A short time after the First World War, many of the now unemployed flying aces became "air pirates" who made the sea routes in the Adriatic unsafe. Marco "Porco" Rossi is a soldier of fortune whose scarlet double-decker can be hired for a fee to fight the pirates. A mysterious spell has been cast on Marco by unknown forces, which changes his face to resemble the head of a pig. Marco, who surrenders to idleness on his secluded island hideaway, is tasked with rescuing a company's payroll stolen from a luxury ship. The "air pirates" are annoyed at being disturbed in their business and decide to hire the unscrupulous American pilot Donald Curtis to eliminate Porco Rosso. Curtis falls in love with Gina, a beautiful singer with whom Marco has long been friends and for whom he has romantic feelings. The American uses all the sneaky tricks to eliminate Marco and win the heart of the beautiful Gina. Fio, the daughter of the builder of the scarlet double-decker, is in love with Marco and helps him get Porco Rosso afloat again. But she demands to be allowed to accompany Marco to the last fight with Curtis. When Curtis becomes aware of 17-year-old Fio, the stage is ready for the grand finale ... Press quotes: "A magical, wonderfully told story - a fascinating classic" (jasms.de) "An extraordinary anime fairy tale" ( movienerd.de) "The admirable animation,