Howl's Moving Castle by Miyazaki Hayao A Review Written for Friends by Kazuki Anno, Translators United for Peace Like a vivid dream, Miyazaki's film presents an alternate world for children of all ages. For more mature viewers, however, his works represent the complex realities we face here and now in this cruel, yet beautiful world. Howl's Moving Castle will take us on a journey of moral quest to confront unnecessary and destructive wars that make us victims of, and collaborators with, terror at one and the same time. If our children can handle such serious subjects as war, justice and humanity, so must we. Miyazaki tells us that we are not what we seem to be. Howl is a handsome young man who looks like a dashing rock star and behaves like a flamboyant prince. Nevertheless, he is a wizard. Yet, unlike other wizards, he no longer works for the Palace, and when night falls, he turns into a black monster bird, flying across the sky to intercept a massive bomber formation over defenseless cities burning in flames. Howl spreads his wings and tries to catch bombs in the air, but all he can do is to neutralize a few bombs out of thousands. Thus, he goes to war each day, knowing in advance that he will fail. Which one of his multiple characters is truer than the other ones? Is any one aspect of his as true as any other? Sophie, a 19-year-old girl, is turned into a 90-year-old woman by the Witch of the Waste Land because she attracts the attention of Howl whom the Witch desires for herself, secretly envious of his youth and beauty. Is this a curse by a jealous witch, or does it merely mirror the lost heart of Sophie who does not know what she is to become, having resigned herself to a drab life in her family's hat shop? If the latter is the case, what can she do to break the spell? So, she sets off on an adventure to discover herself. Not even the Witch, an elaborately dressed dowager, is immune to power. When she is called to the Palace, she kowtows to authority and transforms herself into a helpless old woman, going up a flight of steep stairs that lead to a majestic chamber. It has been a long time since the ancient oral traditions she represents were annihilated and subjugated by nation-states in the age of modernization. Calcifer, a cantankerous fire demon, is supposed to be a free being in the universe, but he is under a contract to Howl, so he is kept in a small fireplace to generate energy for the moving castle. When more energy is needed for the castle in crisis, Sophie offers a lock of her hair to Calcifer who then says, "If you give me your soul, I will be able to produce unimaginable amounts of energy." Perhaps, the wizards at the Palace who are in charge of inventing all the machines, warplanes, tanks, bombs, and missiles, have given up their souls to Calcifer to develop nuclear weapons. As citizens of nations with industrial democracies which uphold a single economic model, namely extreme capitalism unleashed by neo-liberal shock treatments in the era of corporate globalization, we have no faces, no voices, and no names. Here we have Miyazaki's invitation to take off on a magical journey, together with Sophie and Howl, to search for the infinite possibilities that dwell in each one of us. It will be as hard an adventure as anyone can undertake in the mysterious frontier of the human mind, as valuable an experience as dreams that would not cease to inspire us, and as easy a task as remembering once again our own names. Peace, Kazuki… Expand

Another masterpiece. Stunning visuals, sophisticated plot, intriguing characters

Critics are so very very dumb, those who rate any of miyazaki's stuff under 80, so dumb, they should go watch pokemon if they think this is bad, what idiots.

Astonishing thematically, visually, in the subtlety and skill of developing fascinating, complex, multi-layered characters and a never-ending series of unpredictable adventures. Works as fantasy, mythology, fairy tale and sci-fi. Simultaneously dazzling to the eyes and the imagination and touching and transformaive to the heart. A supreme master at work here!!!!!!Blessings, Miyazaki!!!!

Miyazaki managed to bring some of his best work together in this. There were pieces of his previous movies mixed into it and something totally new. He worked more on closer relationships this time (Howl/Sophie) and showed how people in power can manipulate things like war (Sulliman). I'm also a fan of the book Howl's Moving Castle but the book and the movie are completely different. Miyazaki didn't make a film version of the book. He borrowed the characters and then created a new world for them to inhabit. This movie was a treat for all the senses with the story, the animation, and the music (Joe Hisachi's music is addictive and magical, get the soundtrack). One of the best movies in a while.… Expand

My 4-year-old said, "This moviie is beautiful, Dad!" Wonderful story, amazing scenes. Does My Totoro one better. Exceptional on the big screen. It is nice to have a film the whole family can enjoy without the intensity and volumn of some.

'It's like dreaming....' says Sophie half way through the film. I couldn't have put it better myself. Watching Miyazaki movies is like having a brilliant dream: this is the best of his movies that I have seen. It's tighter, with a stronger narrative thread, and avoids going too far along the surreal, blob-lined tangents that Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away linger on. As always, the visuals are exceptionally beautiful, breathtaking in a way that non-animation landscapes can never hope to match. We watched it exhausted after a day of packing before a house move, and yet were gripped and enchanted for the full two hours of the movie, with idiot grins fixed on our faces both during it and for at least an hour afterwards. Wonderful.… Expand

Very nice movie realy touch our heart.

One of those movies I could watch over and over again. Yes, it is hard to understand at some points. Yes the plot can be a tad hard to follow. But once you watch it a few times and once you start paying attention to what the crowd says (like the scene where the two men are talking in the background just before Sophie meets Howl) you can truly understand this masterpiece. I can't say that I've read the book because I haven't, but I love this story anyway.… Expand

other than inuyasha and fruits basket it was the best anime movie.

Absolutely outstanding - my favorite Miyazaki movie so far. Awesome plot, glorious, imaginative art, and beautiful soundtrack. I was absolutely enchanted.

i've seen all of miyazaki's work and this is my new favorite! i can't seem to stop watching it. it's so well done!

Even it's quite late for me to watch this movie but it was spectacular and womderful. I love Miyazaki creation. And I'm simple fall in love with Howl and all character in Miyazaki masterpieces.

There is something deeply wrong with the reviewers who could not follow the plot, and thought that this film has no heart. I am in my twenties and love all Miyazaki films; these films have more heart than any Disney film has in its little finger. The morality of these films is deep and complex; there is not true good or evil, and children are put in places of responsibility where they must take responsibility for their actions. Howl's is no different. Spirited Away is my favorite Miyazaki film, but this comes in close second. The film never gets old; it's like a favorite song.… Expand

THISis one of my ALL time FAVORITE movies!!! I talk about it any chance that i get !! i also love Howl! :)

One of the best animated movies of this year!! Bravo!! Move over Disney!!

Awesome and ridiculously trippy on a psychological and visual level seen it twice so far.

Miyazaki has managed the impossible with Howl's Moving Castle-- he's equalled his previous masterpiece, Spirited Away, and in some respects even surpassed it (though Spirited Away will always be my favorite). The visual beauty of Howl is extraordinary, full of Miyazaki's meticulous attention to detail; and the story is as deeply moving and enjoyable as anything he's done before. As with Spirited Away, the English language dub is excellent, and while I was doubtful about how Billy Crystal would sound as Calcifer, he does a fine job and doesn't descend into cutesiness. If only Disney would give this magnificent film a wider release.… Expand

Definitely the best from his works by far. The art work and background are beautifully married to give as much visual input to the story it's self.

A true bonafide classic from a legend.

This Movie Is The Best Anime Movie I Have Ever Seen In My Life! It seems to me that im obessed of it but who cares.

I absolutely loved this movie! It has so much heart, and I was enthralled all the way through. The storyline differs from the book a bit, but that only makes it more original. The artwork is beautiful, and the music is among the best soundtracks I've heard. Bravo!

Japanese Animation still lives on in this super brilliant movie Howl's Moving Castle. the animation was beautiful, the characters were amazing, and the visuals kick a**.

I loved this movie! It's definitely in my top 3 favorite movies! Yes some parts i didn't get the FIRST time watching but i still loved it. It's perfect for someone who still finds hope in things also if you have a young heart and big imagination!

This is a spectacular show. I read the book and Love the Movie. The animation was amazing, and i just could not believed that this did not win the academy award for best animation.

Absolutely wonderful film. I usually get bored with long films because they lose my interest at some point, but this one stayed consistently entertaining throughout. It's a heartwarming film I think any age could appreciate.

This is, in my opinion, Miyazaki's best movie to date. It's an emotionally powerful, humorous, magical, beautifully made and scripted animated masterpiece. Don't listen to all the trolls posting bad reviews; watch this movie now. You won't be disappointed.

One of Ghibli's best works. Howls Moving Castle is possibly the most mature Ghibli feature with a story, Character depth and wit made to make one think.

I love the range of characters in the film and the way the plot unravels and the antagonist isn't quite who you believe it to be from the offset.

Once again Studio Ghibli prove that they are animation kings and masters of story telling.