Howl's Moving Castle ハウルの動く城 (G)

Rating:	★★★
Category:	Movies
Genre:	Animation

From acclaimed director Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿 ("Spirited Away"). Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Sophie, a plain eighteen-year-old girl, who out of obligation, helps out at her late father's hat shop. Living a boring life. Until she encountered an evil Witch of the Wasteland who transformed her into an old lady. Unable to face her family in such a condition, Sophie runs away in search of a way to become young again. Along the way, Sophie helps a turnip headed scarecrow, who repays her by leading her to the moving castle owned by the dreaded wizard Howl. There she befriends Howl's apprentice Markl, Howl's fire demon Calcifer, and eventually, Howl himself. Sophie then becomes the castle's cleaning lady in an effort to not only find the solution to her problem but to save Howl from his own terrible secrets as well.

It was a total let down...Having watched & love Spirited Away 千と千尋の神隠し so much, Howl's magic is a yawn...Unlike some of his previous characters, Sophie & Howl is a mess. He either left most of the characters development out, or he left the job to us...Well, it could be the novel's fault...Like many other directors, he spent too much time delivering anti-war messages..."ENOUGH Already"! First man to describe beautiful ladies as roses is a genius! The rest are just monkeys!

There were some really great moments in Spirited Away which I don't find here. This is his 3rd "last movie". 1st was Princess Mononoke もののけ姫, followed by Spirited Away. We'll see...

As usual, an animation has to include a couple of lovable supporting characters. Hayao Miyazaki had done so with the Fire Demon - Calcifer & the Scarecrow. In fact, they sorta stole the show.

Music Score by Joe Hisaishi 久石譲! Good as ever! Art direction is too similar to Laputa - Castle in the sky 天空の城ラピュタ & Kiki's Delivery Service 魔女の宅急便. Not as good as Spirited Away, but nice enough.

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki 宮崎駿
Cast: Chieko Baisho 倍賞千恵子, Takuya Kimura 木村拓哉, Akihiro Miwa 美輪明宏, Tatsuya Gashuin 内藤剛志
Studio: Walt Disney

1 star for Joe Hisaishi, 1 for Calcifer & 1 for Art Direction...I think Disney screwed him up...