Impressions and Opinion of Howl no Ugoku Shiro

Hello, how are you, friends? Dina here. It's been a few days since I last stopped by to share my thoughts on an anime film. Today I want to talk to you about one of Studio Ghibli's most watched works: Howl's Moving Castle. It's one of their longest films, lasting approximately two hours, but every minute is totally worth it. I think it's one of my favorites after Grave of the Fireflies, which completely captivated me and motivated me to watch all of this studio's films. This movie dates back to 2004 and immerses us in a magical story where wizards, wars, and insecurities coexist. It leaves a beautiful message about how we feel, the value of family, and how we can become stronger through what we consider our weaknesses

The first thing that strikes you is the giant castle; when you see it, it gives the impression of being a kind of scrap metal owl that walks and looks like it could fall apart at any moment. It is impressive how it shows several structures joined together, inhabited by peculiar characters: an orphan boy (Markl), a slightly insecure wizard (Howl), and a fire demon (Calcifer) who keeps the castle running. One of the main characters is Sophie, who unfortunately suffers the spell of a witch that turns her into an old woman. I love the message the film conveys: each of these characters learns to live with their own chaos and to value what is truly worthwhile.

A scarecrow (Nabo) also appears, and little by little, a kind of accidental family forms where everyone cares for and supports each other amid the confusion. The plot also addresses an external war; in fact, Howl is trying to flee from that very war. From what I've read, this film was partly Hayao Miyazaki's way of protesting the 2003 Iraq War. It's a work that highlights the beauty in simplicity, the power of love, and how to overcome what makes us feel insecure, whether it's because we don't feel attractive or talented. It's visually beautiful, with the vibrant colors that characterize Studio Ghibli. In the end, the castle becomes a wonderful place because its inhabitants regain their self-confidence. I invite you to watch it; you won't regret it. Although it's long, it's worth every second. Best regards, and have a nice Thursday.