Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle

(Hayao Miyazaki, 2004)

Rating: 4/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: 'Howl's Moving Castle' is another charming and deliciously inventive animated classic from 'Spirited Away' master Hayao Miyazaki, now on Blu-ray.

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'Spirited Away' storyteller Hayao Miyazaki strikes again with magic results in 'Howl's Moving Castle', a delightful piece of animation that remains in memory long after the credits roll.

It follows a shy young hatmaker named Sophie (voiced by Emily Mortimer - perfect) who is swept off her feet by overly confident rebel hero Howl (Christian Bale) just before she is cast under a spell that turns her into an old woman. Now voiced by 'Spartacus' veteran Jean Simmons, Sophie tracks down Howl and his moving castle to break the spell.

Howl has his own troubles fighting against a wicked witch (Lauren Bacall) and his own ego, while fire demon Calcifer (a vibrant Billy Crystal) is charged with keeping the castle moving away from trouble as long as he stays lit to fuel the gargantuan retreat. Throw in a scarecrow, a kid and another vile old lady and 'Howl's Moving Castle' has enough quirky characters to give 'The Wizard of Oz' a run for its yellow brick road.

Improbable, but magical all the same, 'Howl's Moving Castle' is an entertaining watch. Its animation is sublime and the Hollywood voice cast for the English dub does a commendable job lending their familiar vocals to the piece. A brief, but interesting, documentary on the Blu-ray shows them at work, fluidly adapting the material.

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