Recently Watched: Howl's Moving Castle

[ellyssian]

Howl's Moving Castle

Because they're released in the US by Disney, Studio Ghibli films kept cropping up on Pixar and Disney sneak previews. Well, Kiki's Delivery Service did, anyway. Rachel was hooked before she saw one of Miyazaki's films, what with her interest in Pokemon turning into an interest in Japanese anime. Without her interest, we never would have rented whichever one we tried first - and, speaking for at least three of us, we're hooked.

Howl's Moving Castle is typical - in other words, excellent animation, beautiful scenery, fantastic world, incredible mechanical gadgetry, and magical, erm, magic. The story in this one is very accessible - it started off life as a children's book - and very much a Miyazaki story - which, of course, it's not; at least, not originally. I can see why Miyazaki selected this - although now I'm curious about the book; curious how many liberties he took to make it his, or was it always like that?

One trademark of all of the Studio Ghibli films is the sense of place that reminds me of Europe - specifically, Holland. Something about the beautiful fields of flowers that makes me think of the fields of bulbs; something about the steamtech that makes me think of canals, which, in turn, bypasses local canals, the Erie, and those of Venice and jumps right to Amsterdam. Not clear exactly why; something in the architecture; something in the clothing worn by the characters. I haven't studied up - in other words, watched the special features on any of the discs - to determine if this is solely my impression, or if it is a purposeful effect.

Unless you absolutely break out in hives when subjected to animation, I advise you watch this as soon as possible - it's got a lot to offer for all age groups. If you're into fantasy, steamtech, sci fi, animation, love stories, adventure, or anything with story, than it is a must see.