Howl's Moving Castle

Hayao Miyazaki seems to take as his theme over and over again the coming-of-age of young girls. More than most directors, he understands girls deeply. And while anyone of any age or gender can watch his films and enjoy them, there is something special about them for girls.

In this variation on his favorite theme, Miyazaki tells the story of the teenage Sophie, a girl who falls under the enchantment of a jealous witch when she becomes accidentally involved with the handsome sorcerer Howl. The spell turns Sophie into an old woman. Howl lives in a "moving" castle that stalks about the countryside, Baba Yaga-like, on chicken feet. Sophie becomes his housekeeper, and the story of how Sophie and Howl save each other from their enchantments--and in the process, their kingdom--is the film.

As much as I love Spirited Away, I think I might love "Howl" even more. Miyazaki's heroines are plucky but not obnoxious, kind but not syrupy, doubting, brave--they're real girls, who face fantastical (and yet real) hardships and come out the other side understanding more about themselves and the world than they did going in. This is a beautiful, beautiful film, and every Miyazaki fan--or family with daughters--should own it.