Director: Hayao Miyazaki (Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke)Cast: Christian Bale (American Psycho, Batman Begins), Jean Simmons (Hamlet, Spartacus), Lauren Bacall (The Mirror Has Two Faces), Billy Crystal (Monster's Inc., When Harry Met Sally), Josh Hutcherson (Bridge to Terabithia, RV), Emily Mortimer (Lars and the Real Girl, Match Point), Blythe Danner (Meet the Parents, Will & Grace)
The Deal: A young woman named Sophie (Mortimer) is cursed by the Witch of the Waste (Bacall), turning her into an old woman (Simmons). Unable to tell anyone of the curse, she sets out in search of the wizard Howl (Bale), whose castle walks throughout the land. There she befriends Calcifer (Crystal), the fire demon who powers the castle, and Markl (Hutcherson), Howl's assistant of sorts. Since Calcifer is also under a curse, the two decide to help each other break free. Able to see through the witch's spell, Howl soon falls in love with Sophie, but he is cursed himself, and only she can help him break the curse.
Thoughts: In the world of animation, Hayao Miyazaki is held in extremely high regard, and this film is just another example of why that is so. The animation is extremely detailed, beautifully colorful, and at times so impressive you'll be left thinking it must have been CGI. The film truly is a wonderful work of art. The plot itself is quite good as well. It's full of interesting characters that the viewer can really attach to, and the story is interesting and at times mysterious. It seems that everywhere one looks, the work of a witch or wizard has left their mark.
The voice work in the film quite solid. Bale does a decent job as Howl, though I felt at times the emotion in his voice did not match the expression on the character's face. Simmons is pretty good as Grandma Sophie, and she really made the character feel like the Grandma every child wants to have. Crystal was quite good as Calcifer, and I though he had some of the funnier bits in the film sine he existed as fire and was always worried about being put out. I did not recognize Hutcherson's voice, though he did a good job and fit well with his character. Bacall was another solid performance as the Witch of the Waste. She matched he voice with her character's look and feel quite well at most times.
By far I though the castle was the coolest and most interesting part of the film. I liked how the door had a dial that could be changed in order to exit into different places, and I was really fun just looking at all the odd things it was made up of. Set against the backdrop of mountains and lakes, it was always looming and I could never take my eyes off of it. I also really enjoyed Turnip Head, the scarecrow that hops around. Despite not having any lines, I found him funny and loved every time he'd hop back into the film.
Verdict: Beautifully animated with a story that's fun and engaging, Miyazaki has created yet another wonderful film. There are plenty of different and interesting characters, and you'd be hard pressed to not find one you'll attach to. ☆☆☆☆
Liked It? Try These: Spirited Away (2001), Princess Mononoke (1997), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Castle In the Sky (1986)
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