For fans wanting to experience Porco Rosso in the most immersive way possible, the Italian dub is a must-watch. It bridges the gap between Ghibli’s Japanese aesthetic and the Adriatic setting, offering a richer, more authentic atmosphere.
A Tale of Two Dubs: The 1992 Original vs. The 2010 Lucky Red Localization
Italian voice of Stallone, Vin Diesel, and Morpheus ( The Matrix ) Fabrizio Pucci Italian voice of Brendan Fraser and Hugh Jackman Fio Piccolo Joy Saltarelli Voice of Jennifer Lawrence in various Italian dubs Madame Gina Roberta Pellini Italian voice of Cate Blanchett and Charlize Theron Mr. Piccolo Armando Bandini Veteran Italian actor and dubber Mamma Aiuto Boss Paolo Buglioni Italian voice of Nick Nolte and Samuel L. Jackson Why Porco Rosso English dub elaborates beyond original?
Set during the interwar period of the late 1920s, Porco Rosso takes place against the sun-drenched backdrop of the Adriatic Sea. Miyazaki populates his world with real historical textures: the rise of the Italian Fascist regime, the economic hardships of the Great Depression, and the pioneering spirit of early aviation. porco rosso italian dub
Miyazaki was a huge fan of the (Italian animators who made The Lancia Bolide in 1951). He named the protagonist Marco Pagot in their honor. The Italian dub therefore feels like a tribute from Miyazaki to Italian animation history.
The film's journey toward localization in Italy was anything but smooth. While "Porco Rosso" was a huge success in its home country and was quickly exported to France and the United States, in Italy it remained unreleased for a long time. Paradoxically, it took nearly twenty years for audiences to hear the Italian voice of Porco Rosso in theaters.
Studio Ghibli’s Flying Pig: Why the Italian Dub of Porco Rosso is a Masterpiece For fans wanting to experience Porco Rosso in
Brought an energetic, spunky flavor to the role.
To understand the weight of the Italian dubbing of Porco Rosso , one must first examine Miyazaki’s deep infatuation with Italy. The director’s passion is evident throughout the film's architecture, its geography (spanning Milan, the Istrian coast, and the Adriatic), and the names of its characters (such as Fio Piccolo and Arturo Ferrarin). Even the name of Miyazaki's beloved animation studio, "Ghibli," is derived from an Italian nickname for the Caproni Ca.309 aircraft.
When Hayao Miyazaki wrote the original manga, The Age of the Flying Boat , upon which the film is based, he poured his personal obsessions into the pages: vintage aviation, Istrian landscapes, Mediterranean light, and a deep-seated anti-fascist philosophy. The 2010 Lucky Red Localization Italian voice of
Many fans and critics argue that the Italian dub is the most immersive way to experience the film. Because the movie is set in the Adriatic and features specifically Italian landmarks, signage, and historical references, the language fits the visual world perfectly.
One of the greatest achievements of the Italian dubbing industry—which is globally renowned for its high quality—is how it handles the historical and regional context of the film.
If you have only ever watched Porco Rosso in Japanese or English, you have watched a great film. But if you watch it in Italian, with Celentano’s gravel echoing over the waves, you will realize you were watching a completely different movie.
In 2010, the distribution company Lucky Red acquired the rights to the Studio Ghibli library in Italy and embarked on a massive project to re-dub the films. Overseen by localizer and dialogue writer , this version aimed for absolute fidelity to Miyazaki’s original Japanese text while maintaining natural Italian syntax.
The film officially premiered in Italian theaters on November 12, 2010 , distributed by Lucky Red .