Howl's Moving Castle (English Language) 2004 PG CC. 4.9 out of 5 stars 6,462. Prime Video From $11.99 $ 11. Starring: Christian Bale, Emily. Howl's Moving Castle Pop Quiz. Howl's Moving Castle. What is Howl accused of doing Sophie's hometown? Bombing the city. Crushing the land with his castle. Eating pretty girls' hearts. Skip question: Howl's Moving Castle Related Clubs. Sophie Hatter (Sophie Pendragon). Almost the first sight we see in 'Howl's Moving Castle' is the castle itself, which looks as if it were hammered together in shop class by wizards inspired by the lumbering, elephantine war machines in 'The Empire Strikes Back.' The castle is an amazing visual invention, a vast collection of turrets and annexes, protuberances and afterthoughts, which makes its way across the landscape like a.
Howl’s Moving Castle is a 2004 fantasy film by Studio Ghibli, adapted from the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones. The film, like the novel, is set in a world where magic is a common phenomenon and used by many magicians. Howl’s Moving Castle revolves around Sophie, a young hat-maker who encounters the titular wizard, Howl. Because of this encounter, Sophie gains the ire of the Witch of the Wastes and is cursed into a 90-year-old by the Witch. Sophie then finds herself working for Howl as a cleaner in hopes of finding a way to undo this curse.
The central focus of the film is Sophie’s metamorphosis from a shy and unmotivated person to someone who is more confident and loving. However, the film also makes a point in developing its other characters, especially Howl. Kathryn Hansen’s analysis, “Physical Metamorphosis in Howl’s Moving Castle” argues that the physical transformations the characters undergo in the film reflect the character development. Sophie’s transformation into an old lady is the best evidence for this.
Throughout the film, Sophie gradually changes from a hunched ld lady to a more dignified and younger self whenever she experiences moments of self-confidence and assurance because of her growing relationship with her new companions. In the end, she is able to break the curse by herself, signifying this newfound self and her love for Howl. Meanwhile, Howl is also changed by Sophie’s acts of love and becomes more selfless and courageous, as opposed to the vain wizard who was trying to run away from his responsibilities in the beginning of the film.
Another focus of the film is the war that is already happening when the film begins. In Devon Gordon’s interview with Miyazaki, “A Positive Pessimist”, Miyazaki expresses his disdain over U.S. involvement in the war in Iraq, further noting that his version of Howl’s Moving Castle is affected by this war.
In the film, the kingdom that Howl works for is currently in war with another country and is recruiting all the magicians it could find to bolster its forces. This is a contrast to America and its rallying of flags whenever the war with Iraq first broke out. Furthermore, the steampunk-inspired technology present in the film is there to emphasize the militaristic nature of the kingdom.
At the center of this conflict is Howl. Howl works against his former teacher, who practically has more power than the king, by sabotaging the kingdom’s forces in order to avoid this war. His efforts can be seen as a commentary of a world that doesn’t want this senseless war that could claim many innocent lives.
Howl’s Moving Castle is a film that emphasizes change. All the characters change for the better, ending the film in an optimistic note, especially regarding its anti-war subtext. The main antagonist’s decision to end the war after seeing her former pupil’s and Sophie’s efforts encourages change through pacifistic methods and reflects Miyazaki’s pacifistic stance towards war.
References
Physical Metamorphosis in Howl’s Moving Castle. (n.d.). Retrieved April 6, 2014, from
Gordon, D. (Interviewer) & Miyazaki, H. (Interviewee). (2005). A ‘Positive Pessimist’ [Interview Transcript]. Retrieved from The Daily Beast Web Site: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2005/06/19/a-positive-pessimist.html
Miyazaki, H. (Director). (2004). Howl’s Moving Castle [Motion Picture]. Japan: Studio Ghibli
Parent Movie Review
Witches, wizards, curses and spells are all part of the magical world of Howl’s Moving Castle. Under the masterful direction of Hayao Miyazaki, this animated film brings to life an enchanted, smoke-belching castle that plods about the countryside like a great lumbering animal.
In the story, Sophie (voice by Emily Mortimer) is a reserved young woman who works at her mother’s hat shop. On the way to visit her more outgoing sister (voice by Jena Malone), two brazen soldiers bar the way. Caught in the alley, she begins to worry until a blond-haired man appears and offers to accompany her to safety. However, it doesn’t take long for Sophie to realize her champion is in trouble himself.
Oozing out of the walls and doorways is an army of black blobs that seem intent on capturing her escort. Warning the girl of danger, the young man ushers Sophie to her destination. Then, later that evening, an arrogant, aged woman (voice by Lauren Bacall) bursts into the closed store. When Sophie demands she leave, the Wicked Witch of the Waste casts a spell on the talented hat maker, turning her into an 80-year-old woman (voice by Jean Simmons).
Howl S Moving Castle 123 Movies English
Appalled by her reflection in the mirror, Sophie slips out of her upstairs room and heads for the hills, hoping to find a way to undo the curse. There, she stumbles upon the magical, moving castle and lets herself in.
She discovers the fortress is full of spellbound beings. Posing as an elderly cleaning lady, Sophie meets Calcifer (voice by Billy Crystal), the fire who is the moving force behind the hulking contraption. She also runs into Howl (voice by Christian Bale), the master of the house and a man tortured by the pursuit of perfect looks.
Like Beauty and the Beast, this is a story of seeing beyond the exterior surface and into the heart of a person. Full of wildly imaginative characters and creative modes of transportation, the scenario is set in a European city. But the director has integrated mystical beings and traditional Japanese elements that flavor the film like a good splash of teriyaki sauce.
However, the ominous creatures that chase after Howl and Sophie, as well as the depiction of bombs, burning buildings and other aftereffects of war, may disturb younger audience members. In addition, an old woman enjoys a cigarette of undetermined material that appears to affect those subjected to her secondhand smoke.
This film is a visually stunning introduction to the fairytale of another culture that includes intense attention to artistic detail. Yet some viewers may find the storyline fades, leaving too many questions unanswered and other details entirely unexplained.
Starring Christian Bale, Emily Mortimer, Lauren Bcall.Running time: 119 minutes.Theatrical release June 9, 2005.Updated November 29, 2017Howl’s Moving Castle Parents' Guide
What similarities does this plot have to other fairytales? What magical creatures exist in the stories you know?
Despite her curse, Sophie continues to treat others with kindness. Who is she willing to help? How does that kindness pay off for her? What does Sophie learn about the difficulties of old age?
Home Video
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The most recent home video release of Howl’s Moving Castle movie is March 7, 2006. Here are some details…
The magic of translating Howl’s Moving Castle into an English Language Version, provide much of the meat for the bonus features on the DVD release of this Japanese anime film. Fan’s of director Hayao Miyazaki’s work will enjoy watching his visit to Pixar Animation Studios, the work that went on Behind the Microphone, and an Interview with Pixar Animation Director Pete Docter. Other extras include storyboards, TV spots and trailers for the movie. Audio tracks are available in English (Dolby Digital 5.1), Japanese (of course) and French.
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Director Hayao Miyazaki has also been involved in the release of several other Japanese films for North American audiences including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.