Howl’s Moving Castle, made by the award-winning Studio Ghibli, is a timeless and wonderful film. With themes of family, friendship, devotion and trust, it becomes clear why it is one of the most top-grossing films in Japan. The main characters feature Sophie, a young girl living in her quaint town, inside a hat shop. There she encounters Howl, a figure well-known and whimsical just by first appearance. They chance upon meeting each other, until one day Sophie is cursed by a witch and turns her into a very old woman. Determined to return to normal, Sophie seeks out help and ends up running into Howl once more. The two of them venture on a moving castle in hopes of changing Sophie back to how she once was.
I would give this film a 4 out of 5. I absolutely adored the aesthetic, scenery and character design throughout the film. Not to mention the soundtrack was pleasing, with lots of orchestrated and classical pieces. Despite this, I did not fully understand the plot and thought there would be more to it. I think a rewatch will solve this in due time, and I wish the movie resonated with me just a bit more, meaning it would be one of my favorite films of all time (it is close to that status though). I loved the side characters like the outgoing and childish Markl and the eccentric fire demon Calcifer. The movie ended on a sweet note too, which made a lasting impression on me; I definitely recommend Howl’s Moving Castle to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.
I would give this film a 4 out of 5. I absolutely adored the aesthetic, scenery and character design throughout the film. Not to mention the soundtrack was pleasing, with lots of orchestrated and classical pieces. Despite this, I did not fully understand the plot and thought there would be more to it. I think a rewatch will solve this in due time, and I wish the movie resonated with me just a bit more, meaning it would be one of my favorite films of all time (it is close to that status though). I loved the side characters like the outgoing and childish Markl and the eccentric fire demon Calcifer. The movie ended on a sweet note too, which made a lasting impression on me; I definitely recommend Howl’s Moving Castle to anyone who enjoys the fantasy genre.