20 years have passed, Howl's Moving Castle is still a journey in search of love and peace, but also a profound lesson in resistance to war.
2024 marks an important milestone for the animated film Howl's Moving Castle by director Hayao Miyazaki, marking 20 years since its release.
This is one of Studio Ghibli's greatest works, and the news of the film's re-release in many countries, including Vietnam, brings the opportunity for both old and new generations of audiences to enjoy this enchanting masterpiece again on the big screen.
While still retaining Studio Ghibli's signature features such as strong characters, a fantastical world, and a humanistic message, Howl's Moving Castle differs thanks to its Western plot, European setting, mechanical-magical art style, and profound political message.
The Return of "Howl's Moving Castle"
First released in 2004, Howl's Moving Castle has been one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved animated films, helping to cement the name of director Hayao Miyazaki. Standing out with its excellent animation techniques, the film also impresses with its unique plot, profound humanity and meaningful messages.
The film has won many awards at domestic and international film festivals, such as the 78th Oscar, the Nebula Award for Best Screenplay, the Osella Award for Technical Achievement... Howl's Moving Castle It was one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time in Japan, earning over $235 million worldwide in 2004.
In 2024, Studio Ghibli decided to re-release Howl's Moving Castle in cinemas around the world. In Vietnam, the film was re-released on January 3, 2025, receiving a lot of attention from animation lovers.
Howl's Moving Castle differs in the world of Studio Ghibli films
Born from the context of war
Adapted from the novel of the same name by author Diana Wynne Jones, Howl's Moving Castle tells the story of Sophie, a young girl who is transformed into an old woman by an evil witch. In her journey to find a way to solve the problem, Sophie meets Howl, a talented but extremely complicated and somewhat eccentric witch. Life for both in the moving castle becomes difficult when the witch Howl has to avoid wars between neighboring countries.
In fact, Howl's Moving Castle was released during the Iraq War (2003), and Hayao Miyazaki took inspiration from it to create a powerful anti-war story. It is one of Ghibli's works that clearly shows an anti-war stance, unlike films like My Neighbor Totoro (1988) or Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), which focused on light-hearted stories about family affection or the journey of growing up.
Art Style - A mix of mechanics and magic
Howl's Moving Castle is a unique blend of mechanics and magic, an element rarely found in other Ghibli films that focus more on nature, spirits, and Japanese traditions.
The film's industrial and mechanical setting reflects the Industrial Revolution in 19th-century Europe, with steam engines, airships, and engines. Details like flying ships, period costumes, and vast natural landscapes give the film a romantic yet surreal feel.
Classical European world
Set in a fictional European country, Howl's Moving Castle features many Western architectural and fashion elements. Miyazaki has admitted to taking inspiration from the Alsace region of France and Colmar, famous for its fairytale-like towns.
The film is based on the novel of the same name by British writer Diana Wynne Jones (UK). The work is heavily influenced by European literature, so the story has the flavor of Western fairy tales, combining magic with everyday life.
Characters like Sophie and Howl both represent a blend of Japanese and European cultures.
The film's music features classical European melodies with notable waltzes such as Merry-Go-Round of Life, a departure from the traditional Japanese style commonly seen in films.
Message of love and peace
The film is considered one of Studio Ghibli's best animated films thanks to its strong anti-war message, celebrating peace and human love.
The main message of Howl's Moving Castle is how the film shows love, peace and fighting against fear. The natural love between Sophie and Howl is also the change and growth of each person. Sophie found strength in Howl's care and helped her lover understand the value of life, ending the senseless war. Howl, with his heart full of wounds, learned to overcome fear and accept himself and others.
What about war and destruction in the film? Miyazaki does not hesitate to criticize the forces that cause war, greed and meaningless actions in life. Howl's Moving Castle affirms that only peace and love can bring true peace and happiness to people.
The significance of the re-release after 20 years
Even though it has been 20 years, Howl's Moving Castle is a timeless masterpiece and still one of the most watched Japanese animated films. The fairy tale elements exist amidst the harsh reality, contrasting but surprisingly harmonious. Together with the humanistic message and excellent animation techniques, it has created a work of art that is loved by fans of all ages.
The re-screening of this film is a tribute to the fans who loved the work, and an opportunity for a new generation of audiences to discover the cultural and artistic values that Howl's Moving Castle brings. Although many new works have been released, the reputation of Studio Ghibli has not been replaced by a series of masterpieces that transcend time and space, continuing to touch the hearts of those who love cinema, art and mystery.
Howl's Moving Castle and Grave of the Fireflies pave the way for 21 Studio Ghibli films to be re-released over the next four years. The next films to be released are Spirited Away (January 3, 2025); Whisper of the Heart (January 10, 2025); and The Cat Returns (January 17, 2025).
This is a great time to re-watch these classic films and continue to explore the messages they convey. Re-screenings also attract younger audiences to understand the valuable lessons about life, love and the environment that the works once showed. In addition, the big screen is a great experience when enjoying Ghibli films. Re-screenings in theaters bring a fresh feeling, a way for audiences to feel the artistic beauty that these films bring.
Howl's Moving Castle carries a strong message about war and peace, and re-screening the film is also a way to remind us of these anti-war messages, especially in a world that is still facing conflicts.
