The #1 Best of Family Film for 2005
1Hayao Miyazaki is an extraordinary storyteller whose previous films have been some of the most critically celebrated animated films in recent history–Princess Mononoke (1997) and Spirited Away (2001).
In 2003, Spirited Away was awarded the Best Animated Film Oscar. And Princess Monoke, released before Oscar began honoring animated films, won it’s homeland’s (Japan) Best Film award. This year, Howl's Moving Castle is nominated for Best Animated Film.
Miyazaki’s latest animated adventure is Howl's Moving Castle. Delightful? Absolutely, both for kids and adults. And you won't find humor that is of the cheap variety. No jokes about farts or burps, as many of the American films have sunk into of late. Neither is his script patronizing or inane. There is a style of sophistication in this story and his characters that is refreshing.
Indeed, Miyazaki’s films all have intriguing children as the main characters. What is unique is that he entrusts his child characters with great responsibility--the balance of good and evil ends up resting in their small hands shortly after the film begins, and often before they themselves realize it. The manner in which his characters choose to overcome personal obstacles (primarily a lack of confidence, self-worth, and courage) in order to set life right seems more complex than the average cartoon character. They're clever, bright, human, and highly endearing; and I do believe this all is evidence of a thoughtful and creative creator at the helm.
In Howl’s Moving Castle, our young heroine, Sophie Hatter, is such an example. When she is cursed by the Witch of the Waste and turned into an old hag, she doesn't wallow in self-pity or shame. She overcomes it, and her fear, by leaving her home and job to go out into the dangerous Waste to find the Witch in order to have her reverse the curse. Her resolve and courage (and don't leave out a good heart) allow her to make many friends, even out of the unfriendly. Eventually, she becomes the greatest asset to the cause of good in the story.
Howl's Moving Castle is an absolute delight. It's creative and complex; magical.
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