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HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE

Japan/US 2004 118 min
Directed and written by: Hayao Miyazaki
Based on the novel by: Diana Wynne Jones
Vocal Talents: Jean Simmons, Emily Mortimer, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, Josh Hutcherson, Blythe Danner

Review by Michelle da Silva

Think of it as Japan’s answer to Beauty and the Beast, and why not, it’s being presented by Disney after all. Perhaps only known to the western world as, “The guy who directed Spirited Away,” animé-idol, Hayao Miyazaki, proves that the second time is even sweeter as he adapts Diana Wynne Jones’ novel for the bigscreen in Howl’s Moving Castle.

The film carries the basic fairytale message that, “Love conquers all, especially evil.” In this version, love is personified in the sweet but “unpretty” Sophie, who spends her day working in a hat shop and watching passing trains. One evening, Sophie is unwillingly dragged into the world of fantasy and magic by the Wicked Witch of the Waste (yes, that is Waste, not West.) Transformed into a haggered old lady, Sophie stumbles upon Howl’s moving castle- a cross between a junkyard and what also might be resident to “the old lady who lived in a shoe.” Sophie takes residence in this castle and makes friends with Howl, who looks as if he’s ready to enter a David Bowie look-alike contest, and a hot-headed ball of fire named Calcifer, who is stylistically voiced by Billy Crystal. Sophie soon learns that she is caught between a war, and she is sleeping with the enemy (or at least fantasizing about it). The gap between fictitious fantasy and fictitious reality widens as the movie progresses. Scenes of Sophie trying to save Howl from dying as a mutant fighting bird by reminding him of his childhood in the meadow are sharply contrasted with frighteningly realistic images of unibombers destroying a city. It is this fusion between fuzzy pastel glee and surrealist depression, however, that Miyazki has made his signature.

An impressive lineup of stars lends their voices to the English version of Howl. Screen legend and two-time Oscar nominee, Jean Simmons, plays 90-year old Sophie with fantastic character. Her voice is rich and playful, and her Sophie is young-hearted and lovable. What turns out to be slightly disappointing is Emily Mortimer’s monotone performance as the younger Sophie. Mortimer plays Sophie with about as much expression as the scarecrow bopping in and out of the movie. Although Mortimer’s flat performance is convincing enough to leave within the first fifteen minutes of the film, the achievements of the rest of the cast are worth staying for. Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Blythe Danner and Billy Crystal all are highly animated as Howl, the Wicked Witch of the Waste, Madame Suliman and Calcifer, and they fully commit to their characters right through to the end.

Howl’s Moving Castle played to great acclaim at the 2004 Venice Film Festival. Since its premier, the film has also become one of the highest grossing films in all of Japan, earning over $200 million in the international box office. The film opens here in Vancouver June 17th. A talented cast, impressive animation, and beautiful score make Howl’s Moving Castle a heart-warming film for everyone to enjoy.

Howl's Moving Castle [Official Disney Site]

The Hayao Miyazaki Web [Fan Site]