The best part is, it is not because of her male counterpart Howl, or even Calcifer. Viewers see Sophie become more and more independent, sure of herself and secure. Throughout the film, you see mini shifts of Sophie, where she reverts back to her true self in moments of wonder, concern and passion. She bargains an alliance with Calcifier, the witty fire demon behind all of the power/energy needed for the castle, who moonlights as the literal protector of Howl’s heart. She is quick to deny any aid from those that just perceive her as an helpless grandma, and holds nothing back when she finds herself inside Howl’s moving castle. Once Sophie becomes an old woman, it’s almost as if she becomes more expressive and honest with what she thinks and what she wants to do. Howl is first seen as he escorts Sophie away from two creepy guards and quite literally sweeps her off her feet before her cruel transformation. Within the first 15 minutes of the film, viewers must then get used to Sophie as a ninety-year old woman, since she was cursed by a witch out to get Howl and all those connected to him, it seems. While it takes a few minutes for Howl to be introduced, viewers hear the salacious rumors about the mysterious wizard before he’s onscreen. Viewers are first introduced to the stellar heroine as she is a hat maker, who seems to be a people pleaser who wants the best for those around her. The main characters are Sophie and Howl… and maybe Calcifer (who doesn’t get as much screen time as he deserves, in my opinion). I think talking about the characters and how they evolved throughout the film, and what they were able to contribute is a great place to start off. I am going to talk about the characters, symbolism and animation that make the film nothing short of a masterpiece.
It’s not hard to imagine that the great Hayao Miyazaki created a film as outstanding as HMC. It was so easy to fall in love with the film, especially if you break down different aspects of the movie. The most popular Miyazaki film is “Spirited Away”, but HMC is a fan favorite, and a film I can go on and on raving about. I have watched it so many times, and each time it is like I find one more character trait, beautiful animation, or witty one-liner to fall in love with.
This is an entire article about why I love “Howl’s Moving Castle (HMC)”, by the amazing Hayao Miyazaki.