X
- 2005
- PG
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
- 2005
- PG
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
Summary An amazing new animated adventure that celebrates the power of love to transform and the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of adversity. (Disney)
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Written By: Diana Wynne Jones, Hayao Miyazaki
- 2005
- PG
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
- 2005
- PG
- Buena Vista Pictures
- 1 h 59 m
Howl's Moving Castle
8.6
Where to Watch
Summary An amazing new animated adventure that celebrates the power of love to transform and the resiliency of the human spirit in the face of adversity. (Disney)
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
Written By: Diana Wynne Jones, Hayao Miyazaki
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 40 Critic Reviews
82
85% Positive
34 Reviews
34 Reviews
13% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Universal Acclaim
Based on 40 Critic Reviews
82
85% Positive
34 Reviews
34 Reviews
13% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
3% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
A picture from an old man working at the top of his game.
Perfect for anyone with a youthful heart and a rich imagination.
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 503 User Ratings
8.6
90% Positive
454 Ratings
454 Ratings
7% Mixed
37 Ratings
37 Ratings
2% Negative
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
User Score
Universal Acclaim
Based on 503 User Ratings
8.6
90% Positive
454 Ratings
454 Ratings
7% Mixed
37 Ratings
37 Ratings
2% Negative
12 Ratings
12 Ratings
Howl's Moving Castle is a breathtakingly beautiful and captivating animated film that fully embodies the imaginative and heartfelt spirit of Studio Ghibli. Director Hayao Miyazaki masterfully weaves together elements of fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age to create a story that is both magical and deeply human.
The film follows the journey of Sophie, a young woman who is cursed by a jealous witch and transformed into an old woman. She seeks refuge in the moving castle of the mysterious wizard Howl, and together they embark on a perilous adventure to break the curse and defeat the forces of darkness.
The animation in Howl's Moving Castle is stunning, with intricate attention to detail and a vivid color palette that brings the fantastical world to life. The character designs are equally impressive, with each figure exuding a distinct personality and charm.
What truly sets Howl's Moving Castle apart, however, is its emotional depth and resonance. The film tackles themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the power of love and friendship, all with a nuanced and delicate touch. The characters are complex and relatable, and their journeys are deeply moving and meaningful.
Overall, Howl's Moving Castle is a masterpiece of animation that deserves every bit of its critical acclaim. It is a testament to the power of imagination and storytelling, and a true gem in the canon of animated cinema.
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Every movie Studio Ghibli makes is amazing, but for me Howl's moving castle is its best movie. It is set in a fantastic world with witches and magicians called Porthaven, which is inspired by France and Germany's architecture, this movie is the story of Howl Pendragon and Sophie Hatter and how they have to break each others enchantment while being in a magicians' war. I love this movie so much, from the work of the director Hayao Miyazaki to the work of the voice actors like Kamiki Ryunosuke (who plays the voice of Markl), by the very last scenes I considere it's a tearjerker because the music and the ending are very beautiful, I highly recommend it, this is a cult film and a must watch even if you don't like anime nor romance!
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In the best moments of Howl's Moving Castle and in his extraordinary body of work, Miyazaki teaches his viewers more valuable lessons.
Because of its convolutions, Howl's Moving Castle isn't quite as transporting as "Spirited Away." But it's a moving bridge between his lyrical fancies and his outrage. Miyazaki is like a soulful cartographer of the soul, mapping our inner landscape, leaving us bedazzled.
The filmmaker's obsessions have got the better of him. That said, I can't recommend the film highly enough, since bad Miyazaki is still leagues better than anyone else.
While the movie contains delights and inventions without pause and has undeniable charm, while it is always wonderful to watch, while it has the Miyazaki visual wonderment, it's a disappointment, compared to his recent work.
Miyazaki, like an evil sorcerer, has plucked the heart out of Jones's story and left it there to die.
This is a very good movie, but I have a lot of issues with it.
This movie, espcially its messy third act, feels like sensory overload. Everything is happening so fast and so loud and the quiet moments of rest (which are always the best parts of every Ghibli film) are very few and far between compared to other Ghibli films. It feels very rushed and overwhelming and it gives me a headache.
Also, the exact nature of Sophie's curse (and the movie's world in general) is never really explained. I like how her age changes, but it would be good to know what exactly triggers those changes. A lot in this film is unexplained and it's very frustrating. This is probably Ghibli's most nonsensical movie.
With that said, I do like it. While I think that the second half is kind of a mess, the first half is really good. It's a lot slower and more focused. There are less characters and there's actual moments to rest and contemplate the beautiful scenery. The ending is also really nice.
The best things about this movie are the visuals (obviously) and Howl, especially when he's being a total drama queen. I want more dramatic Howl please.
Overall, this is far from being one of my favorite Ghibli movies, but I think the good outweighs the bad just enough. I know it's really beloved, but I will still take Spirited Away or Whisper of the Heart over this anytime.
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I don't think that this movie is as good as the other ones by Studio Ghibli. Again, just like other movies in the same category, there's much absurdity going on, from the girl being cursed with being an old woman, to the guy who transforms into a bird who fights planes in a fictional war, to fluid monsters who have literally no right to existence after their former master was stripped of her powers, yet they still somehow exist, I genuinely don't know. In terms of theme, sure there's this magic and coming of age, but sometimes it's horrifying, sometimes it's romantic and so on and so on, it's really all over the place. If you want to watch a genuinely good Ghibli movie, watch My Neighbour Totoro or Spirited away, this one's good, but no masterpiece.
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first Ghilbi movie here. Was expecting a great anime, since everyone seems surprised i've never watched a Ghilbi movie and apparently they're good. But i was bored to death for the whole 2 hours. 3 points only for the classic art style and animation.
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The short answer is that this is a Feminist rant, chick flick, mainly for **** or soon-to-be **** kids.
Morales that are prominant: Fat people ****, hero men wear earings on both ears, random people will destroy your life, young girls should clean houses, war is bad.
Some of this is true . . . Good luck figuring out which morals are true after watching this.
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Production Company
Buena Vista Home Entertainment,
DENTSU Music And Entertainment,
Mitsubishi,
Nippon Television Network (NTV),
Studio Ghibli,
Tohokushinsha Film Corporation (TFC),
Tokuma Shoten,
d-rights
Release Date Jun 10, 2005
Duration 1 h 59 m
Rating PG
Tagline This castle moves.
Awards
Academy Awards, USA
• 1 Nomination
Tokyo Anime Award
• 4 Wins & 4 Nominations
Annie Awards
• 3 Nominations
