Howl's Moving Castle

—Overview
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections

Waiting for the start of Howl’s Moving Castle, I watched trailers for upcoming computer-animated films. I don’t dislike these films; some are very good. As I watched the trailers, though, I was struck by how much I was looking forward to the rich hand-done animation that is a key part of a Hayao Miyazaki film. I wasn’t disappointed. Like his other films (Spirited Away, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke and others), the artwork here is both imaginative and beautiful. Miyazaki consistently enchants the viewer, drawing us into his world.

Howl’s Moving Castle has many similarities to other Miyazaki films: a bewitched flying hero, a young girl who liberates him to find his true life, witches and wizards, a bit of animism. This film focuses on a teen aged girl named Sophie who has been cursed by the Witch of the Waste and is now a ninety year old woman. Sophie sets off to find release for the curse and along the way encounters a turnip-headed scarecrow who helps her out and finds her way to the bizarre magical castle of the wizard Howl where she works as a cleaning lady for Howl and his young apprentice Markl.

The relationships she develops with various characters are the real heart of the story. As Sophie interacts, and begins to love and be loved, we see her features and voice changing back and forth between the young and old Sophie. The more she loves, the younger she looks. This love is not based in looks or even in actions – it grows out of the common humanity the characters share. Even when Sophie gets a chance for revenge against the Witch of the Waste, who has now lost her power, rather than hurting her, Sophie begins taking care of her.

There is also a war going on, and it is clear that Miyazaki wants to show us that war is an evil. Howl goes out each night, not to fight in the war, but to fight against the war. Each time he goes out, he becomes more and more disconnected with his human side. The danger is that he will eventually not even remember that he’s human (as is the case with other wizards who have let themselves be used in the war effort.) We really don’t know much about the reasons for the war, but that is really unimportant for the purposes of this film. It is war itself that is the target and enemy, regardless of the reasons behind a war.

One of Miyazaki’s gifts is that he can make points such as the evil of war (or about pollution or community in other films) without being preachy. A comment here, a visual there, and the seeds of thought are planted in the viewer where they have a chance to grow.

Miyazaki’s films can be enjoyed by children, who seem naturally attracted to animation, and appreciated by adults, who may often dismiss animation as childish. His films always have a spiritual aspect to them. They may not have a Christian world view, but they still allow us to consider life that is to be lived in harmony with spiritual reality. The lessons that Miyazaki shares can easily be adapted and understood by others who are seeking spiritual harmony in their lives.

Although I like this film a lot, it should be noted that it isn’t Miyazaki’s best work. (Spirited Away is still my favorite.) The plot is a bit confusing if you haven’t been paying close attention. There are things left unexplained. Even though Miyazaki doesn’t do his typical great job, it is still very good. Whenever we are invited in to Miyazaki’s beautiful world, we find great beauty and spiritual food.

—Overview
—Photos
—About this Film pdf
—Spiritual Connections