Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle (Hauru no Ugoku Shiro) is a 2004 Japanese animated family fantasy film scripted and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, animated by Studio Ghibli.

Sophie, an average teenage girl working in a hat shop, finds her life thrown into turmoil when she is literally swept off her feet by a handsome but mysterious wizard named Howl. After this chance meeting she is turned into a 90-year old woman by the vain and conniving Witch of the Waste.

Embarking on an incredible adventure to lift the curse, she finds refuge in Howl's magical moving castle where she becomes acquainted with Markl, Howl's apprentice, and a hot-headed fire demon named Calcifer. As the true power of Howl’s wizardry is revealed, and his relationship with Sophie deepens, our young grey heroine finds herself fighting to protect them both from a dangerous war of sorcery that threatens their world.

COVER ARTWORK NOT FINAL

Awards:

• Won Mainichi Film Concours Readers' Choice Award for Best Film (2006)
• Won Tokyo Anime Awards for: Animation of the Year, Best Director (2005)
• Nominated for Oscar, Best Animated Feature Film of the Year (2006)
• Nominated for Annie Awards for Best Animated Feature, Best Directing, Best Writing (2006)
• Nominated Hong Kong Film Award, Best Film (2006)

Critic Reviews:

• " Whereas Spirited [Away] saw the world through the eyes of a child, Howl sees it through the eyes of an adult who longs to be young again. " – Matthew Lucas

• " The rich landscapes and colours just jump off the screen at you in the best possible ways. Each character has such unique features and expressions that make them truly stand out. " – Stephanie Cooke

• " The story is almost the least of it, more important is what is beyond the story: genuine emotion, beauty, a meditation on age and love. " – Dorothy Woodend