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HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (2004) Director: Hayao Miyazaki. Hacktors: Christian Bale, Emily Mortimer, Billy Crystal, Lauren Bacall. Rating/5: The lowdown: Set in an other world where witches and wizards are the norm, the story focuses on a group of individuals who have all been cursed in different ways. They battle witches, warzones and themselves in an attempt to free themselves of their torment. Howl is a young handsome wizard who lives on the outskirts of society, creating a mythos about himself as an evil, heart-eating lothario. When he is first introduced to the lead character of Sophie, in a scene that will leave you gasping, it soon becomes clear that all is not as it seems. Is Howl really the hero Sophie longs for to rescue her from her drab life or is he in fact the evil creature he is portrayed as? As Sophie soon realizes, as they are thrown together in most unexpected circumstances, she will have to battle him as well as their mortal enemy The Witch of the Waste, if they are to survive. Good points: This film has more imagination, humour, suspense and breathtaking moments in its first ten minutes than the last five western animated films I saw had in their collective entirety. Everything from the characters, the colourful animation and the plotting to the voice acting is superb. The balance of humour is also commendable, with every character complimenting each other and at all times striking the right balance. More accessible for younger viewers, this still deals with adult themes, but avoids the violence that the director's earlier works dealt with. This is an uplifting, joyous film that amazes the senses at all times and makes you wish all films were this imaginative and emotional and just downright cool! Bad points: I normally prefer the original subtitled version of anime, but this was so well done and cast so well that I didn't mind it. There are two versions currently on release, so be aware which is showing if you have a preference. Otherwise I have nothing bad to say about this instant classic! DVD Details: This film is not currently available on DVD in the UK or USA. Overall: Howl's Moving Castle is a feast on the eyes and will live long in your memory. It is a lush creation of a unique world populated by amazingly vivid characters and brimming with imagination. If you are already a fan of anime, then this is a must see. If you have managed to avoid it somehow then I can only praise this film highly enough that it joins the level of Akira as being a film so well made that it will convert you to love this brilliant genre. Studio Ghibli is now the top name for intelligent, imaginative, family-orientated anime. If you like this then recent classics Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away are also highly recommended. Release Date: Currently on limited release in the UK, in both dubbed and subtitled versions. Reviewer: Jon Kelly. (Who is now fired for reviewing a "joyous, uplifting" movie - Joking Ed) [Reviews Menu] [Home] © Copyright Slasherama 2002-present