This is an original B2 Japanese poster, printed in 1986, for the release of “Laputa: Castle in the Sky” (天空の城ラピュタ).

“Castle in the Sky” is the first film created by Studio Ghibli and released on August 2, 1986, although it is considered the second by some, as Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind was created by the founding members two years prior. During its theatrical release, it was screened alongside two compilation movies for Sherlock Hound, The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle, and Treasure Under the Sea.

It is an adventure movie. Set in a fictional late 19th century, a boy, Pazu, rescues an unconscious girl descending from the night sky with a glowing pendant around her neck. He helps the girl, Sheeta, to escape from the air pirates and the military who are obsessed with Laputa, a legendary kingdom on a floating island in the sky with which Sheeta is suspected of being connected.

This poster is terrific, taken from the movie, and full of deep blues. The entire setup to the picture is on display, at least the romantic heart of the film. The tagline “One day, a a girl fell from the sky” was used to give a mystical feel to Pazu and Sheeta’s first encounter.