Last semester, my very first blog post was titled “Oh, So You Like Movies?” Contrary to what the title implies, my passion blog was actually on the topic of shooting film (which people often misconstrue for me saying I like making movies, hence the title). However, even though my blog may have been about a different kind of film, I still happen to be quite a movie fan.
That brings me to my new blog topic: discussing films I love, starting with Director Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. Miyazaki is well-regarded for his unique, often wholesome stories and beautiful animation style. I have seen nearly all of his movies, including Oscar-winner Spirited Away. Still, Howl’s Moving Castle remains my favorite.
The story follows a young woman, Sophie, who makes lovely hats for a living. One day she is transformed into a frail, old woman by a witch’s curse, forcing her to set out to find a cure. She ends up stumbling upon the moving castle of a wizard named Howl, famous for his charming looks and nonchalance. Sophie convinces a stubborn Howl and his fire demon Calcifer to allow her to work as a housekeeper at Howl’s messy “castle.” Over time, Howl grows to love Sophie for her honorable character and unwillingness to put up with his laziness and arrogance, despite Sophie’s unappealing old age. The plot is driven by this combined with Sophie’s gradual realization that Howl is not only putting his life at stake to divert a pointless war but has given away his heart to Calcifer.
The movie serves as my comfort film, I could look at its landscapes for days:
Still, I love Howl’s Moving Castle because it’s so much more than that. Miyazaki is quite intentional in creating movies that can fit diverse audiences. This film manages to be wholesome and intriguing for children while simultaneously presenting deep themes that get the adults thinking.
For example, instead of depicting Sophie as a simple homemaker, Miyazaki portrays her to be a woman of immense strength, something that her nurturing characteristics add to, rather than draw away from. On top of that, the film conveys the idea that life still has value in old age, seen in the manner that Sophie grows to become confident in aspects outside of youth and loved by those around her despite her looks or ability.
Beyond all this, the deepest theme found within Howl’s Moving Castle is one of war. When one looks past the love story that unfolds, Miyazaki’s commentary on the inherently destructive nature of war will be evident. One of Howl’s redeeming qualities in the film is his ability to see both how pointless the war is and how much-unneeded destruction is occurring as a result. Throughout the movie, Miyazaki continuously embeds this message. For example, when a warplane flies into the above landscape I showed, destroying its peace and beauty.
All in all, Howl’s Moving Castle is a wonderful film that balances its positive messages with ones of more substance. 10/10 would recommend 🙂
Eliana, great blog. You did a good job introducing your topic and making the reader feel familiar with what they were reading. I really appreciated how you highlighted the ways in which the film spoke to you are affected you. I.e. you really liked how the landscapes looked. Finally, it all flowed well and you did a great job breaking down themes in an organized/concise manner. There isn’t much that I would change. Great blog.
I liked that you talked about more than just the movie’s plot. You summarized the plot nicely for me, then dove into it’s meaning and how it impacts you. This is definitely the most meaningful part of a blog post, and I’m glad you focused on it.
I’ve never heard of Howl’s Moving Castle before but I do remember hearing about Spirited Away when it won an oscar. However, your description of the movie definitely makes me want to see it. The anti-war themes of the movie also seem really inteesting to me. I wonder with all the sadness you described if this was one of the movies that you describe as having wholesome aspects to it.
I like how you talk about movies from the perspective of someone who enjoys shooting film. There’s so much that goes in to directing movies that I don’t think about, so I’m excited to read more of your posts. I’ve never watched Spirited Away, but I know some people who really, really love it, so I might have to get around to that some time. Howl’s Moving Castle also sounds like a great movie.
I completely agree that this show is a 10/10, with the amazing soundtrack added onto he story, the signature Waltz theme tune is one that can get recognised from the very starting chords. I’ve been recently learning it so it’s a great coinsidence to see you write about the movie!