This version is considered more "authentic" to the Mediterranean flavor of the original material, emphasizing the nostalgic and somber tone of the post-WWI era. 2. Meet the Voices: The Italian Dub Cast
voices the charmingly arrogant American pilot, Donald Curtis. Pucci’s performance brings the right amount of rivalry and bravado, making the rivalry with Porco engaging rather than purely antagonistic. 3. Why the Italian Dub is Considered Superior
Furthermore, the emotional core of the film—the unspoken, tragic romance between Marco and Gina—is heightened by the innate romanticism of the Italian language. When Gina sings "Le Temps des Cerises" in French, followed by spoken Italian dialogue, the transition feels incredibly natural, evoking the cosmopolitan flavor of the interwar Adriatic coast. Why the Italian Dub is the Definitive Experience
This is the secret weapon. Gina sings "Le Temps des Cerises" (a revolutionary French song) and runs a hidden garden hotel. Melina Martello’s voice is husky, mature, and deeply sad. The Italian script leans heavily into the Sofferenza (suffering) of Gina—a woman who has lost three pilots to the sky. Martello’s delivery of the line "Vai, stupido, vai!" (Go, you idiot, go!) at the climax is arguably the most emotionally devastating moment in any Ghibli dub. porco rosso italian dub
Voiced by Michele Kalamera (in the 1992 original Italian dub; later replaced in some re-releases by Roberto Pedicini, though Kalamera remains iconic). Kalamera’s voice carries a weathered, resigned, yet wry dignity. Unlike the Japanese voice (more gruff and heroic) or the English dub (Michael Keaton, sardonic and quick), Kalamera emphasizes malinconia – a lyrical, nostalgic sorrow.
Before delving into the details of the dub, it's essential to understand why it was so highly anticipated. "Porco Rosso" is perhaps Miyazaki's most personal and heartfelt film, one that is profoundly connected to Italy. The story of Marco Pagot, an ace disillusioned by war who transforms into a pig and becomes a bounty hunter, takes place entirely in an idealized Italy between the two world wars.
: The story follows Marco Pagot, a former Italian WWI fighter ace. Hearing the characters speak Italian brings an immediate sense of "home" to the Adriatic setting. This version is considered more "authentic" to the
The banter between Pucci's Curtis and Corvo’s Porco before their fight is filled with a unique blend of Italian chivalry and Mediterranean passion.
The Italian dub is available on the Italian Blu-ray/DVD releases (often with English subtitles) and on Italian streaming platforms like (with VPN) or RaiPlay . Some fan rips also exist online with English subs.
Here is an in-depth exploration of the , exploring how it brings Miyazaki’s vision full circle, the history of its late release, and the legendary vocal cast that made it unforgettable. The Ultimate Cultural Realignment Pucci’s performance brings the right amount of rivalry
European Blu-ray and DVD releases (specifically Region B/2 copies from distributors like Lucky Red in Italy) feature the Italian audio track alongside English subtitles.
The success of the Italian dub is anchored in the casting of the protagonist, Marco Pagot, voiced by the late Paolo Lombardi. In the original Japanese version, Shūichirō Moriyama portrays Porco with a gruff, weary, yet whimsical tone befitting a Miyazaki "everyman." Lombardi, however, leans into the archetype of the uomo di un'altra epoca —a man of another time.
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.
Providing the voice for the elegant, melancholic lounge singer, Pellini encapsulates the timeless, romantic sorrow of Gina.