HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE (2004) MOVIE REACTION!! FIRST TIME WATCHING!! Studio Ghibli | Movie Review!

[@ReelRejects]

Leave A *LIKE* & *SUBSCRIBE* kzbin.info - Support The Channel Here! by checking out the www.RejectNationShop.com store!! - *Full Reaction* Watch Along & MORE For *SS* Rejects: www.patreon.com/thereelrejects

[@kamaAEA-ss1xc]

~¤😊I Love that Movie🤗I recommend you to watch Anime {The Empire of Corpses} is Light Novel One of Based on the Sherlock Holmes novels, it's so so good Animation like this Anime for the Artwork, you are going love it this Animation too💘¤~

[@francisco_m7849]

Hey Greg and John and everybody. So now that I’m watching Tara and Aaron doing house moving castle, I was wondering if you would consider phantom 2040 the animated series from the 90s. It was on after Batman. The animated series had its run. It was a really well wind show I had top voice actors on it like Margot Kidder, Mark Hammel, Ron Pearlman, Richard Lynch it was a good cast, and it was also animated by the same person that did aeon flux for MTV. Each episode was a half hour long so I could not begin to figure out how you guys would be able to watch it lasted. I think two seasons. But it is definitely a throwback simple premise is it’s a very cyberpunk style futuristic world mixed with the classic phantom comic strip theme. I would say it would be a good companion piece after the phantom movie which is underrated and it was pretty good as far as I’m concerned. Just throwing it out there and if anybody read this and they think it’s not a bad idea. Let the guys know, I’m pulling for either Aaron Andrew or Aaron and Tara. They might fit with the watch but it’s kinda up to you guys anyway thanks. Appreciate it for letting me throw a suggestion out there. It may not be the traditional way. It’s supposed to be done, but you know, I’m just kind of figuring all this out myself, thanks bye😊😊❤

[@francisco_m7849]

❤😮😊🎉 here’s another one that you may not have picked up yet again I haven’t finished the video. I don’t know if you figured it out. The reason why the witch of the waist wants how heart is she’s the one that fell in love with how he’s the first love that broke his heart.

[@francisco_m7849]

Yay, it’s fact checking time with Tara🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@Escrima88]

Castles in thw sky naussica and the valley of the wind etc.

[@herodaresfire4512]

Sophie told young Howl to find her, and chronologically the next time he sees her he says There you are.

[@Mads97415]

It's definitely one of those things that takes a couple of watches to connect the dots! I still see people who love the movie just figuring it out when someone points it out (and I was one of those people lol). It's a movie that is a bit convoluted, but it doesn't ruin it at all for me.

[@donnieldavid9795]

Agreed i only notice this time watching with them that you can see sofie's mom passing above head .. going to the castle while sofie was walking with the dog ​@Mads97415

[@patch5383]

and if you look closely during that scene where he finds her, the ring he eventually gives sophie is glowing! he used it to guide him to her

[@yas0809]

Oh shit that's right! How did I not connect those together 😳😱😭🤭🤗

[@kevthepoet]

I NEVER noticed that before, thank you!

[@ArthurCrane92]

Peak Miyazaki experience: "I don't know what's happening but I love it!"

[@julienichols5333]

Followed shortly after by "What a lovely experience...what was the plot again?" (which is how my friends and I always reacted to the more real-world, non-fantastical movies from Ghibli).

[@thewillo1317]

Grave of the fireflies "I know exactly what's happening and I hate it"

[@juliag9916]

@@thewillo1317real.

[@Kireshva]

As a fan of both Studio Ghibli and Soulsborne, yes 😂 and I love it

[@Unbridled-Whimsy]

Very true lol, Ghibli movies can leave me with more questions than answers 😂

[@JoshBou]

This is a perfect example of why 2D animation will never die, and that not everything can be expressed properly in live action or 3D. It truly is magical in every sense of the word.

[@ni.nienha6812]

Right? Like I prefer the 2D more, it's just beautiful

[@misshelenjune6977]

I have the art book for this film and I could honestly stare at the still of Howl's bedroom for hours. The intricate detail, the colours, it's a masterclass.

[@litttlemochi]

"I'm sorry I was late, I was looking everywhere for you". Howls first words in the movie * crying

[@mrsfahrenheit]

for reeeeal tho

[@MarcoBayod_MB]

I always start crying around here 58:35 the music, the sky, the kid running around with the dog... I felt it in my heart.

[@tevward92]

I never truly understood how Sophie's curse works, but I have a theory. I think whenever she is her normal self doubting personality, she is an old woman. When she is confident and not self doubting, she turns back into a young woman. Basically, the old woman body is mirroring her own self-doubt.

[@a.g.demada5263]

Yes, you got it. She become older when she loose confidence in herself and young again when she's confident. About her hair who is still silver in the end, I think it's like a remaining of the curse

[@V_4_Versace]

@@a.g.demada5263 Any clue why it was sometimes brown especially when she was sleeping?

[@a.g.demada5263]

@@V_4_Versace maybe because the curse wasn't broke yet

[@ImmortalSparrow]

in the book she is cursed by the witch but STAYS cursed because Sophie herself keeps herself cursed (unintentionally with magic). So I have the idea that it's more or less the same in the movie

[@johannaisabellaleyva9236]

I feel like her hair stayed silver at the end to symbolize her accepting herself. She found strength in being an old woman, and in a way, that persona represented her wise and mature personality, which she resented at the beginning.

[@PotatoPo-Ta-To]

21:10 Tara realizing that it’s a moving castle just like in the title is so fun and wholesome. She was like 😮

[@TaraErickson]

😂😂 ❤❤❤

[@joelleblanc8670]

In the books Sophie WAS a witch.. but she didn't know it before the story. That's why she can see the blob men, and why her aging goes back and forth. Her own magic starts to drive the WotW's spell

[@misshelenjune6977]

Sophie's magic in the book was in her words - she could talk things into life. So although they don't make it explicit in the film it still feels accurate because her words in the film - of love, of acceptance, of beauty - make things happen for herself and the other characters.

[@DanGamingFan2406]

This movie is perfection. One of Studio Ghibi's best, and one of the most emotionally moving animated movies period. And yes, Sophie is amazing.

[@TheBoglin]

Oh 100%. If some of the scenes if not the breathtaking scenery doesn't bring a tear to your eye, I dunno what will.

[@gabbi-m]

Howl's Moving Castle is the type of movie you definitely have to watch more than once to catch all the little details of what's truly going on. It's so well done. One of my favorite studio ghibli films for sure. Thank you for your reaction! I enjoyed watching it. 🥰

[@raynacarraway440]

I have not seen enough comments taking about how GORGEOUS Howl is so I'm gonna be the first 😂. Like yeah being attractive is part of his character as he literally has a meltdown over his hair color, but Miyazaki still had no reason to make him as fine as he did + paired with Christian Bale's voice for the dub?! I'm giggling and kicking my feet every time I watch this movie 🤭

[@JuanitoEsBonito]

The way his beauty progressively increases throughout the film as well😭💀

[@RenaissanceRockerBoy]

He's also sooo gender

[@marslara]

Not wrong, that man is very gorgeous 😂

[@V_4_Versace]

I want to listen to the movie with headphones on one day lol because I can just imagine how beautiful CB's voice sounds with that gorgeous face 🫠

[@jessicaluk74]

He's so gorgeous

[@kaptainrogers]

The war starts because the neighboring Prince goes missing and they blame Sophie's country. (Breifly mentioned on her walk to her sister's worlplace before the soldiers hit on her.) Turnip Head turns out to be the missing Prince. And he promises to go home to stop his father and this needless war.

[@Loulizabeth]

Thanks for explaining this. Watched this recently and I couldn't figure out what the war was about. Makes much more sense now.

[@bapbirb]

Dang.. I watched this movie like loooong time ago. And through this video I truly realised its richness. Kind of ashamed I didnt catch it before and I was just annoyed with the grandma hurting calcifer the whole time lol Its like the epitome of life wisdom teaching. Its packed with human emotions, greed, insecurity, blame, kindness etc.. but in the most magical way possible. What a masterpiece.

[@kevthepoet]

OOOOH let this be the start of a Studio Ghibli marathon PLEASE!

[@VIBEROCKS96]

The start of a Ghibli run!? 🎥

[@jordymckibbs6613]

I hope so 🤞

[@GhostKyng]

@@jordymckibbs6613me too. I hope they do spirited away

[@markthedark595]

I hope so! Especially since Tara hasn't seen any and Aaron has seen 4 up to this point.

[@lisabeloved]

Yes!! Yes times infinity!

[@iblamegravity2341]

Not if they want to keep their channel up. 🤷

[@AnnMegFair]

Miyazaki's films all have so much heart, they're all incredibly wholesome and soft, like a long, comfortable hug. Even the sad ones.

[@mrabduh]

That flying walk is always give me a goosebumps

[@briellevalyntin3233]

Paired with the music, this shit set my soul on fire 🔥❤

[@Highostrich]

People dancing below while they're kinda dancing in the sky. It's just so beautifully whimsical

[@Vulcanerd]

The realization on Tara's face when Aaron said, "Yes... like a moving... castle..." ❤

[@kevthepoet]

Yep, that's Billy Crystal!

[@Mucrush]

I think this is my favorite movie of all time. The fantasy, the emotions, the art, the color, the voices. So many wild things happen and you don't feel the need to question them. You're invited into their world, taken on a wonderful crazy journey about love and acceptance ❤

[@Reyna_Amaturi]

You guys should definitely react to all of the Miyazaki films, they're so beautiful and the food imagery is just *chef’s kiss ❤

[@ReelRejects]

Leave your MIYAZAKI Rankings below, people!!

[@FGOboi]

Pls react to "Kimi no Nawa" (Your Name) or "Koe no Katachi" (A Silent Voice) if you haven't yet❤❤❤

[@Alexeya13]

My personal top MIYAZAKI(Studio Ghibli) movies. (Side Note: They're all good) Howl's Moving Castle Spirited Away The Cat Returns (spin-off of 'Whisper of the Heart') My Neighbor Totoro Whisper of the Heart

[@TheOnlyNeptoon]

Princess Mononoke is my favorite

[@cinnamojelly]

My top 3 are 1. Howl's Moving Castle 2. The Wind Rises 3. Whisper of the Heart

[@davidpothier6823]

Personal bias because I watched it at the right age but definitely spirited away at number one

[@MM-hm8jr]

Christian Bale apparently is a big fan of Ghibli and has been in a few Ghibli movies bc of it

[@jonathant4902]

Thank you Tara for appreciating this movie as much as you did. I admit I wasn't sure whether this movie would sit well for this channel, since I was under the impression you guys have not been exposed to much eastern media, let alone japanese animated movies. You were spot on about the themes and how deliberate the movie was in conveying them. It even borders on the melodramatic (something which is common in japanese movies) but I'm glad you guys were not turned off by it. One thing I absolutely love however is the music. Hayao Miyazaki's works have always had good music but the main theme here, Merry Go Round of Life is exceptionally beautiful. It is overall a very cheerful theme but the hints of melanchonly make it timeless. It's crazy how versatile the piece is since it is used so many times in the movie, in different situtations.

[@MrTragedious986]

One of the best Studio Ghibli movies, and yes I love Sophie as a character.

[@dragnfli08]

"That women sounds 50" Later actually turnd into an octogenarian.

[@a.g.demada5263]

Even older because she's supposed to having 90 years old 😂

[@tiffanykim2773]

I had no idea Josh Hutcherson was the voice of Markl bruh I am shook.

[@mirimh444]

... JOSH? FREAKING JOSH HUTCHERSON???

[@migwi17]

*cue the whistle meme* ​@@mirimh444

[@gggonext9302]

PLEASE WATCH PRINCESS MONONOKE TOO!!!

[@JoshBou]

Yes! THIS!

[@RasmaRose]

37:50 - The houses are empty all the time- Howl's house just fills up the empty space because MAGIC! 😎🤙🏼

[@shainewhite2781]

This is one of the best animated fantasy movies ever made!

[@benmason9755]

Castle In the Sky has always been my favourite of Miyazaki's films, it was not only my introduction to his work but to real, heavyweight anime cinema in general, back when I was still a child and young enough to be genuinely anraptured by it without later biase. Later on I discovered more of his movies, after I'd grown up and become a true anime junkie with stuff like Akira and Ghost In the Shell and other more adult anime staples, but Miyazaki really became the bright heart in the artform for me because his work is SO optimistic and whimsical and PURE. Princess Mononoke is, for me, his true masterpiece, not only because of its astonishing animation but the incredibly powerful and complex message at its heart, but even now, I still love Castle best, I think that one's ALWAYS going to be the one I keep returning through because it means SO MUCH to me.

[@po5283]

Just watch Miyazaki's entire filmography, he's batting a 1000, I've thoroughly enjoyed each of his films, even the ones I didn't think I would like, I ended up loving!!!

[@КиануДепп]

Hayao Miyazaki admitted that Atamanov’s film “The Snow Queen” (1957) had a decisive influence when he was choosing what he would do in life

[@Sammy11611]

I literally LOVE this movie!!! The animation is gorgeous and so is the writing! "A heart is a heavy burden" is SUCH a good line! Love this reaction guys!

[@rhiannonliddell]

omg the way i GASPED and nearly started crying cause i realised u guys are doing my fave studio ghibli i cant wait to sit and watch this with u guys

[@melanated_persephone2334]

Before audiobooks, there was Christian Bale in Howls Moving Castle 😂😂

[@digdug4451]

My nesting partner and I have matching Calcifer tattoos instead of wedding rings! Super excited to see yalls reaction to this and hear your thoughts on it! Also every time I hear Merry-go-round of Life, I start tearing up. The music from all the ghibli movies but especially this one is so damn moving. It's like this wonderful mix of pure happiness and complete melancholy, and I love it

[@markthedark595]

Honestly I didn't expect Studio Ghibli reactions here. I'm all for it.

[@francisco_m7849]

Here’s a little reference for you guys. The Director was always fond of England so there’s a lot of fanatic visualization of things that he likes. The military or regime is similar to that of England’s reign probably in the early or mid 1800s I think not sure I haven’t really gone into the historyof the novel or war is actually based on, but everything is essentially loosely based on they don’t really specify what type of government it is, but you can tell you can there’s always a tell

[@the_nikster1]

I'm not sure if you guys caught this but the prince (Turniphead) was the reason they were at war. the other kingdom that was attacking them had lost their prince and thought they had something to do with it. I am SO excited for you guys to do more Studio Ghibli films! they're all so fantastic! 😃

[@veronikamajerova4564]

Yep, but turning into scarecrow was deffo much, MUCH better than what happened to him in the books. And Witch of the Waste was also much, MUCH worse. Basicaly, the prince went missing, and the culprit appeared to be the Witch of the Waste. So the king sent his royal wizard Suliman (who was a guy in the book, not a girl) to bring him back, but Suliman disappeared too. Then the king went to Howl to ask him to find the prince and, if possible, also Suliman. Well, it turned out that WotW WAS the real culprit, and she wanted Howl too. Basicaly, she was creating perfect partner for her using literal body parts of both the prince and the wizard, and she wanted to top it off with Howls head. With this partner, she could get rid of the king and become a queen. Also, Sophie got cursed just because the Witch mistook her for her sister. Talk about bad luck. Oh, and fun fact, Howls real name is Howell Jenkins, and he is from Wales in our universe. :-D

[@leonardoortellado6482]

Lauren Bacall is the voice of the witch, thats insane!!!

[@seattlecryptid]

Funny that this has both Josh hutcherson and Jena Malone in it, pre- Hunger Games 😊 It makes sense that Howl has such like an ornate and shiny room because of his bird form because some birds do like shiny things.

[@francisco_m7849]

😊❤ i’ve totally fallen in love with Tara and Aaron watching Howells. it is so adorable watching the two of you watching such a wonderful animated film.

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤ love ya back!

[@wakkadakka9192]

3:42 The right term is - Militaristic country Militaristic means emphasizing readiness to wage war. Regular military parades are one of the signs. A militaristic government is focused on building up its armed forces, and often acts aggressively toward other countries. Equally suitable for both democratic and communist types of government, or any other. 23:51 Again same mistake. Sorry but it's so funny to see a typical American perspective of communism as something evil 😅 By the story lore it's just two Kingdoms fighting, in other words there is no communism or democracy, just two different Monarchy fighting each other.

[@Ng04ng04]

Considering Miyazaki's context when adapting this story, I would say that he brings a lot of references to Japanese fascism, something that he has already expressed himself publicly to repudiate, but otherwise his comment is perfect, especially the part about the typical North American perspective lol

[@drizzle11ify]

This is by far one of my favorite movies of all time! It is just so well written and the characters are beautiful. I could watch this on repeat and it would never get old! Thank you ❤

[@maurer3d]

8:32 Jean Simmons did the voice for "Grandma Sophie" (it was one of her last projects before her death in 2010)

[@TaraErickson]

This was a great unexpectedly delightful film!!! Thanks for your support yall! ❤❤❤

[@Mads97415]

One of if not my favorite Studio Ghibli movie (my favorite shifts often haha). Also one of my favorite scores (Joe Hisaishi never misses)! Sophie is one of my favorite studio ghibli characters because I definitely relate to not feeling confident in myself like she feels and seeing her try her best to work through it was so inspiring for me (and still is)!

[@DanKim-cr1mm]

I'm so shock you reacted to this movie😊 I had a crush on Howl ever since I watched How'l moving castle.❤❤❤

[@besupaaa]

I love how this movie is about war, politics, love, self discovery, courage, empathy, found family, acceptance, AND MAGIC AND ALL THE THINGS. AND THE SOUNDTRACK. And I love how in this movies characters are so layered, people are not entirely bad or entirely good. You can see Sophie goes back and forth looking less or more old the more she grows into herself or doubts herself. I think the curse makes her appearance reflect her "inside". And I believe the government wanted to control all the magic to use however they wanted. And those who didn't agree would lose their magic. Some sort of magic fascism. From what I gather the prince was cursed and that somehow unleashed the war between the two places, like an inside job to start the war.

[@masamune2984]

This is a crew I didn’t realize how much I absolutely ADORED together until they watched this film together. Love you both. More please 🙂

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤

[@gracerenee9814]

HOW FAST I CLICKED OMG. My favorite people my favorite movie my favorite DAAAAAAY

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤🤌

[@gracerenee9814]

@@TaraErickson if this Ghibli trend continues it's gotta be princess mononoke it's my #1 other than howl 😭😭❤️ love everything you do for real 🤟🤟❤️

[@vincegamer]

Tara's surprise when Howl's moving Castle moved had me in stitches

[@TaraErickson]

😂😂

[@teteymaimai9652]

Sophie gets young when she feels confident, since the very beginning of the movie its stablished that her character does not feel pretty and its often insecure, that's why when she sleeps she's young again cause she's "not feeling" anything

[@r2d2rxr]

The war was a result of the Prince (Turnip-head) of the other kingdom disappearing, and the kingdom Sophie is from being blamed for it. It’s a very quick conversation in the background at the beginning of the film, also some of the propaganda leaflets that fell from the sky had the prince’s face on them. Blink and you’ll miss it. Madame Suliman wasn’t aware that the prince was with Sophie nearly the whole film. It’s a background element that’s supposed to show how silly wars are, a thematic element in the background.

[@EyeGlassTrainofMind]

Oh I am so tragically late for this but you 2 together were perfect! I loved hearing your thoughts as the movie went and also in post watch. Seeing your joy of Ghibli and Myazaki was wonderful. You caught so much and there's even more to see on future watches. Hoping you both continue together on this journey! 😊

[@TheBoglin]

Loved Tara and Aaron's reaction to this film, so glad you guys had a great time with it. You guys should check out "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind", that ones awesome, and "Princess Mononoke" is great too.

[@Arcannabis]

I’d LOVE a Mononoke reaction, I believe that film won an academy award or at least a nod for its animation. Ok it won a Japan Academy Prize, but it wasn’t nominated for an American Oscar, even though it was submitted by Japan for their Foreing Language catagory submission.

[@otterpoet]

Delightful reaction. So lovely watching the wonder in both of your expressions. Ghibli movies are the very essence of magic and whimsy. Ever since I watched a hand-me-down, grainy VHS tape of _My Neighbor Totoro_ back in the late 90s, I've been inspired by Hayao Miyazaki's work. And the complete irony of his personality... the man is like a walking rain cloud of shadows and cynicism XD As a horror writer, he's the one that taught me about the narrative power of hope, even at the darkest moments. Just a consummate storyteller.

[@briellevalyntin3233]

This movie is magical in every sense. It was my intro into Miyazaki films. The music is my ringtone 😊

[@BlueRoseWolfie]

I love Miyazaki films!!! This is one of my favorites, the art is always spectacular!

[@ambersmith1018]

Oh my GOD yes yes a thousand times yes. I want to see Tara react to everything Ghibli

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤😂

[@AlexIsOffline]

Oh I would LOVE for Aaron and Tara to continue to react to Ghibli movies! They're easily some of the most visually, emotionally and musically stunning movies you can experience. The whole catalogue is amazing, but my personal favorites (and there's a lot of them lol) have to be Howl's Moving Castle, Spirited Away, Porco Rosso, Kiki's Delivery Service, Princess Mononoke and Laputa; Castle In The Sky.

[@rebeccagonzalez3064]

About her gaining some wisdom as sophie got older, I kind of see it as now that she is older she's kind of finally released her fears and insecurities she had as a younger woman and can now appreciate these smaller things because of that. She also always worked so hard (didn't go out with her coworkers after work, her sister even said she works too much), and in the book actually she felt the pressure of being the eldest sister (she had 2 sisters in the book) and felt she had to settle for just what was expected of her - taking care of the hatshop. When she turns old, she can let it go and finally do as she pleases. Also fun fact/easter egg, theres a scene at the beginning where you can hear someone mention that "martha got her heart eaten", I'm pretty sure its an easter egg to one of sophie's sisters in the book! The one who's not in the movie.

[@mgc0847]

the way my jaw dropped when i saw this reaction !!! y’all need to react to all the ghibli movies !!!

[@asialaysia7335]

One of my favorite movies of all time :). I even crocheted howls jacket for the re-release in theaters last year. Took me like two months lol

[@siogw2816]

When Sophie feels young she looks young, when she feels old she looks old

[@Unicorngal-th1ks]

This is me and my husband‘s favorite movie/song. I walked down the aisle to the merry-go-round of life song.

[@Vulcanerd]

Miyazaki's films always have strong female characters. If not the main character like San, Sophie, Sheeta, Chihiro, Nausicaa, even when they're not the main character, you still have ones like Lady Eboshi, Fio and Gina, and Lady Kushana. But, then he also has strong male characters. Characters are just awesome, overall, with Miyazaki's projects.

[@armonmozaffari]

Spirited away, howls moving castle and princess Mononoke are some of my all time favorite movies but the other Miyazaki films are also great especially castle in the sky, ponyo, lupin, and the boy and the heron

[@the_33rd]

Studio Gibli is notorious for striking channels down, some have had their entire channel deleted for copyright right strikes. The Japanese do not mess around when it comes to their ip’s. Hope you guys see this comment.

[@chaplinsgirl]

Thrilled to see your reaction to this beautiful film. So much fun watching Tara and Aaron fall in love with it. It would be a gas to see you both watch the other Studio Ghibli movies.

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤🎬🎬🎬

[@MichaelPallada]

'Merry go round of life' is one of the most beautiful pieces of music for a movie ever made!

[@MichaelPallada]

And if you haven't seen (many) Ghibli movies, start with Spirited Away, then My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, Proco Rosso, The Wind Rises, The Boy and the Heron and Pom Poko. Then end with Grave of the Fireflies and get ready to get your heart torn out and stomped on it, repeatedly....

[@TimedRevolver]

Studio Ghibli has this amazing ability to warm your heart or shatter your soul. Would love to see you two react to Porco Rosso. It's my personal favorite Ghibli film.

[@Dublin.655]

Love Miyazaki's movies! The art, the music, the art, the stories. All incredible. I love how he just drops you into a world and lets you figure it out as you watch. No massive info dumps. I get chills every time I watch his movies.

[@irenegyu7949]

if you read the novel, you would understand why she sounds old even from the begining of the film. She actually has magic too, without even realised it. If she believe or manifest the hat would make the costumer look pretty, they would be pretty. She has no confident. She always believe that she is ugly and look old, boring, etc. That is why, she always sounds old or she called herself, not pretty compare to her sister (who has british accent). That is why also, everytime she believe in herself, she started to look younger and younger. Her power is like manifestation.

[@Kamenari37]

I always felt like Sophie's curse was one that forced her inner self to be reflected on the outside. In the beginning she is clearly not confident in herself, reserved, and interested in styles well beyond her age hence when the Witch of the Wastes curses her she becomes an old woman, because that is how she sees herself. As time goes on however she finds her more adventurous side in spite of her body's age. In the end she winds up being a bit of both, young in spirit but wise as well. It's a very artistic way of saying it's what's on the inside that counts. As for all the other story stuff, Howl is a wizard, in a world of Wizards. A prince from a neighboring kingdom has gone missing and they blame Sophie's nation for it, hence the war. Wizards from both nations are being called to serve their respective kingdoms as weapons, but their use of magic for such purposes leaves them irrevocably changed and no longer human. Howl has an alias in each nation working as a wizard with a magic shop and the doorway serves as a portal to the shop fronts making it seem like they are separate entities.

[@RyanJohnson-dj8qd]

Yes! Tara and Aaron just need to watch all Studio Ghibi's movies.

[@seanrobey8335]

This movie always makes me cry

[@taymatosama]

I'm not one to cry regularly while watching movies, only a handful of pieces of art ever had this power over me. I watched Howl two times, and both times the ending just makes me weep like is no tomorrow. And again, just watching it again through this reaction, I couldn't stop the tears from pouring out. It's like a key being turned, somewhere deep within my heart, everything in this film conjoins to bring a river of emotions through my very being and soul. Everything flows, life is beautiful again.

[@TheHoboAuthor]

I really recommend checking out the book this is adapting, they made enough changes for the movie that its not a 1 to 1 and its really interesting to see the differences

[@araej9293]

Hearing that Tara hasn't seen any Ghibli Movies, and then seeing how much she loved this? I gotta recommend some more! Kiki's Delivery Service Spirited Away Arietty The Cat Returns Just as colorful, whimsical and excellent scores.

[@TaraErickson]

❤❤❤❤

[@ZarecRixx]

Howl's Moving Castle and Kiki's Delivery Service are absolutely favorite Studio Ghibli movies

[@parappa_is_my_rapper6557]

i always loved young sophie’s voice since raspy girls are never portrayed in most media so i was not expecting y’all do think she sounded older😭 loved the reaction, we definitely don’t get enough studio ghibli reactions

[@ordinary-not2525]

I wasn't able to find this as a comment. The main theme song for this movie is "The Merry-Go-Round of Life"! The song is literally the plot!

[@millieboon]

I like how throughout the move is is getting younger as her back is straighter and her features get smaller

[@mrrd4444]

The visual storytelling in this movie is astounding, even if the plot is a little hard to figure out the first watch through. Essentially, Howl was being forced to fight in the war on multiple fronts because of his multiple identities, as well as his actual one. Fighting in the war literally dehumanizes him (the way it does actual soldiers). Throughout the movie you see hints that the war is happening, or at least justified, by the lost prince (the scene where they drop the posters with the prince's face after the burnt ship comes into port).

[@a.g.demada5263]

Oh, I didn't notice the prince's face on the posters. But yes, the cause of the war is the prince's disparition and Madam Sulliman confirmed it when she asks to her servants to make it ending

[@usedtobemyself]

Ghibli soundtracks always get me so emotional

[@Lazrael32]

A lot of people don't notice how often sophie gets younger and older in this. In the book it's explicitly said that Sophie has magic power too. She's kind of an enchantress (in that she can enchant things), That she always felt old so she ends up holding onto and empowering the curse. If i'm remembering it correctly. The book is amazing. it's definitely different and maybe a bit darker. they diverge quite far. but i love both the movie and book anyways. one of the rare times that happens.

[@dannybob42]

Oh Awesome! Ghibli movies rock. Howl's Moving Castle is no different; fantastical, romantic, and Christian Bale testing out his Batman voice. I always appreciate the subtle development of Sophie de-aging throughout the story, the further she grows in confidence the younger she gets. If you're going into the Ghibli collections I'd recommend most of them, though Grave of the Fireflies will destroy you be careful what day you watch that. Personal faves of mine I'd recommend are Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.

[@DJD11920]

This is one of my top three favorite Ghibli movies and my favorite by Miyazaki. My other two are Whisper Of The Heart and When Marnie Was There

[@ZalemMoon]

This is one of my favorite movies ever. I could watch it everyday and never get tired of it. The story, the characters, the scenery, the music, it's all so beautiful.

[@masquerade79]

As much as this movie is a guilty pleasure to watch. Its so criminal how much from the book got left out. The nature of Sophies curse, the 3rd sister and Sophies relationship to them; where howl was born! I recall the author saying she liked the movie, but they made Howl and Sophie much more noble then they really were

[@BaDazai]

Sophie is absolutely adorable as an old womana and i love her, she is one of my favourite studio Ghibli characters ❤

[@davidsamford4711]

Loved watching this with you guys! Please do more Ghibli!!

[@Vulcanerd]

I have to admit, though I usually prefer subs and the original Japanese, they did a great job on all(?) the Ghibli dubs.

[@NANAMIN13]

💯

[@a.g.demada5263]

I think it's the first Miyazaki's movie I saw and it became my favorite. The moment where Howl mentionnes Sophie's hat always make me laught because I always wondered why she doesn't wear a hat as pretty as the ones she made in her hatter hop. In the french version, he even called it ugly. I don't know if you noticed it but when Howl putts his hand on Sophie's shoulder on the begining, we can see his ring shining

[@shayneoshaughnessy2471]

sophie's 18 and tbh i thought she didn't sound THAT old with emily voicing her, but she definitely did sound older than 18, lol

[@Ash95_12]

Howl's Moving Castle is forever iconic!! 🔥🔥🔥 It never gets old no matter how many times I rewatch it

[@rorysreality3105]

I read the book almost two years ago. Just like the movie, you have to read it a few times to understand it because Sophie is removed from most of the plot until the end. However, the movie makes more sense with some context from the book, even if they are very different.

[@samfisher6606]

I love this movie so much! It's in my Top Ten all-time favorite movies. I love the subtle ways they shift Sofie's age. It took me a couple of watches before I understood that her visual age is tied to her self-esteem and confidence.