Howl's Moving Castle
Synopsis
Spirited Away two years ago (125 audience, 87% score) showed there is a market in the West for Japanese animation (and there dominant skills over most western animators), so we kick off the spring season with its wonderful follow-up.
Transformed from a young woman into an aged crone by the Witch of the North Sophie finds work with eccentric wizard Howl in his titular home. He’s busy fighting wars with his neighbours so she befriends his cursed fire demon Calcifer and various adventures ensue. Peopled with Miyazaki’s trademark demons, spirits and bewildered humans and with another gorgeous Joe Hisaishi score, this marks the continued refinement of the trademark Miyazaki themes: redemption, flight, identity, loyalty, honour and friendship.
Transformed from a young woman into an aged crone by the Witch of the North Sophie finds work with eccentric wizard Howl in his titular home. He’s busy fighting wars with his neighbours so she befriends his cursed fire demon Calcifer and various adventures ensue. Peopled with Miyazaki’s trademark demons, spirits and bewildered humans and with another gorgeous Joe Hisaishi score, this marks the continued refinement of the trademark Miyazaki themes: redemption, flight, identity, loyalty, honour and friendship.
Critics
“a floatingly delightful fairytale with its heart set on repealing the laws of gravity”