Howl's Moving Castle (DVD, 2006)

I love this movie. It certainly has Miyazaki written all over it. From the
story to the characters down to the stunning animation. I seen this movie in
theatre. My eyes were glued to the screen the whole time. Howl's Moving
Castle is about a young girl name Sophie who is turned into a 90 year old
granny by the wicked witch of the waste. We join her as she meets new faces
and is accepted as the cleaning lady in Howl's amazing moving castle which
is moved by the hilarious Fire Demon named Calcifer and Howl's apprentice
Makrl. Howl himself is a mystery and is rumored to eat pretty young girl's
hearts. This movie is a truly a wonderful masterpeice.

Plot 4/5
Characters/Voice-acting 5/5
Music 5/5
Animation 5/5
Replay Value 4/5

All in all I gave this film 5/5. It's a must see if you are a Hayao Miyazaki
fan and is a film for everyone. I'd expect nothing less from the creator
of Princess Monoke and Spirited Away.

Howl’s Moving Castle, to me, is the easiest storyline to follow of the animation features by Hayao Miyazaki. I have seen Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, and frankly did not like it, too violent. Princess Mononoke I found difficult to understand it’s convoluted with too many characters plot progression. In contrast, Howl’s Moving Castle is a rather simple story of growing up and finding love, in one’s self and others. Like all Hayao Miyazaki films the animation is outstanding. But unlike the afore mentioned tales, this one is more gentle. It still has the obligatory war scenes and violence but it is tempered with magic, love and real tenderness.

Hayao Miyazaki has done it again. If you're a fan of "Spirited Away," then get ready for another wild ride. The story focuses on witchcraft and a young girl named Sophie who is the unfortunate victim of an old-age spell. It's quite comical watching this young girl learn to be an old woman and deal with her new physical image, as well as become engrossed in the magical world of the wizard she self-hired herself to work for - Howl.

And Howl's companion, a fire-demon character named Calcipher, is so awesome - he's a snappy little character full of attitude, who really comes to life with Billy Crystal's voiceover. Between the smart and witty comments between Calcipher and Sophie, this movie definitely made me laugh out loud, which I never do when watching animated movies!

The funny thing is I first saw this with the English voice-overs, then decided to watch a clip on [...] of the Japanese version, and there were 2 things I didn't like about it.

1. Calcipher's voice was so deep and sounded so non-animated in his voice tone - almost boring.

2. Sophie's voice, while in an old woman's physical form, still sounded like that of a young child. I think it was much smarter and added so much more to the character in the English dubbed version to give her the voice of an older woman, in this case, Lauren Bacall.

So in my opinion, when you watch it for the first time, watch the English version - the character voices are so much more rich with personality!

This movie is a true gem that will keep you entertained time and time again. I would highly recommend it to anyone. In fact, after I saw it for the first time, I made my boyfriend and roommate sit down and watch it with me again so that they would be able to be exposed to such a great film! See it today!

All I could say is Wow. You have to pick up this gem. The English dub is great, the animation is flawless. The movie has a great story.

it took me to another magical world of miyazaki and gave me hope in this world and love. it was just plain wonderful! Then again I am biased and a huge fan of miyazaki's work.

Though 'Howl's Moving Castle' ('Hauru-no Ugoku Shiro') may not be Miyazaki's best film, it is still far more enjoyable than many other films, Japanese or American, animated or not. I for one very much enjoyed watching it, and I love the film for its interesting characters and the rich textures of the designs, especially the fantasy world itself where witchcraft and humans' mundane works can be seen side by side. And the titular six-legged castle that really walks among the wilderness is something you never see except in his films.

Miyazaki's new film is based on a book of the same title written by Diana Wynne Jones. The film's story is told from the viewpoint of a 18-year-old girl Sophie, who is working at a milliner's shop every day. But she can hear the sound of bloody battles from the distance, and it is clear that this beautiful country, where witches and wizards live among humans, is going to see another war sooner or later.

But apparently Sophie is still leading an ordianary life until her uneventful routine days are suddenly broken by one accidental meeting with wicked 'Witch of the Waste,' who turns her into an old woman with a curse. Seeking for her place to live, Sophie goes to the wilderness where, the townspeople say, a young wizard named Howl wanders. In fact, Sophie encounters Howl's Moving Castle in the foggy moutainside, and she decides to hop in. There, forbidden to talk about her curse, she starts a new life with young and handsome Howl, who speaks to her kindly like a prince, but at times acts like a spoiled child.

[MIYAZAKI'S LOVE STORY] You will be impressed with many fantastic and colorful images created by Miyazaki. You might find an anti-war message deep in the film's story, but will find the romantic relations between Sophie and Howl is the most touching and impressive part of the film. Sophie's romantic feeling towards Howl is expressed in a unique way (which I don't disclose here), and Miyazaki, as usual, is very good at drawing the character of this independent heroine. One interesting thing is, probably this is the first case in which Miyazaki attempted to show a love story in his films. And a kiss too.

I must say that not everything works in 'Howl's Moving Castle.' I haven't read the original book, but it is obvious that Miyazaki made changes. Not that I'm blaming them. But the story is sometimes told too hurriedly, and when you think something (actions or whatever) will start, it ends abruptly. Howl's character is full of contradictory traits, that's good, but his complicated personality could have been more effective and convincing with more detailed episodes about, say, his mentor magician (and politician) Madam Suliman or Witch of the Waste.

(If I am not mistaken, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is a rare case for Miyazaki who prefers to use his own stories, and this is the first time he adapts someone else's story in 15 years, last time being 'Kiki's Delivery Service. But 'Kiki's' story written by Eiko Kadono is not long -- I know, I read -- while 'Howl's' story is, I think, much longer. Maybe these facts have soemthing to do with my complaint.)

Greatly helped by Jo Hisaishi's beautiful score, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is full of imaginative power, with one strong heroine you can relate to (though she is 90-years-old), plus memorable supports including fire damon Calcifer, (not a bad guy at all), and ubiquitous Prince Turnip who always appears at the right moment. Flawed, to be sure, but enjoyable fantasy tale with a healthy amount of humor and lots of imagination.

I purchased Howl's Moving Castle because I could not find it at any store in town (new or used). We rented this movie from one of those home delivery services and I finally sat down to watch it and fell in love with the movie. The story line is awesome, the director keeps making great movies (Kikis Delivery Service, Spirited Away). I didn't want to return the movie, but had to. i must of watched it 10 times before sending the movie back. The music score is pretty awesome too.

I've never heard of Hayao Miyazaki nor have I ever watched an anime movie before and thought they were just cartoons. Boy, was I wrong. This movie was enchanting, delightful and just fun. I believe that Hayao is a master at capturing that sense of wonder we have as a child and we lose as we get older. He also achieved this with Spirited Away, another fine anime movie. I look forward to more of his creative masterpieces.

It was a great movie. From the beginning you get sucked into the charachters lives & swept away into a world of fantasy.

Love the movie
Bought it for my 12yr old's birthday
She and her sister love it, they watch it over and over
Excellent child's movie

The story and art work.And it was english sounding.the understanding of being teenager and old wonen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I bought it because a friend had it and I loved it so much i had to have my own!It was a wonderful movie and my other friends look forward to seeing it also. I have always loved Miyazaki's films and this was by far the best movie he has done so far.

At first I was skeptical about the newest release from Hayao Miyazaki. However, when I got ahold of it at the rental store, and watched it for the first time through, I instantly knew I HAD to have this album! Absolutely had to have it!

It lives up to the name Miyazaki has made for himself, and possibly even surpassed it. Showing wonderful magic and drama that only Miyazaki could bring to the screen, any viewer will be left on the edge of thier seat until the credits pull away from the screen.

A definite must have for any fan of anime and/or Miyazaki-san.

I'm happy to say that the DVD I've received is in a very good condition as it was described by the seller. Everything is fine and I'm very satisfied with this purchase. Thanks!

I decided to buy this movie because it was a Miyazaki film. My daughter quickly became hooked on all of his movies because of the wonderful stories and animation. The great thing about his movies are that they are great for the entire family, adults included. Miyazaki films do not have the adult innuendos and "potty" humor that the majority of children's films have these days. The animation is far superior to anything that Disney does and is extremely detailed. The stories of these films are endearing and timeless. My daughter has watched his films over and over relentlessly, and we as parents don't mind at all. Howl's Moving Castle is, in my opinion, the best film he has done yet. The imagination and creativity is astounding. The characters are unusual and you come to love them easily. The characters often do not turn out to be as you would assume they would and there are usually suprises around every corner. I only wish that these films existed when I was a kid.

You can't go wrong with this one! It was a hit all the way around. It's family friendly, but also has a touch of adult humor. Howl throws a fit saying, "I see no point in living if I can't be beautiful" and ends up losing his bath-towel on the way upstairs (humerous yes, but don't worry, nothing shows)! You'll laugh and you'll love it. I guarantee it.

Were do I begin? I was left with a smile on my face and a happy heart just by watching this amazing fairytale. The characters are great, you fall in love with every one of them. The story is one to remember. You will want to watch it again and again. Shortly after Sophie meets Howl for the first time, she is cursed by a witch. This curse leads her into a great adventure and true love. What a wonderful tale.

Movie was entertaining for children and young adults. The animation contains original ideas and art creating a different world. Themes of war and bombing MAY make it inappropriate for young children according to a family friend but my 7 year old watched the movie a number of times.

15 year old girl friend of other daughter complemented it – different from the usual animated Disney fare and the good guys still win. Movie includes unique characters, problems and settings.

A children’s video we have not seen/heard a 100 times already. Won an award which is how I learned of it.

The story is great and it goes with the graphics. Cartoony but that is what is attractive about this movie.

This is an EXCELLENT children's/family dvd. The detailed animation is superior! The story-line is entertaining, whimsical and peaks the imagination. The moral of the story is good; the "good guys" prevail! I would strongly recommend this dvd for families and lovers of animation in general.

This is one of the best Anime type films I have ever seen...It is appropriate and enjoyable by any age group. If you are new to Anime and are looking for a good starter movie then pick this one!

Wonderful movie, awesome product. Great story, and entertaining. Yet another great movie from Studio Ghibli. The best thing anyone could get!

Howl's Moving Castle was my first Myazaki movie and I found it to be far more enjoyable than many other films of this genre (animated). I completely enjoyed watching it, and I love the interesting characters; The Turnip Head Scarecrow was my favorite, and of course he is hanging around for a good reason, because we find at the end of the movie that he too, was cursed; and because Sophie was so kind to him he will ultimately end the wars...but I am getting ahead of myself.

The film is based on the book of the same title written by Diana Wynne Jones. The film's story is told from the viewpoint of 18-year-old Sophie, who works at a hat shop. But she can hear the sound of bloody battles from the distance, and it is clear that the beautiful country, where witches and wizards live among humans, is going to see another war sooner than later.

But daily life goes on for the ordinary town folks until Sophie's routine days are suddenly thrown into turmoil when the Witch of the Waste turns her into an old woman with a curse that Sophie cannot tell any one about; she is left with the task of discovering how to reverse the spell. Sophie leaves because she cannot face her friends as an old woman, nor can she explain the condition she is in; so she goes out into the wilderness to find the Wizard Howl, who she believes is the only person who can and will figure out that she is cursed and help her.

The love story is very sweet, the depth of Howl's own curse is very poignant and involved; The fact that both Sophi and Howl discover love and help end the wars that ravage the lands is very well described. This is geniune fairy tale stuff and it is told in the truest Miyazaki way. This film has made me curious enough about his works so I had to watch a few of his earlier films; I'm sure you will enjoy them just as much; [Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Deliver Service, et al] are just a few that I have seen so far and highly recommend.