12 Reasons Why Hayao Miyazaki's 'Porco Rosso' Is Tragically Incomplete And Ghibli NEEDS To Fix It

Okay, so real talk: I’m obsessed with Studio Ghibli. Like, who isn’t? Every single Hayao Miyazaki film is a masterpiece, right? Well, almost every single one. Because there’s ONE that constantly lives in my head, rent-free, with its glorious, frustratingly open ending. I’m talking about 1992’s ‘Porco Rosso,’ and honestly, Ghibli, we need to talk. This movie is a perfect, beautiful, tragically incomplete gem, and it’s time for a sequel!

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1. His Curse Is Still A Mystery!

Look, the whole ‘man turned into a pig’ thing is iconic, no cap. But the film literally ends with Porco still a pig! We get hints he might have broken the curse (that glimpse of a human face!), but we never *see* it. It’s a fundamental plot point that’s left hanging, and honestly, it keeps me up at night. My heart needs closure, Ghibli!

2. What Happened With Gina?!

Gina, the absolute queen of the Hotel Adriano, is waiting for Porco to return as a human. That’s her whole deal! And we never get to see if they finally get their happily ever after. After all those years of waiting, all that loyalty? My hopeless romantic heart can’t take this ambiguity. Give us the romance we deserve, Miyazaki!

3. The World War Is Brewing — What’s Next?

The film is set in the interwar period, and you can practically feel World War II looming. Porco is literally hiding from the rising fascism in Italy! The ending narration mentions he kept flying, but what about the actual conflict? Did he get swept up in it? Did he fight? We need to know his fate in that turbulent era!

4. Fio Piccolo Deserves Her Own Story!

Fio is such a strong, brilliant, independent young woman who literally rebuilt Porco’s plane and saved his bacon. She’s an engineering prodigy! What did she do after the movie? Did she become a famous airplane designer? Did she revolutionize aviation? We’re living for her potential, and we need to see it realized!

5. Miyazaki Himself Wanted A Sequel!

This isn’t just me screaming into the void, people! Hayao Miyazaki himself reportedly considered a sequel titled ‘Porco Rosso: The Last Sortie,’ set during the Spanish Civil War! He even did some concept art! So, the idea is literally out there, just waiting to be picked up. It’s not a crazy fan theory, it’s a lost treasure!

6. The Adriatic Sea Is Calling For More Adventures!

The setting of the Adriatic Sea is just breathtaking, full of sky pirates and daring pilots. It’s such a vibrant, unique world! There are so many stories left to tell in that sky. Imagine more air races, more dogfights, more hidden coves. Honestly, the world-building is too good to be a one-off adventure.

7. It’s A Box Office Sleeper Hit That Deserves More Love!

While not as globally recognized as ‘Spirited Away’ or ‘Princess Mononoke,’ ‘Porco Rosso’ was a massive box office success in Japan, grossing ¥2.8 billion (approx. $23.6 million USD at the time) and becoming the highest-grossing film of 1992 there! It clearly resonated, and that audience deserves more!

8. The Animation Would Be STUNNING Today!

Imagine ‘Porco Rosso’ with today’s animation technology, even while keeping that beautiful hand-drawn Ghibli aesthetic. The flight sequences would be even more breathtaking, the water even more shimmering, the characters even more expressive. It would be a visual feast, an absolute treat for the eyes!

9. We Need More Mature Ghibli Stories!

While Ghibli is famous for its family-friendly fare, ‘Porco Rosso’ has a slightly more mature, melancholic tone. It deals with disillusionment, war, and finding purpose. A sequel could delve even deeper into these themes, offering a different kind of Ghibli magic for older fans. It’s truly unique!

10. Rotten Tomatoes Loves It, So Will Everyone Else!

This movie holds a fantastic 95% ‘Certified Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes! Critics and audiences alike adore it, praising its charm, animation, and unique story. A sequel would be met with so much anticipation and love. It’s a no-brainer, Ghibli!

11. It’s Streaming Everywhere, So New Fans Are Ready!

‘Porco Rosso’ is readily available on Max in the US, Netflix in many international territories (including the UK, Australia, and India), and even on Blu-ray/DVD. New viewers are discovering it all the time! Imagine their excitement if a sequel was announced. The fanbase is primed and ready!

12. Come On, Ghibli, Give Us What We DESERVE!

Seriously, ‘Porco Rosso’ is a masterpiece, but that ending just leaves you wanting MORE. It’s the only Miyazaki film that feels like it has a whole second act waiting to be told. The characters, the world, the lingering questions… Ghibli, we’re begging you. Please, please, please give us ‘Porco Rosso: The Last Sortie’ or whatever you want to call it! We need closure! We need more Porco!

FAQs

Is Porco Rosso a Studio Ghibli movie?

Yes, absolutely! ‘Porco Rosso’ was released in 1992 and was directed by Hayao Miyazaki as a full-fledged Studio Ghibli production. It’s one of their most unique films, for sure.

Why is Porco Rosso a pig?

Porco Rosso is cursed to be a pig, reportedly as a self-inflicted punishment or a magical consequence after witnessing a surreal vision during World War I. The exact reason is never fully explained, adding to the film’s mystery.

Will there be a Porco Rosso sequel?

While Hayao Miyazaki reportedly considered a sequel titled ‘Porco Rosso: The Last Sortie,’ there are no current official plans from Studio Ghibli to produce it. But hey, a fan can dream, right?!

So there you have it! My absolute, no-holds-barred case for why ‘Porco Rosso’ is Hayao Miyazaki’s one truly incomplete film, and why Studio Ghibli needs to get on that sequel train, like, yesterday. It’s got everything: romance, adventure, a rich world, and so many unanswered questions! Did you feel the same way about the ending? Let me know in the comments — maybe if we scream loud enough, Ghibli will hear us!