Films with Izzy: Howl's Moving Castle

Post date: October 17, 2022

#5: Howl's Moving Castle

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Summary: One of Studio Ghibli’s classics, a charming fantasy romance about a young woman named Sophie, who’s happy to work as a hatter for the rest of her days in her father’s shop until she’s rapidly aged up by the Witch of the Waste. Taking this remarkably well, she decides to run off to the mountains, until a friendly hopping scarecrow with a turnip for a head shows her the way to the titular Moving Castle. There, she meets a young wizard’s apprentice with a magic hat, a fire demon who keeps the water warm and the fireplace going, and the wizard himself, an incredibly strange man by the name of Howl. Declaring herself his cleaning lady, Sophie takes up residence in the house, and finds that there’s more to Howl then it seems…

Would You Enjoy It?: If you enjoy romance, then absolutely, yes. The leading relationship in this film is incredibly well-developed and sweet, and it does not feel forced at all. If you don’t, well, then surely there’s something else about the movie that will appeal to you! From the gorgeous artwork and animation to the endearing cast of characters, this is a movie made to please, especially if you’re a fan of anime. While there are some darker scenes depicting perilous situations, nothing is too overwhelming. I’d recommend watching this at home with someone you love with a cup of hot chocolate, as it’s just a very cozy, quaint film. Tell them it fits the Halloween theme because it has witches in it, I don’t know. Just get them to watch this masterpiece.

Final Thoughts: I adored this movie. It’s pleasing to the eye, as the backgrounds and the designs for the setting are especially gorgeous. The characters are well-designed and well-rounded, feeling incredibly human, which makes the audience want to root for them even more. I take special note of the food drawn in this movie, as even though none of it is plot relevant, it’s all drawn in this appetizing way that really makes you crave it. Most importantly, the story, despite not being very high stakes until the end, is a charming slice of life with a little fantasy sprinkled in that will make your heart warm. Above all, Howl’s Moving Castle is genuine, and a labor of love for those who made it.