Story: (8) Based on an award-winning fantasy novel of the same name, this film has excellent source material. It's the coming-of-age tale/love story of a young girl who is literally swept off her feet by the great, but flawed wizard--Howl. Although the story is not the most original nor complex, it has it's fair share of twists and turns that keeps you captivated. It addresses themes of true love, inner beauty, friendship, and self-sacrifice, and you come away from the movie feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. My main complaint with the story is that it doesn't give enough time to explain certain plot elements, especially in the second half. As a result, the film can be a little confusing upon the first viewing. It may require a couple more viewings for you to catch all the little details and plot elements.
Art: (10) You will be blown away by the outstanding art in this film. The beautifully painted backgrounds and landscapes are absolutely gorgeous and detailed. There are scenes so beautiful that the art alone brought tears to my eyes. The animation is fluid and natural as you would expect from a Ghibli film. This film is a visual masterpiece.
Sound: (10) I highly recommend that you watch this film in English (which was dubbed by Pixar). The voice actors do an excellent job, with such big name actors as Christian Bale and Josh Hutcherson among the cast. The soundtrack is another masterpiece by Joe Hisaishi. It's main theme "The Merry-Go-Round of Life" is unforgettable. It remains my favorite anime soundtrack to this day.
Characters: (9) This film has extremely likable characters. If you like independent female leads, Sophie is the one for you. Our heroine undergoes a complete transformation, and it's a delight to see her come out of her shell. Next to Sophie, the mysterious wizard Howl is unpredictable, flamboyant, and terrifying. He also shows growth throughout the film; although, it would have been nice to see a little more depth in Howl's character, his inner conflict, and his past.
Enjoyment: (10) I absolutely love Howl's Moving Castle, and consider it to be my favorite anime film thus far. It's a movie that I can watch again and again, and I typically don't re-watch movies. This film holds a special place in my heart, and my review may be biased because of this.
Overall: (10) This film is a great family movie, that will be enjoyable even for non-anime fans. It will touch your heart, make you laugh, and make you cry. You will be astonished by visuals, and you will find yourself humming the soundtrack. Howl's Moving Castle is a definite must watch.
