As I’ve commented before, I’ve never been quite convinced by the hype surrounding the work of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki. It’s not that I think the films are bad – just that they've never quite matched the hyperbole that many critics have indulged in when reviewing the films. But Howl’s Moving Castle is unquestionably an impressive work that is eventually only let down by trying to cram in too many under-developed ideas.

Based on the book by Diana Wynne-Jones (which I haven’t read, and so can’t compare this to), the story follows teenage girl Sophie, a bit of a social wallflower living in a steampunk fan’s wet dream, who finds herself rescued from a pair of lecherous soldiers by the enigmatic wizard Howl. This incurs the wrath of the Witch of the Waste, who transforms Sophie into an old woman. Panicked, Sophie flees the town and ends up in the wastes, where she befriends a living scarecrow and then is swept up by the castle of title – a walking, misshapen affair that contains a fire demon called Calcifer and a small boy, Markl, alongside the moody, often petty Howl. As war looms, the authorities on both sides summon the wizards to help them, but Howl is reluctant to take part in the conflict, and soon he is under threat from the King's Sorceress, the sinister and jealous Madame Suliman, and it is left to Sophie to save his soul, which rediscovering her own identity.

If that sounds a bit convoluted, it’s because it is. While visually stunning and often entrancing, Howl’s Moving Castle also frequently borders on the incoherent. Miyazaki is clearly more interested in creating a beautiful world with astonishing visual set-pieces than he is in telling a story - and that’s fine on its own level. There’s no question that this is a gorgeous film, showing that traditional cel animation can still invoke a sense of wonder than CG can’t match, and having a more rounded and original visual style than most anime. But it’s a confused tale that may well frustrate you if you are trying to follow exactly what is happening. Ultimately, the best way to enjoy the film is to put your sense of logic to one side and simply enjoy the ride.

The film is presented in both Japanese and English versions. The latter is probably the better option for English speakers – you can hardly complain about dubbing on an animated film! – with an all-star cast including Christian Bale, practising his growl for Batman, Lauren Bacall, Jean Simmons, Billy Crystal and Emily Mortimer. There are also several extras, none of which are particularly impressive.

DAVID FLINT

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