Howl's Moving Castle (DVD, 2006)

HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE has quickly become my favorite film from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. Tempted by the cover art alone, I purchased this prior to viewing it and was simply blown away by the beautiful animation, timeless yet fantastical love story and the superb voice acting.

Starring the voices of superstars Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner and Billy Crystal, you couldn't have found a better cast to bring Miyazaki's characters to life in the English version of the film. Billy Crystal's performance as Calcifer the fire demon is priceless and undeniably funny, and Lauren Bacall brings power to The Witch of the Waste that makes the character detestable and yet almost endearing in her wickedness.

HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE follows the story of young Sophie, who finds herself irrevocably mixed up with the wizard Howl when he rescues her from being harrassed by soldiers on the street. Jealous of her friendship with Howl, The Witch of the Waste puts a curse on her that turns her into an old woman. As Sophie travels to the Waste to find a way to break the spell, she is led to Howl's castle by a scarecrow, and finds that her adventure is just beginning as she is caught up in political intrigue, magic and excitement!

With its parade of unusual and magical characters and brilliant storytelling, interwoven plotlines and that special charm that only Miyazaki can provide, HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE is one that viewers both young and old will enjoy!

Katie Galloway
Movie Magic USA