Ugoku Shiro

Howl’s Moving Castle

Animation is all about the little things. Gibli do the little things better than anyone else.
It felt a lot looser than their other work. Beauty without substance. Wasn’t it adapted from an English short story?
I almost died every time Markl pulled on that coat. So cute.
Howl wins the “gayest shape changing monster wizard who likes to pretend to be a woman, eat girl’s hearts, take long baths and dye his hair. And dance.” award. I have a sneaking suspicion he may have been the only contestant.
My favourite scene: Sophie climbing the stairs to meet the King. Every time I catch a train I have to walk up the stairs to the platform behind hunched-over old Japanese women making exactly those noises. Perfect.

7.5/10

Howl's moving castle