Post by Sushi on Apr 21, 2006 16:16:40 GMT
Review of Howl’s Moving Castle (Hauru no ugoku shiro) (PG)
Legendary Hayao Miyazaki, the main driving force behind the renowned Studio Ghibli returns with his latest animated film Howl’s Moving Castle. Having critically acclaimed classics such as Princess Mononoke and Oscar-winning Spirited Away already under his name, his latest offering has great expectations to fulfil.
Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, HMC follows eighteen year old Sophie (Jean Simmons and Emily Mortimer), who believes herself to be plain looking. However, after a chance meeting with the dashing wizard Howl (Christian Bale) she is literally swept off her feet, but is consequently turned into a ninety year old woman by the Wicked Witch of the Waste (Lauren Bacall) and sets off to rid herself of the curse.
As always the fantastical world created by Miyazaki is immediately captivating, being visually intoxicating with its rich detail, vibrancy and expansive landscapes. The characters are strange and wonderful and the musical score is brilliantly handled by Joe Hisaishi. Despite such quality, its convoluted plot does drag at times and it is because of this that HMC ultimately fails to reach the classic status of Miyazaki’s previous work. Regardless, it is fantastic film, which I whole heartily recommend you to experience.
4/5
Legendary Hayao Miyazaki, the main driving force behind the renowned Studio Ghibli returns with his latest animated film Howl’s Moving Castle. Having critically acclaimed classics such as Princess Mononoke and Oscar-winning Spirited Away already under his name, his latest offering has great expectations to fulfil.
Based on Diana Wynne Jones’ novel of the same name, HMC follows eighteen year old Sophie (Jean Simmons and Emily Mortimer), who believes herself to be plain looking. However, after a chance meeting with the dashing wizard Howl (Christian Bale) she is literally swept off her feet, but is consequently turned into a ninety year old woman by the Wicked Witch of the Waste (Lauren Bacall) and sets off to rid herself of the curse.
As always the fantastical world created by Miyazaki is immediately captivating, being visually intoxicating with its rich detail, vibrancy and expansive landscapes. The characters are strange and wonderful and the musical score is brilliantly handled by Joe Hisaishi. Despite such quality, its convoluted plot does drag at times and it is because of this that HMC ultimately fails to reach the classic status of Miyazaki’s previous work. Regardless, it is fantastic film, which I whole heartily recommend you to experience.
4/5
