I spent a lot of Howl’s Moving Castle befuddled. That didn’t stop me enjoying the stunning scenery and background detail. Or the hugely charming English dub (save some for the rest of us Bale bloody hell), and the general loveliness of it all. A second watch – yes I’ll watch this again at some point – would make a lot more sense.
Nevertheless, I massively enjoyed this film. Two hours melted away as I wanted to learn more about the world Sophie and Howl inhabit. A world where the mundane and the fantastical are bedfellows, with Howl’s steampunk chicken leg “castle” roaming the wastes. If like me you’re not used to Miyazaki’s films, and don’t know the book this story is based on, it can be a quite a head-scratcher. What I’m increasingly learning is that I just need to roll with it; enjoy the wonder of it all and clear up any mysteries after. As someone who watches films very much “in the moment” I can let go of possible inconsistencies and outright mysteries.
There’s a lot to dig into. The ongoing war depicted by massive flying and floating machines. The machinations of various wizards and witches. Curses abound (though you’re incapable of telling anyone what you curse entails). Turnips.
But also lessons on valuing yourself, vanity, and finding something or someone to believe in.
Much like My Neighbor Totoro I think I’ll come to appreciate this film more as I rewatch it and learn more about both it and Miyazaki.
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