When it comes to anime films, Hayao Miyazaki is the master of the modern classics. His films are some of the most magical and beautifully animated I have ever seen and his influence has spilled into the works of other filmmakers. 

With the theatrical release of the studio’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron, I decided to take a trip down memory lane and re-watch some of my most favorite films, starting with the 2004 fantasy epic Howl’s Moving Castle. 

Based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, the film, with a worldwide box office of over $236 million, is one of the most successful Japanese films in history. 

Sophie is a young hat maker who finds herself on the wrong side of Witch of the Waste after a rendezvous with a handsome young wizard named Howl, who curses her with old age. Finding refuge in Howl’s home (a moving castle) Sophie befriends Calcifer, a fire demon, and a young boy named Markl, a wizard in training. Thrust into a war of magic, Sophie must find the courage, not only to save herself, but Howl, and the world they inhabit. 

Released through Walt Disney Studios in the states, the English dub stars Emily Mortimer as the younger Sophie, while Jean Simmons provides the voice for her elder version. Christian Bale is Howl, while screen legend Lauren Bacall provides the voice of the witch of the Waste. Billy Crystal is Calcifer and Josh Hutcherson is Markl.

I remember the first time I saw it. I was working for Walt Disney Studios at the time and my cousin and I decided to have an anime night and Howl’s Moving Castle was first on our list. I was blown away. The story, the animation, the acting – everything about this film was so stunning and it was an absolute wonder to behold. Nineteen years later, the same is true. It’s a testament to the staying power (and beauty) of Miyazaki and his work. This includes the score, composed by Joe Hisaishi, which is so perfectly placed within the magical world of the film. 

The film has seen several releases to home media, including a collectible steel book release through Shout Factory / Gkids. With an aspect ratio of 1.85:1, the film, clocking in at about 120 minutes is presented in glorious HD. The set includes audio presented in the original Japanese as well as English, and French.

  • Feature-Length Storyboards
  • Original Theatrical Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • Interview with Diana Wynne Jones
  • Miyazaki’s Visit to Pixar
  • Explanation of CG
  • The Birth Story of the Film Soundtrack
  • Behind the Microphone
  • 8-page Booklet, producer’s statement and more

Currently available through Shout Factory, GKids, and Amazon once the set is sold out, it’s gone… so act fast!

In the 2015 novel Hayao Miyazaki’s World Picture by Dani Cavallaro, Miyazaki stated that Howl’s Moving Castle was his favorite creation, and explained his choice by saying “I wanted to convey the message that life is worth living, and I don’t think that’s changed.”

He’s right, it hasn’t, and the film remains as one of the most beautiful pieces of animated cinema I have ever seen.

More Ghibli soon so…

Stay Tuned!