One of Hayao Miyazaki's sure-fire masterpieces, this beautiful film of magic, love and war strikes through the childhood of everyone who has seen it. This has got to be in my top five favourite films of all time simply because it hits all the right notes (and quite literally too, the soundtrack is amazing!). If you haven't seen this yet, now's a good time to do so. If not, our friendly fire demon Calcifer may place a curse on you:
In a quick and abridged summary that, by no means, does this do the film any sort of justice, the viewer is introduced to Sophie, an (ordinary) girl who gets swept up by a powerful wizard named Howl after succumbing to a curse by the Witch of the Waste. The once young-now-old Sophie ventures on towards a new life as she tries to find a way to break her curse all the while stumbling into magical beings and Howl's Moving Castle.
What is it that makes this film so great? Well the astoundingly magnificent animation would, for one, be a great highlight to start off with. In every scene we are introduced to a gorgeous backdrop of wilderness and town-scapes that make you feel as if you were watching a renaissance painting in animation. The absurdity of the castle is also quite the major highlight, doing this adaptation of the novel evermore justice despite the many differences between them. We also have very distinct and likeable characters, particularly our fire demon Calicfer (voiced by Billy Crystal) who is a springboard of entertainment.
It should also be noted that the film originated with a Japanese cast. The translation and voice acting quality of the English version is simply sublime (and we're bringing in the big guns here: Christian Bale and Jean Simmons). Many fans of Japanese animations and animated films cringe whenever there is an English dub. But it's safe to say that Howl's Moving Castle saves face.There is emotion and clarity in the acting, and it blends well with the overall feel of the film.
Even the fantasy elements of the film are quite unique and awe-inspiring. From dancing shadows to transformation. It's got that beautiful Victorian vibe with spices of steam punk that tend to go under the radar when the magic unfolds. And with a tale of love and war for everyone to enjoy, it would be a tragedy not to recommend this piece of art for your visual enjoyment.
Go on and experience the wonder and excitement that is Howl's Moving Castle.
James R
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