Howl's Moving Castle (ハウルの動く城 Hauru no Ugoku Shiro)

• Director: Hayao Miyazaki
• Genre: Animation (Sub-catergories: Adventure / Fantasy / Romance / Sci-Fi / War)
• Studio: Studio Ghibli
• Release Dates: Japan (20 November 2004), Malaysia (23 September 2005)
• Rating: MPAA RATING: PG for frightening images and brief mild language
• Music: Original Music by Joe Hisaishi with Songs by Yumi Kimura and Shuntaro Tanigawa.
• Fact: This anime film is the 3rd Highest Grossing Film in Japanese History

This visually stunning film was brought to you by the ever brilliant Studio Ghibli which has also produces several other highly acclaimed anime such as, Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke and the likes with the help of Hayao Miyazaki, a talented and famous director in the animation world. So, did this particular anime measures up to its predecessors? Well, it has gotten 13 nominations and bags 7 win from prestigious film awards worldwide to boast. How’s that for quality hmmm?

A bizarre but engaging story based on a British novelist, Diana Wynne Jones’ novel bearing the same title. The book was first published in 1986 under The Castle Series, categorized as fantasy and children’s literature. I know it’s a kiddy read but I don’t care, I would still go pick up a copy of it to quench my thirst for more of this story I fell in love with.


Plot Summary
It’s about a strong will young woman named Sophie, the protagonist in this story who was cruelly cursed by a spiteful and envious Witch of the Waste into a 90-year-old hag which in turns trigger off the biggest adventure of her lifetime, embarking on an arduous quest to break her curse.

Sophie lives in a town called Ingary where magic are accepted ways of life. Her home was also where she works, as she is the eldest child in the family she had taken up the responsibility to dutifully take care of her family’s hat shop. One day when Sophie was on her way to visit her pretty younger sister Lettie at the bakery, she had an enchanting encounter with a young wizard named Howl who has left her pretty much in awe and admiration for his handsomeness and suave demeanor. Who wouldn’t have swooned if someone so appealing took you for a stroll through the sky? Except for the fact that all woman in Ingary should have known better what’s best for them, as it is a wide known fact Howl has an unfavorable reputation of a womanizer and worst of all… was also rumored to be very fond of eating pretty young woman's heart. OMG!

This short but sweet encounter of Sophie’s has unfortunately stoked the jealous heart of the Witch of the Waste who has then promptly left her with that cruel curse which I had mentioned earlier. Unable to face her family, Sophie left and went into the Waste in search of a cure when she met and made friend with a friendly scarecrow, Turnip Head after mistaken him for a walking stick.

Turnip Head repaid Sophie’s kindness for rescuing him from the bushes by leading her into Howl’s moving castle. It was a run-down but enchanted castle that walks on four spindly legs. There, she made her acquaintance with Calcifer, a cute albeit feisty and proud little fire demon and also Markl, Howl’s 8-years-old boy apprentice. On their first contact, Calcifer persuaded Sophie to help him break the contract that binds him to Howl as a servant, and in return he shall lift Sophie’s curse.

Sophie then decided to take refuges at Howl’s castle hence she masqueraded as a cleaning lady employed by Calcifer, of which both Howl and Markl readily accepted her service. What follows after this was a chain of exciting incidents whereupon threatens and at the same time strengthens the relationship of both Sophie and Howl.


Moments Dear to Me
I was utterly mesmerized when Howl first came to Sophie’s rescue at the small lane where she was trying to ward of unwanted attentions from two wayward soldiers… though one of the soldiers was quite dashing *bites lower lip*.

There’s also a part where Howl grabs Sophie and flew up into the sky for a slow stroll was the most enchanting moments of all – it’s so romantic especially when accompanied by the enthralling orchestra music. Yeah, the whole show was peppered with stunning orchestra pieces by Joe Hisaishi, a noteworthy composer. Many of Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces were accompanied by Joe Hisaishi’s compositions. If you are a true fan of Miyazaki’s animations, you would have noticed that almost all of the soundtracks are absolutely astounding and engaging.

Another scene which I particularly adore is when Howl breaks out from his usual suave demeanor and sulked like an inconsolable child. It’s just too funny and charming to see everyone rushing to pamper and pacify an over dramatic Howl. Plus, his show of tantrums was really something to regard with and not to be taken lightly at all… afterall, he is a powerful wizard.

The scene where Sophie takes a break from her overzealous cleaning mission to look out of the castle’s window while it is on the move was simply priceless. The sceneries that met the eyes beyond the window are truly breathtaking. I really felt like what Sophie was feeling then, all awe and surreal.


My Two-cents
To me, this film is a winner for its spectacular animation and its endearing characters. I especially adore cute little Calcifer and of course the boyish and charming Howl. I love Sophie too, for her feisty spirit and undying love for Howl. The soundtracks were manly orchestra music but the compositions were simply marvelous – especially the theme song, Sekai no Yakusoku (The Promise of the World)... fantastic. I felt like being suck through Alice in the Wonderland’s rabbit hole.

This is truly a must watch film even for non-anime lover. It’s worthy of your attention, believe me. Then again... please don't come back here and Karate-chop me if you don't happen to fancy it ok :P



The Promise: I know, I had actually promised to post the review since my last post, and that was right after CNY. Sorry for the delay.

Time Frame: I have been composing this post since 5th March 2007 until todate 20th March 2007. That is about 2 week’s time. Oh gosh… I am pathetic when it comes to writing review aren’t I? Hope my review didn’t suck BIG time.

Worry: I hope I didn’t ruin the appeal of this noteworthy film for everyone. And did not accidentally leave any spoilers in my review. If I did, please do pardon me for I am really a first timer film reviewer. As a matter of fact, I have not written any sort of reviews before.

Lesson Learned: All in all, writing this review has been another good way of boosting my confidence in writing. I am proud of myself for finishing it at least and for keeping my promise to post it. Yay! *pat self on the back* Good job :P




Howl's Moving Castle (Music)
I love the whole soundtracks of this anime, but I do favour two of it more... The Merry-Go-Round of Life and Sekai no Yakusoku (The Promise of the World).


Howl's Moving Castle (Trailer)




Howl's Moving Castle (Pictures)
Feast your eyes on these.....

Top Five Favorite Movies -- I've been tagged!

“OMG! I have been tagged!”, this was exactly my first thought the moment I saw my name on RyeUrn’s blog on Friday last week highlighted in red. Why the alarm you say? Well… first, I was caught by surprise and this is the very first time I was being tagged. I am practically a Virgin-Meme-Blogger (VMB). LOL. I guess this makes RyeUrn and Bengbeng a VMB too. Hahahaha

According to RyeUrn, 5xmom said memes are good – which got me pretty curious and hopped on to her site for a look-see. There I found out… memes are actually a great way to secure links which helps to propel your blog rank up on search engines (search engines are a sucker for links). Thanks for the tip 5xmon – hence, as you can see here… I am now determined to do my part – linking as many fellow bloggers who has sportingly participated in this meme’s circulation.

Being a VMB and clueless about it… I visited most of the links provided by each blogger on the participants of this meme just to get a general idea of things - of which, ultimately served the 2nd and 3rd purpose of a meme i.e. to get higher hit-count and exposures. Wow, do not underestimate the power of memes you guys.

Alrighty-then, back to business… here is my Top 5 Favorite Movies (in no particular order, as I still can’t decide which one I like most).

1) Farinelli il Castrato (1994)


Farinelli, was a famous opera singer in the time of Handel, the famous German composer. He (Farinelli) was what we call a castrato… in his case; he was castrated by his own brother during childhood in order to preserve his singing voice – it was a popular practice back then in the 16th century in Western European chapel choirs as the Roman Catholic Church had traditionally banned females from singing in church.

This movie was actually an accidental stumble or find. I am an ardent fan of Anne Rice a famous author of many bestsellers of gothic theme fiction books and one of them was Cry to Heaven – it’s an intriguing book about castrati in Italy during the 18th century. This book was what has started my fascination with the mystery and allure of a castrato, which had lead me to this wonderful film of breathtaking sights and sounds.

I was overjoyed when I found this film some years back in a store while browsing for some movies. At last! I shall have the chance to witness the supreme singing of a castrato again (this phenomenon of castrati has happened centuries ago and there aren’t any form of recording available back then (what I pity), it was in fact a lost art… as part of the arias sung by a castrati are so complex and difficult that they cannot be performed today... unless you decided to lose your manhood to preserve this art. LOL!). This film uses both male and female voices in a unique reconstruction to recreate the sound of Farinelli’s singing voice.

I was totally swept off my feet by the beautiful singing combined with the romantic baroque settings. This film shall remain forever special in my heart.

On another note, I was delighted when I spotted a fellow lover of this film, Paris Beaverbanks… during my inspiration-seeking-link hopping which I mentioned earlier on this post.


2) Interview with the Vampire (1994)


This film was a movie-tie in for one of Anne Rice’s bestsellers – it was this one book that propelled her to fame. To me, this film was the one that had gotten me hooked on her books thereto and later on... fascinated with the gothic world and all things paranormal or supernatural. For her, I outgrew and abandon chit-lit and romance novels.

This film is a about a vampire telling his epic life story of love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger – centering on themes of immortality, loss, sexuality and power with heavy influence on Goth culture. It was a Hollywood blockbuster starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as the main characters Lestat de Lioncourt and the protagonist Louis de Pointe du Lac, respectively.

I fell in love with the character starred by Brad Pitt… hmmm… until now, I wasn’t sure which one I fell in love with... the character or the actor. LOL. But, I am sure of one thing, both are just as endearing. This film has also introduced me to Kirsten Dunst… she starred as Claudia, a vengeful and manipulative but heartrending child vampire. Her acting was so credible that she could rival other strong actresses. I quite adore her since, even before she had rise to stardom. She is now quite well known as Mary Jane, Spiderman’s girlfriend or object of obsession.


3) My Fair Lady (1964)


I believed I shouldn’t have the need to elaborate on this famous piece of all-time favorite Broadway musical. Audrey Hepburn was absolutely radiant and charming in it. Oh yeah, this was the first film which got me acquainted with her. The song ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’ sung by Eliza (the lead female character played by Hepburn) was my most favorite song in this flick. I am a fan of Audrey Hepburn ever since this film. Am still trying to locate and collect the all of her work especially Roman Holiday (1953) – I think it’s her debut Hollywood film which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress.


4) Strictly Ballroom (1992)


I can’t exactly remember how I came across this film. All I remember was how badly I wanted to own this video and scoured hi and lo for it back then, until I found it along with a newfound suitor i.e. later boyfriend and sometime later after that… ex-boyfriend (sorry, not going to go into this).

Right, back on this film… it’s about a champion caliber ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings who was inspired to dance his own steps which was an idea the Australian ballroom dance community shuns at… at all cost. Together with a beginner dancer and a somewhat ugly duckly, Fran... they were ready to set out to prove em’ wrong for not believing.

All in all, this film was an emotional stimulating watch. Plus, it had introduced me to Paso Doble (a lively Latin style of dance modeled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight). This dancing style is absolutely exciting to watch. The rhythm of its music has the power to captivate one’s soul and body. You could really feel the strong pull of this music and start instinctively moving you body in tune.

Oh yes, I was of course, again… drawn to the lead character - this time being a handsome and chiseled, Paul Mercurio. I literary swooned at his perfect dancing skill and good looks. Ahemm…


5) Viva Cuba (2005)


Watched this film with Gina a good friend of mine sometime back in October 2006 last year during the latest 5th Ibero American Film Festival (a celebration of Latin American films). We had both enjoyed it tremendously even though it’s in Spanish with English subtitle.

Bits about the story… it is a tale of two good friends, Malú and Jorgito. They had made a pact with each other that they would remain friends for life although both their families are constantly at odds with each other. The girl is from an upper-class family while the boy is from a family of poor but proud socialist. One day, Malú’s mother had decided to leave Cuba thus, Malú would have to be separated from Jorgito if she does. Hence, begin the adventure of both children traveling with each other as company in a loooong soul searching and friendship testing trip to seek for Malú’s father help to prevent her mother from leaving the country.

The close bond between these two children is a joy to watch. There are many funny and touching moments which both Gina and I enjoyed very much. It was a refreshing watch, apart from the normal over-commercialized Hollywood films – it was a light yet playful film with a touch of Cuban bureaucracy.

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Whew! That was it. I had a tough time deciding on which 5 films should make it to this list of mine, as I had quite a long list of favorites. Deciding to adhere to the rules of this meme to list only 5 favorites I had to forgone the rest albeit reluctantly. Pardon me for my lengthily account on each film. I had at first wanted to do a short and direct post like Ah Pek did except, I just can’t help myself but to feel obligated to pay my tribute to each one of these fantastic films.

As to keep the ball rolling, I am officially declaring my tag on Gina, Pau-Pau, Che-Cheh, Stev and Tien Soon.

RyeUrn, thanks again for the tag. Though I sweat big time doing it but, I had fun. *Wink* there, I linked you again. Ahahaha