Howl’s Moving Castle, Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli

Howl’s Moving Castle is a Japanese animation directed by Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki also wrote the screenplay. It was released in 2004. The film was adapted from the novel by Diana Wyn Jones.
The film follows Sophie, an eighteen year old hatter. She encounters a mysterious wizard called Howl whilst visiting her sister. On her return she meets the Witch of the Waste who turns her into a 90-year-old woman. Seeking a cure she encounters a scarecrow who leads her to Howl’s castle.

Miyazaki’s conception of the castle is brilliant. It is a thing to behold as it walks across the countryside with steam pumping out, pistons whirring. The plot if full of adventure and mystery. Engaging characters from the Witch of the Waste to Calcifer the fire-demon. It has its humorous moments as well. As Sophie goes to meet the King, Howl assures her that he will follow her. On the way she meets an asthmatic dog called Heen, who she assumes is Howl following her.