- S: With the rushed ending and some very peculiar choices by some characters that stray far from their set ways throughout the whole film, some of the film
gets a bit hard to swallow. A very miraculous survival after a nasty fall and the war are both standout issues.
- C: Every part of this film is beautiful. It was such a treat to get to see it in theaters and marvel at the detail in every background element. Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli spared no effort
in making this film a visual masterpiece.
- E: Incredibly touching and emotional. Only downside is the ending feeling extremely rushed and the distractions of the war narrative.
- N: The curse, journey, and main character aspects of the story are excellent. However, the war elements of the narrative feel weak and forced throughout, particularly with
the way the war just ends during the final minutes of the film.
- T: The film received three bonus points: one for an incredible score, the theme is so recognizable that a few notes and you can feel the energy of the film, one for the detail in Howl's room;
the visual elements of the castle; the visuals of the Witch of the Waste's deterioration climbing stairs, and one for the heartwarming ageing and de-ageing of the main character throughout.
This is one of Miyazaki's best without question, but I honestly feel like it should have been longer. Miyazaki made many elements of the book much better, but was unable to improve some of
its primary weaknesses.
Number of Watches: 3
