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I defenetly want to see this one, but I have no idea if it'll be in any cinemas here in The Netherlands 
Posted: 09:47 Oct 14 2005
Howl's Moving Castle
Don't give me that look! I know what you're thinking; I've heard it every time I've mentioned this film to anyone. Yes it is a cartoon, yes it has a U certificate, but no it's not a kiddy flick.
Not that there's much in it to offend any child, but at 2 hours running time (roughly) it's a little longer than the average toddler can cope with. And it's not a Disney/Dreamworks dumbed down story with overly cute characters and music by Elton John. Though one of the voices is Billy Crystal, but don't let that put you off.
What it is, is the latest film from Studio Ghibli, who gave us Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. You haven't seen them? Sort it out now! Spirited Away is Alice in Wonderland told in Japanese. And it's beautiful and moving, and Howl's Moving Castle matches up to and exceeds its predecessor’s excellence.
Howl's Moving Castle (adapted from the book by Diana Wynne Jones) is a love story. It's a story about magic. About war. But more than anything else it's gob-smackingly beautiful. Looked at from a distance the subject matter should add up to your typical Hollywood saccharine fest. But in Hayao Miyazaki's hands you just get pulled in and fall in love. I swear, if you are not moved by this film you have no soul.
So go see it. Now. I guarantee you will not see a better film this year.
Not that there's much in it to offend any child, but at 2 hours running time (roughly) it's a little longer than the average toddler can cope with. And it's not a Disney/Dreamworks dumbed down story with overly cute characters and music by Elton John. Though one of the voices is Billy Crystal, but don't let that put you off.
What it is, is the latest film from Studio Ghibli, who gave us Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away. You haven't seen them? Sort it out now! Spirited Away is Alice in Wonderland told in Japanese. And it's beautiful and moving, and Howl's Moving Castle matches up to and exceeds its predecessor’s excellence.
Howl's Moving Castle (adapted from the book by Diana Wynne Jones) is a love story. It's a story about magic. About war. But more than anything else it's gob-smackingly beautiful. Looked at from a distance the subject matter should add up to your typical Hollywood saccharine fest. But in Hayao Miyazaki's hands you just get pulled in and fall in love. I swear, if you are not moved by this film you have no soul.
So go see it. Now. I guarantee you will not see a better film this year.
2 Replies and 2512 Views in Total.
Posted: 09:47 Oct 14 2005 
A friend of mine mentioned this to me the other day. She had been a fan of the book when she was younger, and was horrified that it was 'going all japanese', but when i played the trailer she was pleasantly surprised.
Ashamed to say I still have both Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.
Ashamed to say I still have both Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away.
Posted: 18:05 Oct 14 2005