Howl’s Moving Castle is an animated film by Studio Ghibli that was released in 2004 and written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. It is based on a book by Diana Wynne Jones. The original Japanese voice actors are Chieko Baisho as Sophie, Takuya Kimura as Howl, and Tatsuya Gashuin as Calcifer. The English dubbed voice actors are Emily Mortimer as Sophie, Christian Bale as Howl, and Billy Crystal as Calcifer.
The story follows Sophie, a young hatter. She lives in a little town that has been gossiping about the wizard Howl being in town. Sophie encounters Howl while going to visit her sister as he is chased by some creatures set on him by the Witch of the Waste. The witch is obsessed with Howl, and curses Sophie by turning her into an old woman.
Sophie leaves her family home and hat shop to find Howl in hopes that he can assist her with a cure. She ends up in Howl’s moving castle, and, after forming a connection with a fire demon living with Howl, announces herself as a cleaning lady.
During this time, a war is beginning and the leaders want Howl to join despite him being opposed.
One of the biggest themes of Howl’s Moving Castle surrounds identity, appearances, and assumptions as Sophie is a young woman turned into an old lady. It is a big change, and she struggles to get used to her new body. As she gets closer to Howl, he starts to see who she really is, but she doesn’t believe she is beautiful so she pulls away. Eventually, she learns to embrace her true self.
Another theme encompasses home and family. Sophie, Howl, Calcifer, and Markl embody the concept of “found family.” They made their home in Howl’s castle, though it ends up destroyed by the end of the film. They are able to rebuild together, showcasing that your family is your home.
This film was created due to Miyazaki’s outrage at the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003, so war is a major theme. Connected to this is the concept of “villians.” The Witch of the Waste is the first villain we see, but she is revealed to be not that bad. She is selfish, yes, but also misunderstood. In the end, war is the real villain of the story.
All Studio Ghibli movies are powerful and beautiful, and Howl’s Moving Castle is no exception. They focus on the smaller things in life, and the joys of the everyday. Howl’s Moving Castle is a classic from my childhood.
Sophie is easy to connect with as a character, as she is insecure and unsure. She thinks herself plain and doesn’t consider herself pretty. Once you get to know Howl as well, you can start to see yourself in him. He is exhausted, empathetic, and vulnerable. Howl does everything in his power to fight for people, and it tears him apart.
If you have never seen a Studio Ghibli film before, this is a great one to start with. The animation is adorable, the food makes your mouth water, and tears will build up by the end.