Howl’s Moving Castle
“Howl’s Moving Castle,” an animated Japanese film from 2004, delivers a stunning fantastical world close enough to our own to which we are able to relate and feel the whimsy of a fairytale. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli, the sheer beauty of the animation is incredible. However, the film gains its heart from its nuanced plot and characters, delicate humor and pressing themes, such as the futility of war, the flaws of humanity and the importance of inner beauty.
The world we are brought into “Howl’s Moving Castle” is thoroughly intricate; every possible item is accounted for. Every part of the ramshackle castle—the film’s namesake—is beautifully illustrated to move naturally, creating a sense of realism. Even in the background of minor scenes, the smallest details are thoughtfully and delicately drawn. Bright, rich colors are used liberally throughout the piece. They compliment each other rather than distract. The saturated tones further the fantastical feeling present throughout the film, lending us a taste of a world that is familiar yet more.
The plot is centered around a teenage human girl, Sophie, as she interacts with magic around her through newfound relationships with demons, witches and wizards. After a witch turns her into an old hag, she takes this transformation in stride, keeping her head up high as she searches for a way to turn herself back. In her journey back to youth, she befriends many, and we watch as she comes to term with her situation but still bravely continues on. In her love interest, Howl, a notable wizard and owner of the Moving Castle, we watch a different transformation; one that arcs away from vanity as he learns to care for others.
Humanity and humor in this film also come from the minor characters, such as the outspoken fire demon Calcifer, the loyal yet mute scarecrow turnip head and the Witch of the Waste. Calcifer is grumpy yet endearing, providing comedic relief without becoming annoying. Although Turnip Head initially seems like a random character thrown into the mix—following Sophie in her journey simply for the sake of it— he grows on the viewer without speaking a word and is later shown to play a vital role in the plot. The Witch of the West is initially the villain of the film. As the film progresses however, we see her transform into a sweet albeit clueless old lady in a stunning redemption.
The plot as a whole can be quite complex, and the film throws the viewer right in without explanation, which has the possibility to lead to some confusion. Nevertheless, the inventive and delicate world that Miyazaki creates is worth navigating despite its complexity. The film is worth watching for the attention to detail displayed in the production alone. The stunning cinematography makes every moment watching the film akin to viewing a painting in a museum. The depth and relatability displayed by the characters further emphasizes the enchanting nature of Miyazaki’s creation. All the elements of this film tie together beautifully to create a fantastical film grounded in humanity.