Hayao Miyazaki Film Food — Part Three: CASTLE IN THE SKY
Our series of articles that focus on the food in the animated films of Hayao Miyazaki continues today with Castle in the Sky. To catch up on the two articles that we've posted in the series, click on the following links: Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro.
Hayao Miyazaki's movies are widely known for their warm colors, cute pets, brave characters, attractive storyline, and incredible attention to detail. But one of the most significant parts of any Miyazaki film is actually the food. Miyazaki uses food in specific ways to bring characters together, build their relationships, and add depth to the story.
In Castle in the Sky, the choice in food doesn’t seem to have too much significance apart from explaining social status. However, the presentation and reception of the food gives us insight into the relationships between characters.
In the very beginning, we see Muska’s henchman offer some food to Sheeta, who then flat out refuses his offering. At this point in the movie, we know nothing about any of the characters, so this is a great insight into the relationship between captor and captive. OK, so we don’t necessarily know that Sheeta is a captive (although it is possible to pick up since the food being offered is bread and water) at this point, but we do know that something is wrong. She doesn’t want to eat, she looks depressed, it’s all there to tip us off.
Next, we see Pazu running around with meatballs for his boss. This errand demonstrates the relationship between apprentice and master. When Pazu returns with the meatballs, Boss asks him to help around as a mentor would ask of a mentee; not doing mundane chores but actual work that he himself would do. We later find out that Pazu and Boss are very close, almost to the point of father-son as Pazu and Sheeta run away from the pirates and Muska. We as the audience get clued into all this relationship indirectly from the moment we meet Pazu ordering Boss’s dinner.
While running away from Muska and the pirates, Pazu and Sheeta end up in a cave. While here they share a meal of bread with eggs. This food is accepted by Sheeta and symbolizes that these two kids are a team now. Pazu has been friendly to Sheeta ever since catching her as she fell from the sky. Sheeta has been kind and grateful for his help in return, but has also urged Pazu not to worry about her. She is scared that anyone helping her will get caught up in trouble with the military and/or pirates. After eating this meal, Sheeta is a bit less reluctant to accept Pazu’s help (albeit those dirty rotten military guys “persuade” Pazu to leave Sheeta with them for a bit).
After Sheeta goes with Muska to spare Pazu, Pazu runs home to find Dola stuffing her face with a feast fit a king, or queen in this case. Dola sees herself as the queen of the pirates and as untouchable as royalty, so of course she’s going to eat like one. Seeing herself this way is only built upon by her sons worshiping her and always treating her as a queen.
While on the pirate ship, Sheeta is tasked with cooking food for Dola and her sons. The pirates fall in love with Sheeta and in order to show their affection are more than happy to volunteer helping her prepare the food as long as it means being with her.
By: Yifan Zhao, Tommy Wiliams, and Catherine Wilson
