This anime movie follows the story of young Sophie Hatter, a bookworm, the eldest of three daughters, a girl doomed to an uninteresting life as a hat maker. Sophie resigns herself to her boring fate, but fate has other plans for her. Cursed by the Witch of the Waste with the body of a 90-year-old woman, she finds her way to the moving castle inhabited by the wizard Howl, said by all to eat the souls of young girls. Howl has been cursed by the Witch as well, and is seeking the love of young girl to help him break the curse.
Once more Miyazaki weaves a magical tale of a young girl placed under a curse for getting involved with a wizard called Howl and his incredible castle. Has an anti-war message to it which has been featured more than once in Miyazaki’s movies. The animation as always by Studio Ghibli is first rate. An absolute pleasure to watch.
Sadako’s Rating: 4 out of 5
This is still one of my top favorite Miyazaki movies! I have to say that I really adored the book by Diana Wynne Jones as well.