Are We All Going to be Okay? Nihilism & Howl's Moving Castle

Good morning. We are all burning away slowly, and everything is fine.
This episode of Movies with Mikey looks at nihilism through the lens of Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle...and our OWN moving castle.
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Hello! We are Mikey and Teara and we run Filmjoy. We love to watch TV and movies and talk about why they’re art. We occasionally play some games too. We are now a Nebula First channel, check out our latest video before it hits KZbin
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Movies with Mikey is a positive look at film criticism through the eyes of someone who loves movies to an unhealthy degree.
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[@Legonater]

The fact that war literally dehumanizes Howl in this movie is such a gripping image to me, there's so much to dig into. Easily my favourite Miyazaki movie.

[@carlislehuntington8673]

Okay but can we talk about how Sophie’s curse is actually a perfect metaphor for how young people have to grow up faster/give up their youthful optimism in a world of vast and wildly escalating crises they inherent from the older generation (ie senile witch of the waste)

[@silentandcliche]

Ooh, I like this. Not something I had thought of before.

[@synsyin4725]

Yeah... I feel that

[@phastinemoon]

And in some cases, the horrible curses are deliberately inflicted upon us by the older generation because they don’t see anything wrong with that suffering, and just want to bring us down to their level and worldview

[@jemzee]

what i thought is that it is also a perfect depiction of her self worth and self love. every time she is getting younger / is young, she thinks positively - she loves, she expresses love, she is happy, she is worried for her family, she forgets her own situation, but is also calm and has a tranquil, caring aura around her. i like to think that it is also a metaphor for her self expression - before meeting with howl, she wasnt that happy: she was working a job that she didnt dislike, but she it wasnt really for her either, it was her father's legacy. even her sister urged her to try to look for something that she likes that makes her happy, and just freely be herself. as the movie progresses, she is around people who she values and cares for, and she seems happier than ever - idk who noticed, but already after the first day of cleaning she is standing straighter. for me, all this also explains why she is young in her sleep - because she doesnt bring herself down in her sleep, she is freely who she is in her dreams.

[@slashusr]

I was taught "Duck and Cover" for years as a child cuz there was this thing, you know, that everyone was sure would happen. I was seven when people were glued to the TV and radio because there were those very things, those big bombs, right there, in Cuba, and any minute we'd have like, one minute, and "Duck and Cover" would be as good as nothing. Cue the incredible shock of an assassinated president, announced by weeping teachers during assembly, my home town of Detroit burning in the worst riots in American history; the so-called "counter-culture" of free love and drugs taking a real hold and firming up national opposition to the first-ever televised war, then two of our best and greatest hopes for racial and economic justice, Martin Luther King Jr. and Bobby Kennedy, were shot within two months of each other, four killed and nine wounded at a protest rally at Kent State, a disgraced Dick resigning in shame for crimes that don't come anywhere near those of our first black president--not even close...I could go on, and on. So, yeah, "grow up faster/give up their youthful optimism in a world of vast and wildly escalating crises they inherent (sic) from the older generation?" Gimme a fucking break!

[@Unreversall]

You forgot the spy dog who ends up adopting Howl's Family, and only report to its previous owner once she can't hurt his new family anymore.

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

💖✨H E E N ✨💖

[@ajsuflena156]

cute doggo

[@extinct_duck4414]

B e s t doggo

[@oddlazdo]

(spoilers for Howl's Moving Castle) In the movie, Howl values his own life so little that he intentionally abuses magic to the point of turning himself into the giant bird monster. He knows ahead of time that he's going to do this and the end consequences of it, but does it anyway because he thinks disrupting the war in any way possible is more important than anything that happens to him. There's even a scene where he's literally preparing his found family for life after he's gone, altering the castle and setting them up with a new shop to help support themselves with. It's only because Sophie refuses to give up on him, and refuses to let him give up on HIMSELF, that he makes it through the end of the movie and gets a happy ending. I don't know if we're all Sophie necessarily... I think some of us might be Howl. And the rest of us need to be the Sophies for the Howls.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@WandererRedux]

That's an astute observation, reminds me of this saying: "The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one."

[@namwonglue]

Thank you for making me cry one more time. Very well said.

[@3playerpolitics]

@@thematman92 Mmm. Tasty algorithm!

[@anotherkenlon]

This is truth.

[@midwintersnight]

Extending upon what you said about having little to no control over one's life; When Howl freaks out about his hair turning ginger and saying "I see no reason to live if I can't be beautiful", I don't think he's saying it out of vanity, but he already has almost no control over his life. He's slowly turning more and more into a bird monster, and he has to fight in the war on both sides AND he's cursed to have no heart. Self-Care and looking-as-best-he-can was pretty much all he had in terms of control over himself, and once that was threatened, even just a little bit, he had a bit of a mental breakdown, not a tantrum.

[@silvanusrising]

I have...never thought of this angle, and now that I've read it--I cannot believe it didn't hit me sooner. Holy cats.

[@letsgetthisbread9374]

In the book, it mentions Sophie's thoughts, and she says, "tantrums are seldom about the things they appear to be about." I know the book and movie are very different, but Sophie seems like a character (across the board) who generally knows more and is a lot wiser than she let's on. She understood that his tantrum was not so much about being pretty as it was *everything else.* Despite that, however: you can't just go around covering everything in green slime, no matter how much freedom you're lacking.

[@JustLaugh143]

I've always loved how when they first meet Howl's ring is glowing and he says, "There you are, I've been looking for you forever." I like to think Howl knew who Sophie was from the beginning. Sophie tells him as a child to find her in the future and so he does.

[@chapablo]

The way I read the Witch of the Waste and Sophie's spells: The Witch cast a spell on herself to look as young/old as she *wants*. Sophie's spell makes her look as young/old as she *feels*. Sophie is never truly shocked when she ages up or down. When she's excited, she turns younger. When she gets sad, she gets older.

[@wolfywonder8480]

Pretty much, yeah! It's generally accepted that Sophie reverts to her true age when she stops feeling self-conscious or out of place. Just as her love for Howl eventually restores his mind when he goes full monster, his love for her breaks her curse and allows the ending to be a good one.

[@whoanellynelnel3874]

We don't choose to have no beliefs -- they are taken from us. *chefs kiss*

[@SecretFoxfire]

"Subtlety is in a casket being paraded through the streets." This video is perfect. Thanks for the cathartic tears I didn't know I needed to let out. Take care, be safe.

[@Killericon]

I know writers who use subtext, and they're all cowards!

[@SarifaXionic]

@@Killericon Well you don’t use subtext then that’s just exposition.

[@davidchapman6684]

Can I get a, "We are all burning away slowly, and everything is fine," shirt?

[@IAmUndersteer]

Perhaps one with “good morning” on the front, and this on the back?

[@EtamirTheDemiDeer]

@@IAmUndersteer Business in the front, existential crisis in the back. A cursed mullet of a shirt. Brilliant. Take my money

[@bibliophilecb]

+

[@GbV0]

@@EtamirTheDemiDeer hahahaha this made me laugh from my belly. Thanks

[@TheStorytellerWolf]

I love how Sophie is literally the ideal worker, but the world needs more than just good workers. It needs human beings, multifaceted and empathetic, and the way we are expected to live our lives I think at least seems to act against us being just that. Wishing you and Tara all the best, Mikey. I’m sorry you had to go through that, and I’m glad you’ve got a new place to stay at and work in. Thank you for putting this out despite how hard things are, I’m sure a lot of people needed this video.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@EvelynNdenial]

it's a powerful message the beginning of the film sends that even if you are a perfect worker the powerful of the world will still ruin your life on a whim. bringing war, cursing you for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

[@TheStorytellerWolf]

@Nick Miller I literally don’t know what you’re talking about.

[@slhj]

"FOR THE ALGORITHM!!!" the only acceptable battlecry!

[@KBTibbs]

Someone should put that on a coat of arms.

[@coburn8810]

INDEED!

[@bibliophilecb]

For Al Gore’s rhythm!

[@Kestrel1337]

Content!

[@whoanellynelnel3874]

You have my thumb!

[@timcuatt1640]

There's a very short scene in this movie, where Howl and Sophie escape from the palace on the flying thingies. In the background, in the town square is a protest with lines of soldiers shooting into the crowd. Just in case anyone needed clarification on what type of society it is in Howl's Moving Castle.

[@zenkim6709]

flying thingies = "ornithropters" (machines that fly by flapping wings)

[@nickkester4486]

Do you see me, KZbin!? This is me engaging!!!

[@filmjoy]

reply which also is engagement

[@3playerpolitics]

@@filmjoy Seconded!

[@josealc87]

@@3playerpolitics I too would like to join in on this engagement

[@RobinOttens]

Consider me engaged

[@aMarie456]

🙋‍♀️

[@TherruNoUta]

For me Howl's moving castle has maybe a different meaning than for other people. As many I could identify myself very much with Sophie. Like me when I was around 13/14 years old without any friends she sat at home and was doing some crafts and wasn't really living life (although she was a little bit older than me). It was only after the curse that she finally began to live to her life. It was one of my first Studio Ghibli movies and I loved it from the beginning. Sophie din't have a positive outlook (or even an outlook at all) on life. She was wasting her life and youth. And through Howl she was introduced to the chaos of life and that kind of has woken her up. There wasn't a Howl in my life to wake me up in a healthy way but I took the lesson from the movie and learned that there is more to life than to just sit at home and do things on your own (which I still like to do but there needs to be balance). So in the end I think Howl rescued Sophie from herself because he introduced the excitement of living to her. And Sophie rescued Howl because she gave him a meaning and the courage to not run away anymore from difficult things. And I think we should all strive for a balance of excitement/fun and responsibility in our lives.

[@AsheehPhoenix]

Can i jsut ask you asa 14 year old in that exact position, did life get any better?

[@TherruNoUta]

@@AsheehPhoenix Yes, life can be wonderful. I really enjoy my time and I love to dance again, to read, and do yoga. I have now a great support system and I am in a healthy committed relationship. It is still hard but you can get better and enjoy life. Though, I have to be honest, it took me some time. There were a lot of ups and downs and I do think that life can get harder and worse when you invite the wrong people with the wrong energy to it. So please be careful. I had to learn that lesson the hard way and there is no benefit in that. But I believe life will get better for you and you will get stronger over time.

[@Vespuchian]

An unnecessary counterpoint to feed the algorithm: the Optimistic Nihilism of Kurzgesagt. In short, 'we only have this one life to live, let's use that to make _everyone's_ lives better'. Howl's Moving Castle provides a wonderful, fanciful view of nihilism in these two contexts, we can let nihilism wear us down to make us less than ourselves, or we can let it motivate us to connect to those things that make us more than what we are, each other.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@palimondo]

Kurzgesagt’s Optimistic Nihilism is my jam!

[@helenl3193]

Exactly! Sophie is just a good little worker with no outer life; Howl is abusing his body/power for a cause because he doesn't think his own life is as important as ending/disrupting the war; and poor Calcifer literally has to work without end. By building connections they find meaning and new ways to survive

[@bun197]

I never will understand someone telling me everything is meaningless, that by their own admission what they are saying to me is made up nonsense, and then asking me despite that to listen to them...

[@schwarzeritterderweienkami9501]

"kurzgesagt": a german format which smuggles ideology. - double meaning phrase lol. Their idea of optimistic nihilsm doesnt work well: "make the life of other better". is an order, the definition of "better"depends on the worldview. That video is full of todays moral standart stuff. Doesnt question the origin+reason of values like real nihilsm does or A possible "Revaluation of all values" (Nietzsche/ consequence of nihilsm)was not concerned by them . I rather would call their idea pessimistic humanism. The exentialists did a better job I think, when it comes to post nihilistic philosophy.

[@Threeli]

"We can't give in to nihilism" really hit me right now, thank you for that. Great vid as always

[@josealc87]

too relatable...i cry now

[@Lomky]

12:16 "I wanted to comment on the creeping nihilism we are all beginning to feel. I know everyone knows what this feels like“ wrenched a sob from me

[@brianphillips6463]

same

[@misslenorelee6322]

@callmecatalyst he will also save you.... the no one knows what their doing line gave me oxygen from the slow suffocating nihlism of last year

[@Vorfalath]

This was so painfully relatable in ways I can't accurately articulate. We Are All Sophie. Gonna go cry for reasons. Thank you so much for doing what you do, and loving art of all kinds, wherever you find it.

[@orvilpym]

What she said. So much.

[@hooliganj391]

"F*ck insurance companies." Probably the most universal truth ever said on this channel. Best of luck to you, man.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@gunjfur8633]

Universal or American?

[@cbpd89]

Made more brilliant and ironic by the insurance add I just had to watch 5 seconds of before I could watch this video.

[@taritangeo4948]

@@gunjfur8633 Insurance companies are inherently evil no matter where they are.

[@gunjfur8633]

@@taritangeo4948 Here in Finland they seem to work quite well, unless Im miss understanding you?

[@TimeMcTraveller]

A Studio Ghibli movie will make you cry twice: first whilst viewing the film and again when watching the video essay of it by Mikey. Thank you, Mikey.

[@squidfeathers9704]

"Good morning. We are all burning away slowly, and everything is fine." This sense of nihilism is what I'm fighting against in my thesis, and what I hope to push back on in my research and that line just... hits like a ton of bricks. Thank you for making this.

[@everlytriplett112]

I have one thing that I'd like to contribute because I feel it fits beautifully. Howl needed Sophie as much as she needed him. At the end when Sophie calls to Howl in the past it is what sets everything in motion. The process through which they both grow is independent and intertwined. In the end when they lose the castle they still have each other. They still have their found family. They still have people who they can rely on. Even as the world strips everything away through no fault of their own. It can't take that. Because it's always been there from the moment Howl met Sophie and the moment Sophie first, and finally called to Howl. This is the case although at each of there respective lowest points, neither of them could see it. This to me is the ultimate lesson, no matter where you are in life if you understand it or not, there is a family, a person, something that will come to lift you up just as long as you try your best to lift others in return.

[@lundylow]

I'm not an overly emotional person, but the last year's forcing me to bury my stress just to get by has resulted in strong moments of profound sadness just blurting out. In December, while at work, Bing Crosby singing "I'll Be Home for Christmas" on our shop's Pandora station hit me like a ton of bricks, and I had to hold back choking up for several hours. I'm not a cryer, and it felt surreal that this feeling was happening at all, moreso that it was happening around coworkers where I have even more walls up. And dude, when you started to talk about your house, just now I started to weep. I'm so sorry for you. I've been lucky through the pandemic overall, but if something like that happened to me, I think I would actually be sobbing and at a loss for what to do. I can't imagine what you've been through.

[@AstralMarmot]

Something I learned about tears is that, on a physical level, they remove cortisol (stress hormone) from your body. I could talk all day about the emotional catharsis of crying, how patriarchy hurts men as well as women by disconnecting them from this crucial human need to process and release emotions, etc, etc... but even on the level of the purely physical, it quite literally removes that stress you've buried and relieves your body of the burden of a self-made toxin in our system. Guess I'm saying you should always do and be who you are, but it's also worthwhile to allow the natural processes your body has evolved to do their job. It's their literal purpose. And every time you do it, you're giving yourself the gift, ever so slightly, of carrying less pain around. I wish you well.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@Kagomai15]

@@AstralMarmot Thank you so much for saying that. I'm not a man, but I have internalized the pressure not to cry and/or be vulnerable around other people, and I've struggled with shame and a desire to hide in those times where I couldn't help but cry. Thank you for reminding me that it's not only okay, but important to cry, for so many reasons.

[@flamingo_with_tophat296]

Man it is beautiful and so refreshing to see someone praising movies in a movie lovers perspective, instead of a pure movie hate

[@ZReviews]

I will make sure to buy two shirts when the store re-opens. Shirts are love, Shirts are Life.

[@DJMoritz]

It's open.

[@veggieman95]

if z tells you to buy it you buy it

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@GeriatricMillennialGamerDude]

The shirts I want are all sold out (in my sizes at least). It warms my heart and makes me hope they make more!

[@MrEmptyKay]

Aaaaaaaand they're gone.

[@lawspite]

This hit pretty hard and got me thinking about how much we take it as a personal failing when the world takes away our ability to act. The idea that it's not a moral fault to feel your ability to care stripped away puts things into a context that really lessens the weight on your soul. I didn't know I needed this right now, but I did. Thanks, Mikey.

[@WernerEdgar]

"2021 is here and subtlety is in a casket being paraded in the streets" is probably the best line I've heard all year. You are a lyrical god Mikey.

[@whatername528]

Wow, it's weird for me to think of Spirited Away in the context of the Iraq War as I was studying in Japan when it was released, which was the summer of 2001. I guess in my mind it was pre-911. But Howl's I saw in the US in 2004, so that definitely resonated with the war themes in the movie. (I do love the book though. It's very different from the movie, mostly in the second half, but do recommend as it's own thing.)

[@whazee]

I read the book recently myself. Definitely different in a lot of ways, but very enjoyable! 😊

[@eddiestok]

Wait, I'm pretty sure Howl gets drafted twice by the same king under his two aliases, not by two different kings. I could be mistaken, but thats how i've understood it all these years.

[@3playerpolitics]

Yeah I go back and forth on that question too.

[@zahirarex8005]

Same

[@mrpulga8961]

That's confusing by design. The purpose is to say that it doesn't matter wich side you're on, in war, everyone loses.

[@Sw3rt0]

Glad to see this stuff's actually appearing in my bells now that I started commenting.

[@arowace498]

Wait what?

[@Goingwithafakehandlehere]

This is like the MwM of old and I'm here for it.

[@EliseVeltmanvanReekum]

The Netherlands has our national election next week and this feels so relevant. I have no power to stop the pull towards more right wing policies and it's making me feel damn nihilistic. Thank you for the perspective. It helps!

[@moonglum101]

That's interesting, how right wing are you talking about? I'd be more worried about left wing and the onset of communism and lack of individual freedoms.

[@EliseVeltmanvanReekum]

@@moonglum101 Xenofobia, racism, nepotism and a breakdown of our social security system. We have seen a decline in affordable housing, healthcare and a living minimum wage. Education standards have also dropped under our current right wing administration. When you are poor, you are not free and solidarity is still a thing in the Netherlands. I don't think my personal freedom should come at the cost of other people's quality of life. If that means I am a socialist, so be it. By the way; stop fearing the communist boogie man. It makes you look like a 1950's chum. It's 2021, you can do better.

[@athomassen3980]

@@moonglum101 how free are the poor to make their own choices under capitalism? I'm from the Netherlands, and as we get more and more right wing I feel increasingly stifled, both in my self-expression and in the life choices available to me. I don't want to spend my life grinding away so some billionaire can profit off of my labour - no thanks.

[@ThrottleKitty]

There's always that one far right guy who's going to respond, call everyone on the left a communist, insist he isn't right wing, then complain about people "taking away freedom" by express their freedom to disagree with him. "Because freedom, everyone who doesn't agree with my xenophobic nationalism should have their freedom taken from them. FREEDOM!!"

[@moonglum101]

@@ThrottleKitty are you talking about me?

[@ADarrell]

This is probably the most empathetic work of critical content I have ever experienced. As these past 2 years have been taxing, this piece of journalistic art fits to a tee. And thanks for helping me understand these times better. Peace onto you.

[@Mattman243]

Sooooo...when are we getting a "F*ck Insurance Companies" shirt?

[@DoubleRBlaxican]

He should honestly make one, a shirt that appeal's to people outside your normal audience would sell pretty well

[@gateauxq4604]

With the asterisk, then you can claim it says ‘fig’ 😂

[@DeepSeaHermit]

"Good Morning, we are all burning away slowly, and everything is fine." Gonna be another glorious smack in the face from Movies with Mikey I see

[@davidarlund4262]

Mikey, seeing you continually refuse to give in to Nihilism is an inspiration. Keep it the hell up, and thank you.

[@Ketirz]

For whatever it's worth, I think the episodes where your conversation around a given film is deeply personal are consistently your best work. Taking your personal interpretation of a piece of art and presenting it the way you do is both enchanting and deeply ballsy, just so ballsy, it's such a beautiful, vulnerable thing.

[@AstralMarmot]

It takes courage to say the thing you need to hear, recognizing that your need is a universal one. Of all the things you do, Mikey, the courage you display by baring your heart to the world is inspiring - like, very literally, because I'm pushing myself to do the same. The world is always that much harder for big hearts because they have more surface area with which the world can affect them. Seeing a big heart on a website that, if anything, concentrates the world's casual cruelty and provides a forum to wield it reminds me that I can show the same courage and survive whatever may come. That maybe I NEED to do so. Because other big hearts are out there, and maybe what I need to hear is what they need to hear too. Hopefully that all makes sense to you. Thank you.

[@acunningplan486]

This was ACTUALLY on my suggested videos today! Bout dang-ol time!

[@pLanetstarBerry]

"... a character who always inherits other people's messes." Hoo boy, am I feeling that now. This movie got me through the mixed feelings I experienced getting married and moving into the house my spouse and I inherited from my FIL. It was pretty clear that said FIL is not well versed in home repair work, yet still insisted on doing the repairs which resulted in a LOT of damage that we still unearth from our various home improvement projects today. The house is a mess, and we've been spending the pandemic trying to fix it up so that it is less so. Also, I completely forgot that you lived in Texas until this video. I'm glad you and your loved ones are safe and getting through this as best as you can.

[@jamesrael9557]

-“Are you opposed to Nihilism?” -“I’m indifferent to it.” I think this was a great ep. Thank you for your point of view. You offered some great insight to the picture. And I wish you a quick home recovery.

[@NastyHudson]

It’s maddening that this channel has less than 300K subs. Please take a moment out of your day and give this channel and Mikey the respect they deserve. Love -The Almighty Algorithm

[@aRandomRobot]

“Aah beans” boy ain’t that the truth 💜

[@EricThompsonAudio]

I’ve got nothing to tell you, just a quick comment to help with the invisible hand of the algorithm. Love you and your team, Mikey!

[@Michael_Raymond]

“Fixing yourself takes more than just you” (Looks across the room and my wife and son) (Bursts into tears) Why you do this Mikey

[@TestSpaceMonkey]

Art imitates life, and then life covers the rest of the distance.

[@alexaralcom5917]

I don't have anything insightful to say, so as Lindsey Ellis would say: Engagement!

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@helenl3193]

Counterpoint!

[@heatherheath3834]

this is simply a comment

[@Nono-hk3is]

Thank you Mikey and Teara!

[@Undlark]

Might be worth noting in the novels a key detail that was implied but never really explained in the movie: Sophie has her own magic gifts that essentially makes positive/negative reinforcement a literal thing for her (ex: she complimented a hat to 'make any lady wearing you look gorgeous' or 'Hey Cal, you can keep burning without a hearth, you don't need no cage' and it would be so.) But I think that is the only detail that seemed mildly muddy in the book-to-film adaptation. It sort of explains that the more positive she was with herself, the more youthful she looked through the film. The book steered its theme more towards what felt like a 90's rom-com because one of the plots was of Howl trying to get Sophie to make him clothes that will win him all the pretty girl's attention without her being aware of her gift to imbue inanimate objects with magic. The entire war aspect was far more Mayazaki's work, so taking the book's premise and using that as the vehicle telling this story was pretty nice, and I think made the movie stand on its own wonderfully. I wish you and your found family good luck!

[@penelopeclaire539]

As someone with an invisible disability, Sophie getting turned into an old lady before she even had a chance to enjoy her youth feels so relatable to me. And it's really nice to see her be empowered without gaining witch powers or something. She's just remarkably kind without being a pushover and that's her superpower. That's what finds her a community and ends the war. She's ordinary and feels so small in the world she's stuck in, yet those traits are treated as deeply valuable by the movie (something I don't often see movies do).

[@monovision566]

I had to drive two hours with friends to a big city to see this film in theaters, but we did it. And were glad we did. It seems more relevant and beautiful than ever now.

[@G0Green17]

Miyazaki just does these complex emotions SO well, gonna have to rewatch this one for the 100th time 🥺

[@cakeearthhead8286]

I went to check out the shop...only to discover the rest of the community had the same feeling I did. Much love you guys. I’ll keep an eye out for that restock.

[@TheLostSkeptic]

This video, like everything FilmJoy has put out this last year, has done so much to help me get through a year that has been a real struggle for me. Thank you all so much.

[@KerraBolton]

I am so sorry for everything you've gone through. You are not alone.

[@roaninfisher14]

I've been waiting for this one ever since your princess mononoke video

[@sethmartin8508]

If I may, you're channel has truly brought joy into my life. The eloquence, knowledge, and passion you bring to your craft has given me an unexpectedly deep appreciation of film. All your content and your personality is so fun. I'm sorry for your hardships and I will be jumping on your merch. Thanks Mikey

[@TarenjaDA]

You always manage to phrase things in a way that just hits me to the core. You've made me realize that I have indeed been isolating myself beyond any healthy degree to cope with a world gone crazy. Gonna try to crawl out of my cocoon and see if I can help the people in my life. Bought stuff from the shop, the only small little way I can help. Hope things go better for you. Just... thank you for the videos you make.

[@BrendanCavalier]

Just bought a t-shirt man, keep doing what you're doing. Also ... would 100% buy a "no one know's what they're doing" pin. Like ... I would wear that around town.

[@honestiago4738]

I really want a "No-one knows what they're doing" t-shirt.

[@TheBehenaught]

Me: How on earth does Mikey make these without crying? Mikey: *plays the clip from Moon* Me: Oh...

[@xanthippepink485]

This video is almost three years old now. But every so often, I come back to rewatch it. Thank you, Mikey, and everyone else who worked on this video, or really the whole channel. But this video in particular... When things get really hard sometimes, really dark, this one helps. I'm really thankful and glad I found the channel when I did, and was here for this one. Thank you, FilmJoy crew. ❤

[@gaminggladiator06]

My uncle had a saying/greeting that he’d use a lot. He’d say “hello, my life is in pain, and i couldn’t be happier.” On the surface, it just sounds like some kinda shitpost, but he actually told me it’s a bit deeper. He always started with a hello because it’d show how calm he was. The part “my life is in pain” meant that he was suffering in some sort of way, either mentally, physically, spiritually or financially, and yet, the “I couldn’t be happier” was to show that dispite his suffering, he still had many things to look forward to. A loving family, a bright future, and an optimistic worldview of great things to come. Even if his whole world fell apart, he’d still keep his hopes high and never change how he saw the way he looks at the world, a beautiful, broken, home. I miss him. He’s not dead, to be clear, i just don’t see him a lot.

[@boydudereviews]

Even though Howl's Moving Castle isn't one of my fav ghibli films, it still has amazing animation, art, soundtrack and great voice acting in both sub and dub.

[@thematman92]

I am commenting to increase the algorithm for the video, please respond and make you own comment to help mikey #sorryboutyourhousebro

[@honestiago4738]

Two weeks until payday and ordering a t-shirt. I've decided these months are so awful I deserve a birthday treat every 3 months.

[@alvikay]

this review is perfect... this channel is perfect. your voice IS perfect. you're almost perfect.... everything was suddenly perfect for 17 mins and 3 seconds.

[@russelllloyd5258]

I live in austin we got hit hard by the storm, had several employees of mine staying at our house for awhile. I wish you both nothing but the best. And thank you for teaching me that snark is easy but never beautiful, positivity even when not beautiful is still powerful.

[@AynenMakino]

Mikey, you really are a treasure! I sincerely hope great fortune comes to you and yours. You've talked about ending this series, and if that's what you need to do then it's what you need to do. But I can't help but hope that your beautiful work will continue to enrich our lives. I hope you'll forgive that little bit of selfishness on my part.

[@DevinParker]

I find myself still struggling with Miyazaki's work - which I used to love without reservation - now that I'm more aware of his failings as a father to Goro and his toxic attitudes toward those that work for and around him. But the artistry and depth of Ghibli's work is undeniable, and I lament something like Ghibli passing from the world. I don't think we're ever going to get something like what they've created from Disney/Pixar/etc. Our entertainment complex is so married to the war machine Miyazaki protested that I doubt we'll see similar such works in mainstream animation any time soon. It's difficult to stave off nihilism for so many reasons.

[@jaymaybay]

Reflecting on Miyazaki, I once went to a talk at a conference maybe 8-10 years ago by an anthropologist who said his publisher of a pop culture book that touched on Miyazaki asked for removal of a section about how as someone working in the manga industry in the early 80s, Miyazaki’s work at the time definitely skirted the line of what would be considered inappropriate art of underage girls, because that was the norm for a lot of Japanese publications at the time. I myself have been shocked and horrified walking into more than one comic/anime store in Japan in past years where I honestly felt dirty just seeing some of the art on display on large banners hanging in the stores. It might have been “normal” in some Japanese societal context and not a personal failing/fetish/whatever of Miyazaki’s, so to speak, but I think that most people are complicated and in context of being a workaholic and artist with high public demand for his work is no exception. It’s up to each of us to decide how we want to interact with their work or avoid it, society hasn’t found a good way to process a lot of morally complex situations that is widely accepted. Maybe it’s that Miyazaki controlling his own studio has less corporate pressure to compromise his vision, but I think I do see some seeds of unique brilliance out there, even if it’s at a much smaller scale. Louie Zong, Worthikids (Ian Worthington), and others are releasing original animation done by themselves or very small teams with original music and stories and I find them very beautiful and fascinating. The work of Makoto Shinkai is also drawing a lot from Ghibli’s lessons, and I think he hired a bunch of Ghibli animators after they moved to contract status so his films have some of those sparks of brilliance, too. For the US industry, I honestly lament the recent mid-production cancellation of the Nimona animated film by Blue Sky due to Disney f*ckery - that would have been something fascinating judging by the original comic book.

[@ThrashMetalAvenger]

The world is a cruel place but like 'No Exit' we're all stuck here with each other. I hope it works out as good as it can. I love the channel and your work is impeccable both in writing and editing.

[@KarlMarcus8468]

So I watched about 3 minuets of filmjoy talk about howls moving castle and had to pause it to actually watch the movie for the first time. Stunning, and absolutely wonderful! What a treat thanks for the kick in the butt to watch it!

[@billfisher3054]

Confession: I still need to get around to watching this movie

[@RobinOttens]

And now you get to do so with Mickey's interesting observations in the back of your head!

[@JimmySlaughter]

I wish my apartment had a fireplace. Fortunately, I got by with my propane camp stove to cook food.

[@TheGprinziv]

3 shows in a row that have brought me to some form of tears now, Mikey. Fantastic.

[@josefgordon7712]

Had a buddy in Austin who went through the SAME thing, I feel for ya. To say "life is strange" has completely new meanings tonight on 2020.

[@colting.2406]

"F*ck insurance companies." You're onto something with that.

[@richteffekt]

"The moving castle alone has this almost Terry Gilliam quality to it (...) " is not how to use the word "almost". Would be like me saying "I almost love what you do here, Mikey"

[@grennbalze]

One of my favorite little nods in Howls Moving Castle, although small, was that Sophie was Turnup Heads true love, but he wasnt hers. It was such a cool little concept. And i think it fits in pretty well with your thoughts on how out of control everything is in your life. Who you fall in love with or who is your true love is out of your control

[@Enderikari2]

Mikey deserves all the best for encouraging people to love movies again

[@zuzannaskaecka1582]

Don’t mind me not having anything valuable to add to the discussion that hadn’t been said already, but trying to help Mike fight the Almighty Algorithm

[@julienne152]

"anything he can't communicate in basic pogo maneuvers" 😂😂😂 poor turnip head

[@McJaews]

I think the power of movies with Mikey is that it shows us how a piece of media is a hugely complex beast with a life of its own, that has to be assembled into art by passionate people. I do wish you continue making these, Mikey. I'm getting a fight less t-shirt. I hope it'll help.

[@Rhys]

When I watch this movie, I get DEVASTATINGLY SAD when Sophie is cursed. The witch doesn't KILL her, but she ENDS her life. It is so cruel and unfair - it just hits me on a whole other level. This was a great video and, as always, thank you for putting so much into it especially amidst [gestures vaguely] Just saw the shirts sold out! That's fantastic!

[@HidanoftheAkatsuki]

Another great video. Just to add: what you named "situational nihilism" actually seems very close to what philosopher Mark Fisher called "reflexive impotence," which is an automatic feeling of powerlessness one gets from seeing the seemingly impossible task of making any real substantial change in the system. You just turn off from it all, feeling like there's nothing you can do.

[@square721bt]

Appreciate this video as I pretty much just bounced off this movie. This is my least favorite Ghibli movie. After watching this, I think partly because I saw the dub (and now I need to see the sub), but I also didn't like the lack of agency in the movie. I don't think I appreciated that that was part of the message.

[@square721bt]

Sorry you got hit so hard man. I bought I couple of shirts, wish I could do more.

[@stephonix616]

Life definitely never stops punching. We just get better at taking the punches. So sorry, friends, that you’ve had to deal with ALL the 💩. Glad you are at least safe and in a place where it’s possible to get back on your feet. Hoping 2021 brings lots of merch sales. Also, thank you as always for your insight and charm.

[@heterotardigrada]

I shoved this video into my "Watch Later" playlist until I had time to watch it. I love it, and I hope the algorithm helps you. I've always appreciated Sophie because it always seems like she has no control of her life, but still somehow manages to get by and thrive. Thanks for this, @Filmjoy; and I hope things get better for you, all things considered.

[@Mark_Goddin]

Mikey, you put so much into each one of these videos. I just want you to know that you are appreciated. I needed this video today. I appreciate you, Mikey.

[@melindawolfUS]

This is my favorite movie. Thank you for appreciating it with me. I'm crying now after watching your video but don't know 100% why, yet. I think there's some unresolved pain from this year coming forward, some fear of growing old while I'm still young(ish... at 36) just like Sophie. Feeling so overwhelmed and unsafe. Thanks for being vulnerable, it was a blessing to not feel alone tonight in my feeling powerless. I hope you're able to get your insurance money and repairs asap. I wish you well, my friend.

[@dannyb.953]

Your videos make me want to cry, but in the best way possible ? I needed to hear this. Wishing you all the best, Mikey, you deserve it

[@squidrecluse2336]

One of my favorite youtubers, talking about one of my favorite movies! Thank you for brightening my day with tales of nihilism!

[@aaront4494]

Glad you’re back Mikey. Thank you for continuing.

[@tanman624]

The intro in these videos is always amazing

[@demonicgrub1025]

You're literally my favorite youtuber out there, you always bring great thoughtful insight into these movie breakdowns, and I really hope you guys are ok and that things are coming back to normal for you.

[@LabrnMystic]

This one hit deep. It actually brought warm tears. I had family members down in Texas who ran into similar situation. While I'm way up north. My parents were living in their car in there early 60s to avoid freezing. I wish you both the best and pray for your health and wonderful art you share with us in these videos you make.

[@markgraves6441]

Your pain in this situation is pouring out of the speakers on my phone. It's on the sleeve. I feel for you. Stay strong, Mikey. Pull through. I'm headed to the store right now to check out some shirts and pins. Live you bro

[@geegee2109]

I just received my shirt!! Thanks so much! I love the "Oops, no house edition" I'm happy to know you aren't feeling nihilistic about the situation. You guys keep your head up, this to will end.

[@classicdope2952]

The Witch of the waste isn't really a superficial villain. She casted a spell on Sophie not because she has seen her use magic, rather, she specifically sought out a witch whose powers she felt threatened to extinguish. Said witch was actually Sophie as she was unconciously casting spells on the hats that she makes by talking to it. This is why you can see that when she said to one of the hats that it's gonna marry good, the wearer who bought it married afterwards. Sophie actually holds a little magic in her and she doesnt even realize it. All the while she still considers herself bland and timid until she meets Howl. The movie really is so beautifully executed 🤧💖

[@antinym7722]

In the book this is muc more drawn out, she can talk to all objects and cast spells on them, at some point she even talks to Howl's heart.

[@John1045]

We had literally none of that in the movie. Just a montage of well animated scenes with no coherent logic or story to follow. It's just beautiful scenes the movie.

[@MaxFalkowitz0]

Mikey, you are a beautiful voice and a luminous soul. You've done so much for my heart this past year.

[@ps1mrlee]

I’ve always loved this movie, but this video and the comments help me understand WHY I love this movie. Thank you, everyone.