Howl's Moving Castle
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Movie Reviews of Howl's Moving Castle
Movie Review: 2nd Next to "Spirited Away"
Summary: 5 Stars
Sophie is a Plain Jane with no self-esteem; a quiet girl who works at a hat shop. But after an encounter with a handsome wizard lands her with an awful curse, she decides to venture away from her hat shop to find the antidote. Along the way she meets some amazing friends and begins to gain the courage to stand up for herself and the people she loves.
This was a really good movie! I've seen quite a few Hayao Miyazaki movies, but I think this movie is better than all but "Spirited Away". There is still something about that movie that makes it my all-time favorite. But there was one thing that "Howl's Moving Castle" had that was better than that in "Spirited Away" - the main boy character. While Haku was a good main boy character, Howl beat him by a mile. He has some qualities that Haku had (since Miyazaki always incorporates favorite characters of his and fun ideas that he has into all of his movies) there was just something about Howl that made him more likable. Anyway, the movie left a lot of things unanswered and I was still a bit confused about some things at the end, but it was still really good. It's a romance, but also a mystery, with action, and comedy...what can I say? Miyazaki's movies always contain a little bit of everything. But mostly it was romance, I think.
I recommend this movie to all girls with a love for cartooning or Japanese animation. Boys probably wouldn't care for it much because of the romance part, but I think most girls will like it. For the most part it was also a clean movie; no swearing or profanity. But there was one part where you can see Howl's...erm..."behind"...and then it implies that he isn't wearing any clothes. It was harmless, though; he had just been taking a bath, it wasn't anything parents should be too concerned about.
Movie Review: A marvelous fairy tale with contemporary resonance
Summary: 5 Stars
I am convinced that Hayao Miyasaki will live on in legend, for his films are among the finest I have ever seen. Rivaling the early works of Disney, Miyasaki's words combine stunning imagery, rich characters and deep plots that can not only please children but impress adults with their complex deeper meanings.
Howl's Moving Castle is no exception.
Sofi is a young woman who seems to be living under the shadow of her more glamarous peers and family members in a region plagued by a foolish war. When she is transformed into the body of a feeble old woman by a spiteful witch, Sofi must travel to Howl's moving castle in order to seek his expertise in reversing the curse.
What happens next is both unexpected and enlightening, for children's movies often feature the most mundane of plots. Not only is war presented as a terrible choice that yields no winners, but Sofi herself begins to have brief bouts of time in her former self--but only when standing up for what she believes in.
Can she muster the courage to break the witch's curse on her own?
Howl's Moving Castle remains one of the most underrated films that came to the US in recent years, with a disappointing box office domestically but an absolute smash over seas. Hopefully Disney (who seems to distribute these films) will invest more time in marketing them in the future, because we could really benefit from some good material for our children, who will hopefully come to learn (through our mistakes) that war is never an answer to conflict!
Movie Review: One of the greatest animated adventures ever
Summary: 5 Stars
I won't comment on the book adaptation or the structure of this highly-developed film, because so many others already have. But I do want to add a note about why this film is well worth purchasing on CD rather than just renting or seeing in a theatre.
Howl's Moving Castle ranks with early Disney masterpieces like Snow White as a landmark in the naturalistic animation of a fantasy world.
Where it differs from most other movies is in its incredibly rich texture. In almost every scene there are dozens of things going on, some of which you won't notice on a first viewing.
The magnificent set-pieces, like the scenes of bombing or the busy cityscapes, have dozens of separate elements. The moving castle itself, with its jiggling turrets, stomping claws and hissing steam-vents, is an astonishing creation. And the comic scenes -- as when Sophie, Heen, Markl and Turnip struggle to eject the crashed plane from the castle's gullet -- work on many hilarious levels.
There is not a wasted second or an inch of wasted space in this film; like a lovingly-created diorama under a glass dome, touched by a magician , it seethes with weird but utterly convincing life.
You will find yourself watching some of these scenes many times over, marvelling at the inventiveness of Miyazaki and his team, catching some new detail every time.
This is certainly among the best animated films ever made, and I highly recommend it!
Movie Review: More than fun, read the book...
Summary: 5 Stars
When Hayao Miyazaki brought Diana Wynne Jones' book to animated life there was a bit of editing that had to be done in order to keep the pace moving forward, but I believe that he did the very best job possible to keep the heart of the book intact. I have heard people say that they are confused by everything that gets thrown together, witches and sorcerers that should have more of a background story do not. That it isn't one of Hayao Miyazaki's best, but it should not matter. Take this movie for what it is, what he does best, a journey of self discovery for one girl/old woman who needed to find out that there was more to her than even she expected.
Yes the book does give Sophie more credit but at the same time it lacks control of story at times. Miyazaki holds the reins in a bit on the movie but it works, it is breathtaking and so much fun. I wanted more of Howl and more of the characters that should have made an appearance in the movie, but we can not have everything.
Is this a rip roaring action film, no but it does have some action sequences, is it deeply philosophical and many layered? No, but is it a wonderful movie to sit down and enjoy with someone who loves you no matter how odd you are... A simple love story that leaves you wanting more. Yes most certainly. I loved it, my children sat through it and loved it as well. It is a wonderful movie for everyone who wants a little more magic in their lives.
Movie Review: Careful, Miyazaki films are addicting!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is the one that started me out in Anime. I caught it on tv one day and the title interested me. I was mesmerized by the quality of such a good Anime. I did not even own any Anime. (I'm a 58 year old male). I had to find out who was responsible for this artistic film. I was introduced to Hayo Miyazki. He is reviered as one of the best at his craft. Many Animies are compared to his work. What a stroke of luck that I happened on to the (genius). I now own all but "Whisper of the Heart" and "The Yamadas". They are all good and well worth watching over and over.
Howl's Moving Castle is one of his better works. It is filled with fantasy, magic, interesting characters. Even the fire that powers a moving castle is a character with a voice. The castle is magic itself. Doors that enter into other worlds. Absolutely beautiful scenery. Plenty of very imaginitive flying machines that are a trademark of Miyazaki's. Colors that are exceptional. It's so creative that you wonder what will come next. What a mind this man has!
As you can see by the reviews of Miyazaki's films most people love his work. He is compared to Walt Disney. I like both Disney and Miyazaki and would have a hard time choosing who is best. I will say that Disney started it all and had no one to be influenced by.
I recommend any of Miyazki's films. They are all top notch and probably the best of the best. Enjoy!
P.S. Looking forward to the new one "Ponyo on the Cliff".