Wow, it's been quite a while since my last match-up. I've been focusing on HoFs and haven't really had time to watch these animated movies... but I finally found the time to watch some so here is the next match-up.
#6 The Iron Giant vs. #11 Porco Rosso
1. Originality
Porco Rosso
A romance/action/drama with a flying pig? Leave it Miyazaki to write a story as bizarre and interesting as this. Turned a pig after World War I for reasons unexplained, the main character of Porco Rosso is Porco himself. It makes for a thrilling and unexpected Miyazaki film that is very original.
2. Script/Screenplay
The Iron Giant
Porco Rosso has one of Miyazaki's screenplays, but Brad Bird's writing in The Iron Giant is right alongside The Incredibles and Ratatouille. The characters have great lines, the dialogue scenes are phenomenal, everything just flows.
3. Animation
Porco Rosso
I don't think any Miyazaki movie will ever lose for animation. Although this isn't My Neighbor Totoro or Spirited Away in terms of visual beauty, there are still some amazing moments. Not only are the shots of the sea and the landscapes from bird's eye great, but the plane scenes are spectacular to watch. Well done.
4. Characters
Porco Rosso
Even with Porco Rosso being arguably the most interesting and deep character in all of Studio Ghibli, it's hard to choose for this. The characters in the Iron Giant are all deep and personal; every character just shines a different light and what it means to be good, evil, and human. But I have to give it Miyazaki once again, mostly for Porco Rosso, but for Gina and the others as well.
5. Music/Sound
The Iron Giant
the Iron Giant's soundtrack is great. It can be big and grand but also quiet and meditative. It has a huge orchestral scope that we don't get a lot of these days, and it is something different, a refreshing orchestral sound for the '90s.
6. Themes/Values
Porco Rosso
This story about a flying pig is not all that it seems on the surface. Deep down, this is a tale about what happens to men after war - they are turned into pigs. Particularly one sequence, when Porco finds himself staring into the white strip of planes from those who have passed, incredibly moved me. It is both an exciting and profound tale of war.
7. Structure/Pacing
The Iron Giant
The structure of this film could be weighty, but Brad Bird handles it perfectly. There's not much more to add, but the Iron Giant flows like butter in the hands of these great director. the Iron Giant is a great film, too bad it had to go against Miyazaki for round one.
Porco Rosso - 4
The Iron Giant - 3
Winner: #11 Porco Rosso