A magician, a witch, a castle that has life. A fantastic journey into the world of imagination.

Starring: (the American voice talents of) Emily Mortimer, Jean Simmons, Christian Bale, Lauren Bacall, Billy Crystal, John Hutcherson, Blythe Danner, Jena Malone, Mari Devon

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★★☆☆ - great

"Knowing you'd be there gave me the courage to show up. That woman terrifies me. I can't face her on my own. You saved me, Sophie. I was in big trouble back there." - Howl's reply to Sophie's question why she had to go meet with the sorceress Suliman

Why watch this? It's a creative, beautiful fantasy to behold.

Plot Summary: After being cursed with old age by a witch, a timid young hat maker named Sophie seeks a cure and finds refuge in the strange, walking castle of the notorious but insecure wizard, Howl. Assuming the role of a cleaning lady, she gradually grows closer to Howl and his quirky companions, while also trying to break a mysterious contract he has with a fire demon that powers the castle. As Sophie begins to develop her own confidence, she helps Howl confront his deepest fears and protect them both from the dangers of a senseless war engulfing their world.

Dad's Preview: After watching of few of Miyazaki's films, you start to realize that you are seeing individual works of art, each one more elaborate than the last. His fantasy world-building skills are second-to-none. Everywhere there are steam-punk contraptions, the bustle of people, and beings from other realms. It is a lot to take in. Here the universal themes at play are war's senseless price, seeing things with different eyes, and the ever-present relationship between man and nature. Though the plot meanders a bit in the second half, there are always new, breathtaking cityscapes, or semi-organic warships or mountain vistas around the next corner. Kids will enjoy the fantastical story, and adults will appreciate the complexities of its plot.

Studio Ghibli; Toho