Howls Moving Castle (Film Review)

Hayao Miyazaki might just be single handily the greatest director ever and his is my number 1 for sure, I think it’s more of his amazing talent of creating story’s and not just as a drawer but both are still amazing.

 I read the books quite some time ago at school I believe and after watching and Re-reading them you can tell they are loosely based for a reason, And that Miyazaki wanted to create his own version of the story and not just relaying on the books…But I prise him for it and a lot, I don’t think I could have pictured the movie any other way. And oh yes I personally prefer this over “Spirited Away” though this still isn’t my favourite Miyazaki film its “Nauiscaa of the Valley of the Winds”.

A young woman named Sophie is cursed by the Witch of the Waste, turns into an old woman, and is unable to tell anyone of her plight. Unable to continue her job at her mother's hat shop, she goes to the ambulatory castle of the notorious wizard Howl and insinuates herself into his household. Sophie befriends Calcifer, the fire demon who powers the castle and who is bound to Howl by a contract, the terms of which Calcifer cannot reveal. They promise to help each other with their problems. Like Calcifer, Howl can also see through the Witch's spell, and he and Sophie fall in love. Sophie helps Howl confront his former teacher, and the Witch of the Waste.

-Story…I’m not really the biggest fan of animation or these kinds of films but this film simply blew me the hell way with its story… Not too complex or anything like that and it’s simply never too hard to understand. Despite the movie being loosely based on the book, did anyone notice the reference to Sophie curse throw the film and how to break it (I didn’t realise or see this the first time I watched it)?

-Acting…Well I don’t quite agree with the American voice cast (Or Roger Ebert’s rating for that matter) but overall it’s pretty solid and well done. I prefer my countries version of the cast and I don’t quite agree with Christian Bale as Howl but still. Though the characters themselves are kind of the reason I give it a 9/10…Personally I felt they were a bit under done throw the film and most of all at the story, but they look amazing still like everything else.  

-Production…I would guess watching this while tripping on some kind of Drug (Acid for that fact) would be the biggest mind Rape with all that stunning and breathtaking animation. Though in physical production everything is really nothing short of flawless… I really can’t find a single flaw in it. The Music is incredible and likely the best for any Anime I have seen over the years.

Again the Animation is nothing short of amazing…Personally I hate CGI animation and I can’t say I was the biggest fan of Toy Story. And this entire movie only cost just over $25 million and likely the best $25 million ever spent here easy.

-Final…Besides truly one flaw who the hell could hate it? Or say they never want to see it? I liked it when I was young years ago and I still like it a lot today and one of my favourite’s movies ever easy. BTW don’t listen to Roger Ebert he gave this 2/4 but he gave “Anaconda” 4/4 (Still a movie I like though)

Jesse’s “Howls Moving Castle” score 9/10.