Release: 2004-09-09
Runtime: 1h 59m (119 minutes)
Sophie, a young milliner, is turned into an elderly woman by a witch who enters her shop and curses her. She encounters a wizard named Howl and gets caught up in his resistance to fighting for the king.
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Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Animation
Cast: Yo Oizumi, Takuya Kimura, Akio Otsuka, more
Yo Oizumi
as Prince Justin / Turnip Head (voice)
Takuya Kimura
as Howl (voice)
Akio Otsuka
as King of Ingary (voice)
Izumi Matsuoka
as (voice)
Tatsuya Gashûin
as Calcifer (voice)
Ryunosuke Kamiki
as Markl (voice)
Chieko Baisho
as Sophie (voice)
Tomoe Hanba
as (voice)
Akihiro Miwa
as Witch of the Waste (voice)
Rio Kanno
as (voice)
Shigeyuki Totsugi
as (voice)
Daijirô Harada
as Heen (voice)
Hayao Miyazaki
Director
Hayao Miyazaki
Screenplay
Hayao Miyazaki
Executive Producer
Yuko Sasaki
Animation
Kazuo Oga
Background Designer
Takashi Hashimoto
Key Animation
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Key Animation
Atsushi Okui
Director of Photography
Joe Hisaishi
Original Music Composer
Toshihiko Masuda
Key Animation
Kashiko Kimura
Assistant Editor
Rie Matsubara
Assistant Editor
Sophie, a young milliner, is turned into an elderly woman by a witch who enters her shop and curses her. She encounters a wizard named Howl and gets caught up in his resistance to fighting for the king.
The two lived there.
Howl's Moving Castle, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is a Japanese animated fantasy film released in 2004. The movie is based on the 1986 novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones. Set in a whimsical world where magic and early 20th-century technology coexist, the story follows a young woman named Sophie who is transformed into an elderly lady by a witch's curse. Seeking to break the spell, she embarks on an adventure that leads her to the enigmatic wizard Howl.
The film features an impressive voice cast, including Chieko Baisho as Sophie, Takuya Kimura as Howl, and Akihiro Miwa as the Witch of the Waste. The film was produced by Toshio Suzuki and animated by Studio Ghibli.
The narrative begins with Sophie, a milliner, who is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and transformed into a 90-year-old woman. In her quest to reverse the curse, Sophie encounters Howl, a powerful wizard who avoids his responsibilities during a war. The film explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of war, all while showcasing stunning animation and captivating visual storytelling.
Miyazaki infuses the film with strong anti-war themes, influenced by his opposition to the Iraq War in 2003. As the characters navigate a world filled with conflict, the devastating effects of warfare are starkly illustrated. Notably, Howl struggles with his identity and the consequences of war, reflecting Miyazaki's pacifist beliefs.
Visually, the film is breathtaking, with beautifully crafted scenes that transport the audience into its magical universe. Miyazaki's unique storytelling style combines fantasy with relatable moments, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. The film features a complex array of characters, each with their own motivations and backgrounds, making it difficult to categorize them strictly as heroes or villains.
Howl's Moving Castle premiered at the Venice Film Festival on 5 September 2004 and was released theatrically in Japan on 20 November 2004. It achieved significant commercial success, grossing approximately $236 million worldwide. Acclaimed for its artistry and themes, the film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 78th Academy Awards, highlighting its impact on both audiences and critics.
The film's score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, enhances the emotional depth of the story, making it an unforgettable cinematic experience. The music complements the dynamic visuals, adding another layer to the film's magic.
With its rich themes and stunning animation, Howl's Moving Castle continues to be celebrated as one of Miyazaki's masterpieces and remains a beloved film in the world of animation. Its ability to address profound issues while fostering a sense of wonder makes it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
