the bar really high early doors for every other Miyazaki. Lush fluid freedom.

9

Perfect Double Bill: The Wind Rises (2013)

I write regular features about live comedy for British Comedy Guide here https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/bobby_carroll/features/