Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle: 1hr. 59min.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: PG

Art and Animation: 5
Story and Plot: 3.5
Characters: 4
Sound Design: 4

Description from DVD case:
Sophie, a quiet girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. The vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste, jealous of their friendship, puts a spell on Sophie. In a life changing adventure, Sophie climbs aboard Howl's magnificent flying castle and enters a magical world on a quest to break the spell.

Another Miyazaki film from Studio Ghibli. Howl's is about a young women named Sophie who is turned into an old women by a witch. She travels the country side to find a wizard named Howl to turn her back to normal. Howl is a young wizard who commands a gigantic moving castle. Literally, the castle walks on four metal legs. It is a sight to behold. The country in which the story takes place is under war and the Queen is gathering all wizards and witches together to fight.The animation is stunning. Everything is bright and rich. If you have seen Spirited Away then you'll know what to expect. The castle is truly beautiful. Computer animation is blended together with hand drawn animation perfectly. Every character is unique and has the Miyazaki style written all over them.

The story is not a strong as some of Miyazaki's other works. It will become quite obvious what the main point is early on. In Sophie's old age she finds herself appreciating life more than ever. Also, love is something that doesn't have to do soley with looks. A person who cares for and protects others deserves just as much love as a person who is beautiful. It's a good story to show the kids, but adults won't get much out of it.

Howl is not the typical hero type. He is skinny, has a deep voice and is quite cowardly about his appearance. Sophie worries about her looks too much in her young age, but in her older age is able to look beyond it. All of the characters are interesting and will keep your attention. The Witch of the Waste is a personal favorite. Old, fat, slow and ugly. She has a central role in the conclusion of the story.
The sound is superb. I listened to the English dub and found it to be quite fantastic. Howl is voiced by Batman himself, Christian Bale, and may sound a bit too gruff at first but he will grow on you. Sophie in both old and young ages is perfect. The English accent is quite lovely. Music is from Joe Hisaishi who provides the soundtracks for most of Miyazaki's films. Nothing to overbearing or all that memorable, but what there is provides some nice atmosphere.

Howl's Moving Castle was not a disappointment. Not quite as good as Miyazaki's other films, but still a good movie in it's own right. This is one both parents and children can sit down to and have a good time. Children will be drawn in by the sharp visuals and the wonder. Adults will be taken by the believable steps to create an actual living breathing world with human characters. Add this one to your DVD collection.