‘Howl’s Moving Castle’
Based on the novel by Diana Wynne Jones, Howl’s Moving Castle is a perfect marriage of Studio Ghibli’s style and soul. Sophie Hatter (Emily Mortimer) is a shy and withdrawn young woman whose life changes forever when the warlock Howl (Christian Bale) literally sweeps her off her feet. However, Howl’s ex, the Witch of the Wastes (Lauren Bacall) is so consumed with jealousy that she curse Sophie to look like an old woman. Howl’s Moving Castle is a film that challenges our presumptions about love and beauty, eventually proving that a true fairy tale heroine is defined by her courage, kindness, and grace. Ball gowns and tiaras be damned!