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Howl's Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is the last animated film by the great director Hayao Miyazaki, produced in 2004 by the Ghibli studio and released in Italian cinemas on 9 September.
Sophie is a young girl who makes capellini in a modest neighborhood atelier, who one day meets a mysterious boy with kind ways, who turns out to be Howl's feared wizard: he "grabs" the hearts of the beautiful girls to steal them the soul. Meanwhile, the evil witch of the Landes, secretly in love with the young wizard and attracted by the power of his magic, as jealous of the girl, invests her with a terrible curse, that is, transforms her into a bent and sore old woman. Howl's Moving CastleBut the worst is that Sophie will not be able to talk to anyone about the spell.
Therefore the protagonist will go to the enchanted valley to discover the way to dissolve the spell. On the way, however, Sophie discovers the fatigue of a body worn out by old age, however the support of a new and inseparable friend: a fairy scarecrow named Rapa, will be of comfort. At a certain point she comes across Howl's walking abode: a castle made of debris, very similar to a mechanical spider; there the old lady lodges as a cleaning lady and takes care of little Markl, Howl himself and Carcifel. Carcifel is the fire demon that powers the castle's engine and for this reason it must be fed continuously. Since if Carcifel dies the young wizard would also die, so close and vital is their bond. Howl's Moving CastleFinding the castle in a state of neglect and dirt, Sophie dedicates herself to cleaning and after days of hard work, the house returns welcoming and clean. For this Sophie, with her common sense and her wisdom, becomes "the angel of the strange hearth". Meanwhile, she turns out to be even more in love with Howl. But precisely by virtue of her deep and sincere love she discovers the darkest and saddest sides of the young magician's soul:Howl's Moving Castlehis fears, the desire to no longer be a slave to an absurd war. A war so brutal as to contaminate even the most beautiful and secret places, such as his enchanting kindergarten. Love for Howl therefore translates into a journey of a thousand dangers, but above all in an inner journey through which the two lovers (accompanied by the Witch of the Landes, Carcifel, Rapa etc.) undergo a profound transformation. The difficulties and dangers our heroes will face will be manifold. But just when all seems lost, hope opens up again: Sophie's tears, the purity of her spirit, now at the height of balance and wisdom, will undo all spells and give new life to the heart of her beloved.Howl's Moving Castle
Although on the narrative level there are some inconsistencies - explainable moreover on the basis of the complexity of the topics addressed (the specter of war as such, individual freedom, the strength of love, human solidarity, attachment to values , to the family etc.) - Howl's Moving Castle amazes and excites for the strength and beauty of the images. Animation is a whirlwind of color, fantasy and creativity that captures the viewer to the end. In fact, accompanied by the melodious notes of the final song, one would hardly want to leave the screening room: Howl's Moving Castleone would not want to close the doors of that magical world animated with masterly skill by director Miyazaki, but instead would like to remain suspended for a little longer.
Howl's Moving Castle is based on the novel of the same name by Diana Wynne Jones, which has some differences compared to the original story.

by Helga Corpino

Howl's Moving Castle
Original title: Hauru no ugoku shiro
Country: US / Japan
Year: 2004
Gender: Entrainment
Duration: 119 '
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Official site: www.howl-movie.com
Production: Studio Ghibli
Distribution: Lucky Red
Exit : September 9, 2005 (cinema)
Venezia 2004

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All names, images and trademarks are copyright Hayao Miyazaki - Mikado - Toshio Suzuki and those entitled and are used here exclusively for cognitive and informative purposes.

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