Howl no Ugoku Shiro


Howl's Moving Castle

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Alternative Titles

Japanese: ハウルの動く城
English: Howl's Moving Castle
German: Das wandelnde Schloss
Spanish: El Castillo Ambulante
French: Le Château ambulant
More titles

Information

Type: Movie
Episodes: 1
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Nov 20, 2004
Studios: Studio Ghibli
Source: Novel
Genres: AdventureAdventure, Award WinningAward Winning, DramaDrama, FantasyFantasy, RomanceRomance
Duration: 1 hr. 59 min.
Rating: G - All Ages

Statistics

Score: 8.671 (scored by 959719959,719 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #712
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #100
Members: 1,389,541
Favorites: 30,012

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8.67
Ranked #71Popularity #100Members 1,389,541
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Episodes: /1

Synopsis

That jumbled piece of architecture, that cacophony of hissing steam and creaking joints, with smoke billowing from it as it moves on its own... That castle is home to the magnificent wizard Howl, infamous for both his magical prowess and for being a womanizer—or so the rumor goes in Sophie Hatter's small town. Sophie, as the plain daughter of a hatmaker, does not expect much from her future and is content with working hard in the shop.

However, Sophie's simple life takes a turn for the exciting when she is ensnared in a disturbing situation, and the mysterious wizard appears to rescue her. Unfortunately, this encounter, brief as it may be, spurs the vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste—in a fit of jealousy caused by a past discord with Howl—to put a curse on the maiden, turning her into an old woman.

In an endeavor to return to normal, Sophie must accompany Howl and a myriad of eccentric companions—ranging from a powerful fire demon to a hopping scarecrow—in his living castle, on a dangerous adventure as a raging war tears their kingdom apart.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Background

Howl No Ugoku Shiro premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2004 and was later released to Japanese theaters in November, making it one of only three Studio Ghibli films not to be released in July.

In 2004 the film won the Osella Awards for Technical Achievement in the 61st Venice Film Festival, the Best Japanese Movie Overall in the Mainichi Film Awards and an Excellence Prize, Animation in the Japan Media Arts Festival. In 2005 the film won the Animation of the Year in the Tokyo International Anime Fair and the Audience Award in the Maui Film Festival.

In 2006 it was nominated for the Best Animated Feature in the 78th Academy Award, but lost to the movie Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.

Characters & Voice Actors

Howl

Main
Kimura, Takuya
Japanese

Hatter, Sophie

Main
Baishou, Chieko
Japanese

Calcifer

Supporting
Gashuin, Tatsuya
Japanese

Turnip Head

Supporting
Oizumi, Yo
Japanese

Heen

Supporting
Harada, Daijiro
Japanese

Markl

Supporting
Kamiki, Ryunosuke
Japanese

Witch of the Waste

Supporting
Miwa, Akihiro
Japanese

Suliman

Supporting
Katou, Haruko
Japanese

Hatter, Lettie

Supporting
Kazuki, Yayoi
Japanese

Hatter, Honey

Supporting
Yasokawa, Mayuno
Japanese

Staff

Suzuki, Toshio
Producer
Ishii, Tomohiko
Assistant Producer
Miyazaki, Hayao
Director, Script, Executive Producer, Screenplay
Toba, Yousuke
Episode Director


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Opening Theme

Preview
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"Sekai no Yakusoku (世界の約束; The Promise of the World)" by Chieko Baisho
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Ending Theme

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Reviews

Nov 19, 2024
most heart throbbing
Every anime has something special that sets it apart. Whether it’s the incredible world-building, the relatable characters, the beautiful art style, or the deep themes that stick with you, each one has its own unique charm. Every time I watch, I’m transported to a new place, meet unforgettable characters, and experience stories that stay with me long after the episode ends. Anime has a way of making me feel everything from excitement to inspiration, and I love how each series leaves a lasting impression on my heart. Here’s to all the anime that’s made an impact on my life and to discovering ...
Sep 5, 2022
Mixed Feelings
Howl's Moving Castle


I watched this movie only once in my childhood and had hardly any memory left, so I just had to watch it again. Nostalgia feeling is not present in me, therefore I could watch the film practically for the first time without being prejudiced. Unfortunately, I have to say that all the hype about this film could hardly be more wrong.

Moving Castle is a tale of how an ordinary hatmaker gets cursed, involved in a little adventure story and a war. The majority of the film turns to present various spells and concepts of her magical world, and the second half revolves around ...
Oct 11, 2024
All spectacle and whimsy, with no plot or notion of development. There is no proper build up for anything, and consequently no proper pay off for anything. Everything is incredibly contrived. It is the perfect kid's movie because you just turn off you brain and enjoy the flashy colors and fun things unfolding.

Rubric 1: Entertainment and Artistic Value = 2/2
This is the only saving grace of this movie, its a masterpiece of animation that is truly the pinnacle of artistic achievement in the medium of film. Even 20 years later the art and soundtrack is better than most works. Eye candy and eye catching. ...

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Recent Forum Discussion

Poll: Howl no Ugoku Shiro Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 )
Cele - Dec 3, 2009
172 repliesby FlameyWT »»
11 hours ago
Im so confused
_txhsin__ - Apr 3, 2023
6 repliesby monceeef »»
Aug 23, 8:13 PM
Can someone explain why Sophie felt the need to destroy Howl's Castle?
Golden_Cheese - May 29, 2023
9 repliesby voltaxx123 »»
Jan 22, 11:21 AM
How was Sophie able to venture into Howl's past? Why did that black door appear?
Golden_Cheese - May 30, 2023
5 repliesby namazuFish »»
Jun 3, 2023 1:29 AM
Is it because of the animation?
Bogenvilia - Jan 12, 2022
31 repliesby Asudox »»
Oct 7, 2022 1:51 PM

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