Howl's Moving Castle

Miyazaki first got me with Spirited Away and here he confirmed his status as one of the best animators ever. In many ways, Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away are similar (the look of the characters, the love motif between the girl and the supernatural being), but this is not a bad thing at all, because the director knows how to present it with elegance. If I were to compare these two Miyazaki's works, Spirited Away would win by a hair. The Witch of the Wastelands was a really interesting character and the castle itself was unique. The music and animation were a feast for the ears and eyes. This director just knows how to engage the viewer. (2010-02-13)

As with Miyazaki's other films, what captivated the most was the main idea around which the story unfolds. However, while Spirited Away added something extra to the wonderfully imaginative story, something that forced me to devour every image and watch every scene with joyful anticipation, Howl's Moving Castle, with its strange but literally unprecedented in animation concept and perfect sophistication, did not allow me to appreciate all its beauty with anything more than "my eyes and ears". But that doesn't change the fact that Miyazaki is probably the best animator of our time and that Howl's Moving Castle is a most beautiful and impressive film. (2012-08-12)

The transition from a steampunk fairy tale to a philosophical adventure full of various metaphors was so smooth that I didn't even notice it and I was entertained from beginning to end, even though I was sometimes confused about what was going on, especially in the finale. I’m sure I’ve written several times already that Miyazaki's imagination is admirable, but I'll happily write it again. A beautiful film with a beautiful idea. (2023-10-14)

The most romantic creation from the Master of fantasy. Throw away the quality standards because here we fly over mountains, doors open into four different spaces, all the main characters change their appearance, and magic is not far away. And the world of animated film is once again richer by one little treasure, much to my immeasurable joy. (2008-12-07)

I can't help but like this movie the most from Miyazaki so far, where does a Princess Mononoke a.k.a. eco-agitator go? :-) No, but I just find this a beautiful story with music that suits it. My only regret is that he didn't dye his hair back in the end, he really liked the blonde one better :-)) Daisuki! I'm going to bed with a smile on my face, reassured. And I like it that way because I want to have a good night's sleep. But that doesn't belong here anymore. ;-) (2009-05-06)