Once again we are given an unusual cinematic surprise from Japan in Hayao Miyazaki’s Howl’s Moving Castle. If you are new to the realm of Miyazaki, he is the brain behind Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Nausicaä of the Valley of Wind. All of which are masterpieces of their own right. Well enough of previous works we are here to discuss Howl. Very early on we are greeted with the standard Miyazaki theme of man against nature. Also, as is par with his other films, a very magical world is represented as everyday life to the ultra-modern Victorian backdrop.

The story follows the story of a young haberdasher named Sofia on a quest to find the Wizard Howl after she was turned into an old woman for previously associating with Howl and being tacky in front of the Witch of the Waste. We she finally does reach Howl (Christian Bale) and his moving castle she decides to become the castle’s cleaning lady instead of begging for a cure to her ailment.

Also, as per Miyazaki style, many famous American actors were used to boost sales such as: Lauren Bacall (old Sofia), Christian Bale (Howl), Blythe Danner (Salaman), and Billy Crystal (Calcifer). This was especially true with his release of Mononoke, witch used Billy Bob Thorton, Minnie Driver, Billy Crudup, Clair Danes, and Gillian Anderson, to get Americans into the theater.

Despite it’s backing by Disney the film was handled quite well. Obviously geared toward children it never got to the point of being too hokey. I am overlooking its rather convenient ending due to the fact that for the most part it keeps its original mature theme in place.

Overall I would recommend seeing this film if you are a Miyazaki fan. I do not think it tops any of his previous works but I do think it is worth a watch. Besides how often does quality Japanese animation come to the American Silver Screen (I don’t count anything with tentacles to be quality Fumanchu).