Despite the swirling whirlwind of characters, magic and metaphors, this is the kind of film that just works. It leaves newcomers enchanted and longtime fans reassured that yes, Hayao Miyazaki is still unmatched in crafting magical mayhem that makes emotional sense, even if the plot occasionally does not.
Narrative structure in Howl’s Moving Castle is less of a straight line and more of a magical staircase that may or may not lead to a door on a chicken leg. The film often swerves into strange territory with little explanation, but these detours feel more intentional than incoherent, like a creative choice, not a mistake.
Visuals worthy of a thousand screencaps
The skies glow with sunset hues, battle scenes burn with surreal intensity and cosy kitchens radiate a sense of lived-in warmth. It is a rare feat: a film that dazzles on the big screen almost two decades after its release and still makes modern CGI look like it is trying a little too hard.
Beneath the magic, there is muscle. Howl’s Moving Castle weaves in themes of war, ageing, identity and compassion, all without ever breaking its whimsical tone. Miyazaki’s anti-war sentiment is not shouted so much as threaded through the visuals, with imagery that evokes real-world destruction paired against moments of serenity and softness.
There is a pointed critique of militarism and power structures, wrapped in enchanted rings and animated scarecrows. It is a magic trick of storytelling, making something profound feel digestible, even delightful.
At its heart, this is a story of transformation: Not just physical, but emotional. The leads are refreshingly unconventional: a young woman who finds agency only after being cursed with old age and a wizard whose confidence is mostly hair-deep. Their dynamic is equal parts awkward, heartfelt and unexpectedly tender. And while romance does play a part, it never overshadows the film’s larger journey of self-discovery.
Glorious rerun worth a fresh ticket
Miyazaki’s style may not appeal to those who prefer tight, plot-driven stories with clean resolutions. But for those willing to float through its dreamlike logic, the reward is rich in artistry, empathy and imagination.
Howl’s Moving Castle is not a film that answers all its questions. In fact, it might leave audiences with more questions than they started with. But that is part of the magic. It invites curiosity, awe and perhaps a little bit of head-scratching and it does so with hand-drawn grace and emotional intelligence.
DIRECTOR: Hayao Miyazaki
E-VALUE: 8/10
ACTING: 9/10
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