Howl's Moving Castle

Transformed into a ninety-year-old woman by the jealous Witch of the Waste, quiet hat-maker Sophie hires herself out as cleaning lady inside vain wizard Howl's clanking, four-legged steampunk castle. Hayao Miyazaki reshapes Diana Wynne Jones's novel into a sweeping romance set against senseless aerial war. Features Joe Hisaishi's beloved waltz Merry-Go-Round of Life anchoring the sky-walk opening sequence. Creates an irresistible found family around fire demon Calcifer, young apprentice Markl, and Turnip Head. Animates Sophie's shifting physical age fluidly to reflect her self-confidence and emotional resolve. Contrasts cozy bacon-and-eggs hearth scenes with fiery nighttime airship bombardments.