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Hayao Miyazaki has done it again. If you're a fan of "Spirited Away," then get ready for another wild ride. The story focuses on witchcraft and a young girl named Sophie who is the unfortunate victim of an old-age spell. It's quite comical watching this young girl learn to be an old woman and deal with her new physical image, as well as become engrossed in the magical world of the wizard she self-hired herself to work for - Howl. And Howl's companion, a fire-demon character named Calcipher, is so awesome - he's a snappy little character full of attitude, who really comes to life with Billy Crystal's voiceover. Between the smart and witty comments between Calcipher and Sophie, this movie definitely made me laugh out loud, which I never do when watching animated movies! The funny thing is I first saw this with the English voice-overs, then decided to watch a clip on [...] of the Japanese version, and there were 2 things I didn't like about it. 1. Calcipher's voice was so deep and sounded so non-animated in his voice tone - almost boring. 2. Sophie's voice, while in an old woman's physical form, still sounded like that of a young child. I think it was much smarter and added so much more to the character in the English dubbed version to give her the voice of an older woman, in this case, Lauren Bacall. So in my opinion, when you watch it for the first time, watch the English version - the character voices are so much more rich with personality! This movie is a true gem that will keep you entertained time and time again. I would highly recommend it to anyone. In fact, after I saw it for the first time, I made my boyfriend and roommate sit down and watch it with me again so that they would be able to be exposed to such a great film! See it today!Read full review
Howl's Moving Castle was my first Myazaki movie and I found it to be far more enjoyable than many other films of this genre (animated). I completely enjoyed watching it, and I love the interesting characters; The Turnip Head Scarecrow was my favorite, and of course he is hanging around for a good reason, because we find at the end of the movie that he too, was cursed; and because Sophie was so kind to him he will ultimately end the wars...but I am getting ahead of myself. The film is based on the book of the same title written by Diana Wynne Jones. The film's story is told from the viewpoint of 18-year-old Sophie, who works at a hat shop. But she can hear the sound of bloody battles from the distance, and it is clear that the beautiful country, where witches and wizards live among humans, is going to see another war sooner than later. But daily life goes on for the ordinary town folks until Sophie's routine days are suddenly thrown into turmoil when the Witch of the Waste turns her into an old woman with a curse that Sophie cannot tell any one about; she is left with the task of discovering how to reverse the spell. Sophie leaves because she cannot face her friends as an old woman, nor can she explain the condition she is in; so she goes out into the wilderness to find the Wizard Howl, who she believes is the only person who can and will figure out that she is cursed and help her. The love story is very sweet, the depth of Howl's own curse is very poignant and involved; The fact that both Sophi and Howl discover love and help end the wars that ravage the lands is very well described. This is geniune fairy tale stuff and it is told in the truest Miyazaki way. This film has made me curious enough about his works so I had to watch a few of his earlier films; I'm sure you will enjoy them just as much; [Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Deliver Service, et al] are just a few that I have seen so far and highly recommend.Read full review
Howl’s Moving Castle, to me, is the easiest storyline to follow of the animation features by Hayao Miyazaki. I have seen Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and frankly did not like it, too violent. Princess Mononoke I found difficult to understand it’s convoluted with too many characters plot progression. In contrast, Howl’s Moving Castle is a rather simple story of growing up and finding love, in one’s self and others. Like all Hayao Miyazaki films the animation is outstanding. But unlike the afore mentioned tales, this one is more gentle. It still has the obligatory war scenes and violence but it is tempered with magic, love and real tenderness.
This has to be my favorite movie from Studio Ghibli. Another itle that took me 2 years to watch as it puts me to sleep. its not a bad thing i would put it on and lay in bed and the soothing music would put me to sleep. When my daughter was born in 2008 we would leave it playing when we laid her down and it would put her to sleep, it really does work wonders. The story is really nice and has some great comedy elements to it. A story about war, love, sacrifice, honor. I really enjoy the story of how some things are never what they seem and that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The writing is great, the music really made this movie for me to this day 10 years after seeing it for the first time still puts me to sleep and i love it. I would recommend this title to everyone, try it out, it is the best sleep aid i have found.Read full review
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This is a beautifully illustrated DVD and the story is engaging as well. I am older and grew up watching the original hand drawn Disney and other cartoons and I really dislike the computer animation they use now. This movie is a joy to watch and my grandkids love watching it as well. The story is fantasy at it's best with a love story thrown in. Magic, mayhem ( nothing too bad), and rescuing abound making for a fun and entertaining movie that let's you find something new each time you watch.
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Though 'Howl's Moving Castle' ('Hauru-no Ugoku Shiro') may not be Miyazaki's best film, it is still far more enjoyable than many other films, Japanese or American, animated or not. I for one very much enjoyed watching it, and I love the film for its interesting characters and the rich textures of the designs, especially the fantasy world itself where witchcraft and humans' mundane works can be seen side by side. And the titular six-legged castle that really walks among the wilderness is something you never see except in his films. Miyazaki's new film is based on a book of the same title written by Diana Wynne Jones. The film's story is told from the viewpoint of a 18-year-old girl Sophie, who is working at a milliner's shop every day. But she can hear the sound of bloody battles from the distance, and it is clear that this beautiful country, where witches and wizards live among humans, is going to see another war sooner or later. But apparently Sophie is still leading an ordianary life until her uneventful routine days are suddenly broken by one accidental meeting with wicked 'Witch of the Waste,' who turns her into an old woman with a curse. Seeking for her place to live, Sophie goes to the wilderness where, the townspeople say, a young wizard named Howl wanders. In fact, Sophie encounters Howl's Moving Castle in the foggy moutainside, and she decides to hop in. There, forbidden to talk about her curse, she starts a new life with young and handsome Howl, who speaks to her kindly like a prince, but at times acts like a spoiled child. [MIYAZAKI'S LOVE STORY] You will be impressed with many fantastic and colorful images created by Miyazaki. You might find an anti-war message deep in the film's story, but will find the romantic relations between Sophie and Howl is the most touching and impressive part of the film. Sophie's romantic feeling towards Howl is expressed in a unique way (which I don't disclose here), and Miyazaki, as usual, is very good at drawing the character of this independent heroine. One interesting thing is, probably this is the first case in which Miyazaki attempted to show a love story in his films. And a kiss too. I must say that not everything works in 'Howl's Moving Castle.' I haven't read the original book, but it is obvious that Miyazaki made changes. Not that I'm blaming them. But the story is sometimes told too hurriedly, and when you think something (actions or whatever) will start, it ends abruptly. Howl's character is full of contradictory traits, that's good, but his complicated personality could have been more effective and convincing with more detailed episodes about, say, his mentor magician (and politician) Madam Suliman or Witch of the Waste. (If I am not mistaken, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is a rare case for Miyazaki who prefers to use his own stories, and this is the first time he adapts someone else's story in 15 years, last time being 'Kiki's Delivery Service. But 'Kiki's' story written by Eiko Kadono is not long -- I know, I read -- while 'Howl's' story is, I think, much longer. Maybe these facts have soemthing to do with my complaint.) Greatly helped by Jo Hisaishi's beautiful score, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is full of imaginative power, with one strong heroine you can relate to (though she is 90-years-old), plus memorable supports including fire damon Calcifer, (not a bad guy at all), and ubiquitous Prince Turnip who always appears at the right moment. Flawed, to be sure, but enjoyable fantasy tale with a healthy amount of humor and lots of imagination.Read full review
My 21 year old daughter had been wanting to watch this movie again, having not seen it for many years. I hadn't watched it when my adult children had, but now I have a 9 yr old so I bought it to watch with her and her big sis. I was really impressed. I'm glad to have added this one to our small studio ghibli collection. The scenes are visually stunning and the story fantastical in a way that draws you in whether you're young or old.
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Howl's Moving Castle is Hayao Miyazaki's finest work. (You may recognize the name from his 2001 film Spirited Away). Howl's Moving Castle also premiered as the first Japanese animation entry at the 61st Venice International Film Festival in 2004, where it received the Golden Osella Award. The story is based on a book by Diana Wynne Jones and is set in the 19th century. The mysterious lands where science and magic blend together are beautifully drawn, reminiscent of old England during the war. Right away one is mesmerized by the amazing artistry of the film and is eager to follow the author wherever he may go. The story begins when an 18 year old hat-maker, Sophie, is turned into an old woman by the "Witch of the Wasteland". Soon, she encounters the magical Howl and his moving castle, powered by the fire spirit Calcifer, (voiced by Billy Crystal), as well as a turnip-headed scarecrow and many characters. Forbidden to talk about her spell, Sophie can't return home so she takes charge of the castle, cleaning it from top to bottom and becoming a part of the odd assortment of beings that collectively make it their home. Even Howl himself starts to see the inner beauty of Sophie and soon trusts her with his secrets. Amidst the war-torn lands, these characters must all struggle with their own demons (whether personally or physically). Watching these characters develop is almost like a story within a story. One truly becomes caught in the magical tale that Hayo Miyazaki so artfully spins. A perfect Saturday afternoon movie. It takes you on a magical voyage to different lands with engaging characters and a good story. I highly recommend this movie. I would venture to say that younger children would not have the patience to follow such a long story, and some of the magical images may be upsetting.Read full review
Highly recommend this movie. Loved it when it came out, and still think it’s a great movie. Recently purchased it for my fiancé’s birthday, and she also fell in love with it immediately.
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If you love anime, then this is a movie for you. The movie is by far one of the greatest Miyazaki's films ever. It is part Sci-Fi blended with Fantasy combined with the Modern Steam-Punk Trend. It follows the story of Sophie, cursed by a Witch and a story off the beaten track. A combination of Love, Hard Work and Determination of a Strong Willed Girl to break a curse laid upon her by a Narcissistic Witch. Sophie journeys to find a wizard who can break the curse and set her free. She goes through life changes, as well as the people who are around her. That is the best description I can give without giving the movie away. This Anime is in The Last Unicorn, Spirited Away, Castles in the Air, and, Princess Monoke style, which is why Miyazaki is #1 in Japanese Anime.
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