TLDR;
This podcast episode reviews the English dub of the Studio Ghibli film "Porco Rosso," focusing on the voice acting, script adaptation, and overall quality of the dub. The hosts discuss the film's plot, the cast and crew involved in the dub, and their personal opinions on the movie and its English adaptation.
- The dub features a notable cast, including Michael Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Brad Garrett.
- The script adaptation is praised for its wit and faithfulness to the original material.
- The hosts discuss the film's themes, including anti-fascism, maturity, and the balance between war and beauty.
Intro [0:00]
The episode is a podcast discussing the English dub of "Porco Rosso". The hosts provide a disclaimer about potential spoilers and adult language.
Introduction [1:17]
The hosts introduce the episode as a special birthday episode focusing on "Porco Rosso," a personal favorite film. A brief plot summary is provided, describing Porco as a world-weary flying ace turned bounty hunter with the face of a pig due to a mysterious spell. He faces rivals and sky pirates with the help of a teenage airplane designer, Fio, and a lounge singer named Gina.
Disney Sound Studio and Crew [9:16]
The hosts discuss the dubbing studio, Disney Sound Studio, and the crew involved. Tony Bancroft directed the film, and Cindy Davis and Donald H. Hewitt adapted the script, having worked on other Ghibli films like "Nausicaa" and "Spirited Away." An older dub of "Porco Rosso" exclusively for Japan Airlines is mentioned.
General Opinions on the Dub [13:40]
The hosts share their general opinions on the dub. One host was impressed with the dub, noting its sound reminiscent of the early 90s, despite being released in the mid-2000s. Some characters were considered a little flat, possibly due to the actors' inexperience with ADR. The mixing was well done, and the movie was enjoyable overall.
Pig Puns and Scriptwriting [16:32]
The discussion shifts to the pig puns in the dub, which were not in the original Japanese. The scriptwriting is praised for fitting in quips and light-hearted joking, adding to the characters. The adult nature of the movie is noted, with the script incorporating humor and charm.
Lip Flaps and ADR Direction [18:32]
One host notes that the lip-syncing in the dub is not always perfect, but the natural-sounding acting is preferred over stilted acting with better lip flaps. Tony Bancroft's ADR direction is commended, given his lack of traditional ADR experience, and his respect for Ghibli's material.
Personal Enjoyment and Trailer Analysis [20:50]
The hosts express their enjoyment of the movie, with one host placing it among their favorite Ghibli films. The writing is considered punchy and appropriate, and the leads are well-cast. The hosts analyze the original Japanese trailer, noting its focus on adult themes and its appeal to middle-aged men and women.
Dubs Comparison and Technical Aspects [23:01]
A host compares the dub to that of "Princess Mononoke," noting Neil Gaiman's involvement in the latter. The scriptwriting is praised for making the world feel alive, despite the film being about a pig flying a plane. The technical side of the dub is commended, especially considering it was produced in 2004-2005 for a 1992 film.
Technical Aspects and Crispin Freeman Anecdote [26:51]
The discussion touches on the technical aspects of the dub, noting how well the background music and sound effects blend with the English dialogue. An anecdote about Crispin Freeman's experience dubbing in a large Disney sound stage is shared.
Mama Yudo Gang Introduction [30:10]
The hosts introduce the Mama Yudo gang, a group of sky pirates, comparing them to Team Rocket from Pokémon and the Beagle Boys. The voice actors for the gang are revealed: Brad Garrett as the boss, Bill Fagerbakke, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Frank Welker.
Opinions on Mama Yudo Gang [37:15]
The hosts share their opinions on the Mama Yudo gang, praising their comedic relief and the voice acting. Brad Garrett's performance is highlighted as particularly strong. The banter between the gang members is enjoyed, and their interactions with the children they kidnap are found amusing.
Distinguishable Voices and Brad Garrett's Role [39:50]
The hosts discuss the distinguishable voices of the Mama Yudo gang members, noting that Bill Fagerbakke, Kevin Michael Richardson, and Frank Welker have distinct voices but sound similar in this dub. Brad Garrett's role as the boss is highlighted, with his performance fitting well with the exaggerated facial animation of the characters.
Miyazaki's Balancing Act and Personal Connection [42:37]
The hosts discuss Miyazaki's balancing act between his anti-war sentiments and his love for drawing army planes and tanks. Miyazaki's father's work as an aircraft engineer and his mother's illness are mentioned as influences on his work. The origins of the story in a manga for model airplanes are discussed.
Individual Opinions on the Gang [44:50]
The hosts share their individual opinions on the Mama Yudo gang, praising their comedic timing and the casting of cartoon voice actors. Brad Garrett's standout performance is noted, and the possibility of a spin-off starring the gang is suggested.
Brad Garrett as Bluto and Comic Relief [47:19]
Brad Garrett's performance is compared to Bluto from Popeye, and the Mama Yudo gang is seen as providing comic relief to balance the dour notes in the film.
Ferrari, Grandpa Piccolo, and Donald Curtis Introduction [49:40]
The hosts introduce Ferrari, Grandpa Piccolo, and Donald Curtis. Ferrari is an Italian air force member and friend of Porco, played by Tom Kenny. Grandpa Piccolo runs an aeronautics shop and is voiced by David Ogden Stiers. Donald Curtis is an ace pilot and aspiring actor/president, played by Cary Elwes.
Casting and Character Analysis [52:14]
The hosts discuss the casting choices and analyze the characters. Tom Kenny's role as Ferrari is considered flat. David Ogden Stiers' performance as Grandpa Piccolo is praised for its kooky charm. Cary Elwes' portrayal of Donald Curtis is discussed, with some hosts finding it charismatic and others finding it unenthusiastic.
American Stereotypes and Performance Analysis [1:01:04]
The hosts discuss the American stereotypes embodied by Donald Curtis and the choice of a British actor, Cary Elwes, to voice the character. Tom Kenny's performance as Ferrari is considered flat, while David Ogden Stiers' portrayal of Grandpa Piccolo is praised for its charm.
Individual Opinions on the Characters [1:07:21]
The hosts share their individual opinions on the characters, praising David Ogden Stiers' performance as Grandpa Piccolo and Cary Elwes' portrayal of Donald Curtis. Tom Kenny's role as Ferrari is considered less impactful.
Ghibli Easter Egg and Historical Context [1:16:09]
The hosts discuss a Ghibli easter egg in the movie and provide historical context about the Ghibli brand.
Introduction to Fio and Gina [1:17:03]
The hosts introduce Fio and Gina, the female characters in "Porco Rosso." Fio is a young apprentice aircraft designer, played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, while Gina is a lounge singer and hotel owner, played by Susan Egan.
Susan Egan and Kimberly Williams-Paisley [1:20:38]
The hosts discuss Susan Egan's performance as Gina, praising her voice and the character's suave and sexy demeanor. Kimberly Williams-Paisley's portrayal of Fio is also commended, with her youthful enthusiasm and comedic timing.
Youthful Enthusiasm and Character Analysis [1:25:21]
The hosts discuss the youthful enthusiasm of Fio and the contrast with the older, world-weary characters in the film. Susan Egan's performance as Gina is praised for capturing the refined, vulnerable, and sweet nature of the character.
Individual Opinions on Fio and Gina [1:29:02]
The hosts share their individual opinions on Fio and Gina, praising Kimberly Williams-Paisley's portrayal of Fio and Susan Egan's performance as Gina.
Porco Rosso Introduction [1:38:04]
The hosts introduce Porco Rosso, the main character, played by Michael Keaton. His backstory as a skilled pilot who became a pig is discussed.
Michael Keaton as Porco Rosso [1:41:39]
The hosts discuss Michael Keaton's performance as Porco Rosso, praising his ability to capture the character's world-weariness and cynicism.
Humphrey Bogart Comparison and Character Depth [1:53:03]
The hosts compare Michael Keaton's portrayal of Porco Rosso to a Humphrey Bogart character, noting his cynicism and world-weariness. The character's internal conflict and guilt are discussed.
Iconic Line and Overall Performance [1:55:38]
The hosts highlight the iconic line "I'd rather be a pig than a fascist" and praise Michael Keaton's overall performance, despite some initial flatness.
Final Thoughts - Adult Themes and Fandom [1:59:35]
The hosts share their final thoughts on the movie and its dub. One host discusses the adult themes of the film and the challenges of interacting with anime fandom.
Accessibility and Personal Connection [2:04:14]
The hosts discuss the accessibility of anime films and the personal connection that Miyazaki had to the story.
Miyazaki's Strongest Movie and Dub Quality [2:06:59]
The hosts express their strong opinions about the movie, with one calling it one of Miyazaki's strongest. They praise the dub for recognizing the special nature of the film and putting in the effort to create a high-quality adaptation.
Availability and Recommendations [2:11:56]
The hosts provide information on where to watch "Porco Rosso" and recommend it as a gateway into broader anime.
Podcast Promotion and Patron Shoutouts [2:13:31]
The hosts promote their podcast and thank their patrons.
Christopher Plummer Tribute and Episode Conclusion [2:21:02]
The hosts pay tribute to Christopher Plummer and conclude the episode.