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"I didn't grow up with Miyazaki Films"

This was initially my mindset and I felt I needed to be younger to enjoy these types of movies. But then I thought about all of the Disney movies I watched when I was younger and still watch today. I felt that maybe I was missing out on something amazing  Since these films are so well talked about. So last month I decided to watch all of the Miyazaki movies. My first pick? The oh so critically acclaimed Spirited Away. Did I like it? Well to put simply No I didn't. My second pick however would become one of ... my favorites next to Mononoke & nausicaa. I stepped into this movie like a child would. Not over thinking everything and to just have fun watching. Now I could've questioned every little thing. 
What exactly is Howl a prince of? How does magic work? Why do these monsters wear hats? Instead of doing that I just looked at this world and embraced myself with it. Now one thing to remember about this movie is that things get really weird really quickly.. They don't explain every little detail of how this world works although I feel that at least some things should be explained (like how sophies mother instantly recognized her at first glance even though Sophie was turned into an old woman) That sentence alone may seem weird but such things becom the movies norm. And with it's fast pacing you'll get used to it.

Animation- When I would see commercials for the movie when I was younger I stayed away because of how strange it looked. Now that I'm older I can appreciate it because it's so different. This isnt new to miyazaki veterans. If your a newcomer like me The Art really does grow on you.  You can really see the imagination in a lot of scenes especially when the Castle itself is moving (and later running). 

Characters- all of the characters are ok. There wasn't anyone whom I fell in love with but there wasnt anyone I hated or found annoying/boring either. Howl is an enigma at first but later becomes The most eccentric & quite possibly most bipolar character. Sophie is a different kind of main heroine which just might be a bit refreshing. All the side characters fit in and add to the quirks and fun of the film (TURNIP HEAD =D) 

Storyline, Ending & Personal Enjoyment- the story is simple enough. It starts with the main heroine trying to break a curse but then becomes something more. I felt the movie ended perfectly and had a fairytail type of conclusion. howls moving castle fits right in with Disneys catalog of movies. Even if you don't like the movie there's no denying the Magic and heart that you felt while watching it. For giving me 2 hours of both those things I give it a 9/10