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Studio Ghibli films, amid all the beautiful, bright colors these movies have, tell some of the saddest tales in anime. Many Studio Ghibli characters have a rather sad backstory, or go through heartbreaking events during the movie that is nothing short of tragic and tearful.

That's what makes Studio Ghibli films great though, since they don't shy away from tough topics that pull at the heartstrings. It makes the characters much more relatable and life-like and viewers will find themselves drawing an attachment to these characters. Some of the saddest films include Grave of the Fireflies and The Tale of Princess Kaguya. Both movies have left a heavy impression upon fans of Studio Ghibli, making them films to remember for a lifetime.

Related 10 Anime That Would Be Great Studio Ghibli Movies

Studio Ghibli has created masterful fantasy films, which leave fans wanting more. Here are anime series that have the Studio Ghibli charm.

I’ve seen many Studio Ghibli films, but Howl’s Moving Castle has always held a special place in my heart. From its beautiful animation to its unforgettable characters, it’s a movie I keep coming back to years after my first watch. Each time, I enjoy it just as much as I did the last time, and there is a specific reason why.

What makes the movie my absolute favorite, apart from its visual beauty and immersive musical score, is how endearing and human the characters are, especially Howl and Sophie. There are so many aspects to adore about Howl's Moving Castle, but the relatability and inspiration the characters offer is what makes it the best Studio Ghibli film ever.

The Beautiful Animation and Whimsical Character Design Illuminate What Makes Miyazaki’s Films Amazing Hayao Miyazaki’s Artistic Talent and Creative Style Shine the Most in Howl’s Moving Castle

Hayao...

Howl's Moving Castle has no shortage of stunning moments, both in story and in animation, and in a world where a raging war is occurring, the movie has many moments that leave viewers fearing for the lives of the characters. Studio Ghibli is fantastic at creating tension in their movies, and Howl's Moving Castle is a prime example of that.

Studio Ghibli's outstanding usage of art, sound and music design really immerses the viewers in their films. This is important in Howl's Moving Castle, since it's set in a fantastical world filled with magic amid a violent war. With the amount of action and suspense this film has in this vast world, Howl's Moving Castle has a handful of rather scary moments.

Related Every Studio Ghibli Movie by Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most legendary names in anime history, but which Studio Ghibli films did he work on?...

In the realm of anime, it is safe to say that no one can beat Hayao Miyazaki’s works. The Japanese filmmaker and chairman of Studio Ghibli has been dropping hit after hit for as long as the anime community can remember, and his projects are not only popular in Japan. He has a global fan following, and one of the main reasons behind it is that the dubs of his movies are as spectacular as the subs.

Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away | Credit: Studio Ghibli

The comparison between dub and sub has been an age-old debate, and the only one who is safe from it is Miyazaki and his anime movies. His dubs and subs are almost equal in comparison, and they are true to the core message that he tries to portray through his work. Aside from that, they also work because they feature some of the biggest names in Hollywood.

Pulsar Content has unveiled a first-look image forLove Letters, Alice Douard’s debut feature about modern motherhood, starring Ella Rumpf, Monia Chokri and Noémie Lvovsky.

It is starting sales on the film at the Rendez-Vous with French Cinema in Paris this month.

Set in 2014 Paris after France legalised same-sex marriage, the film is about a woman whose partner is about to give birth to the couple’s first child. As she sets out to prove to authorities she will be a good mother in order to officially adopt the baby, she comes to terms with what it means to be a ‘good’ mother.

For many anime fans, the works of Studio Ghibli acted as their gateway to the medium. There is truly a film from the production company for any viewer, no matter the genre they may prefer. If the audience desires to watch a lighthearted film, Kiki's Delivery Service is a wonderful choice; meanwhile, if the viewer wants something more action-packed, the thrilling narrative of Princess Mononoke may prove to be their new favorite.

The works of Studio Ghibli are often praised for their grand narratives, compelling characters and beautiful animation. A common theme in the films is the importance of respecting nature and living in harmony with the planet, as well as the inhabitants of the Earth. For nature lovers, Studio Ghibli films are often a favorite, though several of these films are the most striking when it comes to this major theme.

Related 10 Most Thought-Provoking Studio Ghibli Movies, Ranked

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Studio Ghibli films are no stranger to complex ideas and messages, often using the film’s characters, setting or conflicts to encourage viewers to consider their own stances, such as Howl’s views on vanity in Howl’s Moving Castle or Jiro’s dashed dreams of becoming a pilot in The Wind Rises. These moments offer the audience a self-reflective chance to ponder deep internal questions, with the breadth and scope of these questions stretching far and wide thanks to the staggering number of films in Studio Ghibli’s roster.

From Chihiro confronting greed and materialism within her time at Yubaba’s bathhouse in Spirited Away to Anna struggling to find her place in the world as an adopted child yearning to understand her biological family in When Marnie Was There, Studio Ghibli encourages viewers to dissect their own thoughts relating to broad topics in their most thought-provoking films.

Related This...

Studio Ghibli fans now have a brand-new way to appreciate the artistry of Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. Recently, Ghibli retail partner Beenos unveiled new karuta card collections inspired by director Hayao Miyazaki's hit fantasy films.

Karuta is a classic card game commonly enjoyed in Japan, especially during the New Year season. Traditionally, the game features illustrated poem and text cards, with at least three players competing to fill in the missing phrases of the poem with their cards. Per a press release, Beenos' new Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away karuta games reinvent this concept by using famous film quotes instead of poems. Additionally, each card is adorned with vibrant artwork from its corresponding film. Both sets are currently being sold via Buyee, an online retailer that offers worldwide shipping to over 42 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Related Studio Ghibli Comes to Life for U.

The anime world has an innate talent for emotionally stirring viewers with profound stories and moments. Anime gravitate the audience towards a whirlwind of deeply impacting themes, culminating in lasting memories comprising multiple emotions. From heartfelt reunions to the bittersweet sacrifices of heroes, these moments resonate deeply, often overwhelming fans with emotion.

While many anime moments bring tears of sorrow, there are rare, extraordinary instances that inspire tears of pure joy—moments of triumph, love, and hope that celebrate the beauty of life and connection. The anime universe is filled with unforgettable moments in which fans couldn’t help but feel elated. These scenes stand out as shining examples of the emotional depth anime can achieve.

Related 10 Most Satisfying Anime Deaths That Made Fans Say Good Riddance

Some anime villains had it coming, and we enjoyed their downfall.

Sophie Breaks Howl’s Curse Sophie's Bravery Is The True Essence Of...

Nearly 20 years old, the Code Geass franchise has continued to be a prominent mecha and military series. Now, it's taking a different approach with a new series of branded jewelry.

Available through popular fashion jewelry brand Take-up, the new Code Geass earrings are based on characters from the recent sequel, Code Geass: Rozé of the Recapture. Available in six varieties, the jewelry is sure to be a beautiful addition to fans' collections. They're also coming out as an earlier and very popular set of jewelry from the franchise is also being re-released.

Related Studio Ghibli's Popular Howl's Moving Castle Earrings Make Fans "Feel Like a Wizard" in Official Store Re-Release

Studio Ghibli's latest jewelry re-release allows fans to don the same gorgeous agate earrings worn by the wizard Howl in Howl's Moving Castle.

The Latest Code Geass Anime Gets New Earring Collaboration With Take-up

The Code Geass:...

There's a reason why Studio Ghibli's beloved character designs are memorabe, and it has to do with the fact that they're always carefully integrated into the character's personality. Some of the best character designs include Haku, whose human-form greatly encompasses dragon-like features, and Howl's ever-changing design, which reflects how no one truly knows what kind of person he is.

Studio Ghibli also has some of the prettiest character designs that remain iconic and timeless. Although Studio Ghibli characters aren't overly elaborate in their designs, their simplicity is what makes them shine.

Related 10 Saddest Studio Ghibli Movies (So Far)

Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous animation studios in the world, and some of their films are heartbreaking masterpieces.

Umi’s Simple School-Girl Design Gives Her a Charming, Youthful Look Movie: From Up On Poppy Hill

Umi is the main character in the movie From Up On Poppy Hill.

Howl's Moving Castle is a beloved fantasy novel by Diana Wynne Jones as well as one of Studio Ghibli's masterpiece films. The story follows Sophie, a young girl who is cursed by a witch and transformed into an elderly woman. She ventures out of her home and finds refuge in a magical and moving castle owned by a mysterious wizard named Howl.

Studio Ghibli's 2004 film adaptation of Diana Wynne Jones' book of the same name is critically acclaimed and widely regarded as one of the animation studio's best films. There are many layers of depth to Howl and Sophie's story that makes Howl's Moving Castle perfect for watching over and over. Fans of the series who are already familiar with the film will find a similarly rich story in Jones' book, although the novel does have considerable differences that set it apart. While both versions of the story are cherished,...

Anything can happen in the vast and magical world of anime. Star-crossed lovers have a chance at happiness they couldn't have found otherwise. The supernatural can become commonplace. There are even schools for the magically inclined. Thus, it's only natural that some anime feature the strange and fantastical world of witches and wizards as well.

Anime incorporates its magically-inclined heroes in all sorts of ways. Sometimes they go to schools to better hone their craft, or instead apprentice to become better mages across the country or even the world. Sometimes magic can bring together unlikely lovers. Magic can make young adventurers heroes, whether they receive fame for what they've done or not. Witches and wizards can be found all throughout the magical world of anime if viewers know where to look.

Wizard Howl Made a Contract With a Demon in Howl's Moving Castle Love Mends Two Broken Hearts

In Howl's Moving Castle,...

Revisiting Howl's Moving Castle after 20 years is no hardship, as the seminal film by Hayao Miyazaki from Studio Ghibli isn't just lush and idyllic, it also takes a stance. Set in another world where magic is real and wizards roam the countryside, Howl follows the ordinary Sophie as she finds herself entangled in the affairs of these sorcerers. There's something uniquely enduring about the film, as for all of its fantasy elements, the project is accessible to all. Stunning visuals, a timeless love story, and relatable characters are only the beginning of why it will be remembered for generations.

Howl's Moving Castle

Director Hayao MiyazakiRelease Date November 20, 2004Writers Diana Wynne JonesCast Mitsunori Isaki, Akihiro Miwa, Chieko Baisho, Rynosuke Kamiki, Tatsuya Gashin, Takuya KimuraRating 8-12 yearsRuntime 119minutesGenres Family, Animation, Romance, Action, Adventure, Fantasy Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on Apple TV+Rent on Apple TV+Buy on...

Studio Ghibli's 2004 masterpiece, Howl's Moving Castle, reportedly grossed $2.38 million at box offices during the opening weekend of its 20th-anniversary re-release in the U.S. The films enduring success further establishes Hayao Miyazakis legacy after the recent release of his Academy Award-winning film, The Boy and the Heron.

20 years after its debut, Studio Ghiblis Howls Moving Castle has returned to theaters from Sept. 26-Oct. 3, already grossing over US$2 million according to Box Office Mojo. The film is being screened as part of Gkids largest-ever annual Ghibli Fest, which screens various Studio Ghibli films for a limited time in select AMC, Cinemark and Regal theaters. Howls Moving Castle was also screened during 2023s Ghibli Fest, generating just over $3 million in North American box offices over the course of five days. With four days to go, 2024s box office revenue is projected to break 2023s record.

Related A Heartbreaking Studio Ghibli Classic...

Before the initial release of “Howl’s Moving Castle” 20 years ago, Akihiko Yamashita spent nearly two years working as the supervising animator on the Studio Ghibli film.

“I really have no idea how many pages of drawings there were or how many cels we drew. I just know that we worked a huge amount and we drew a huge amount,” Yamashita tells Variety through an interpreter. “Nowadays, we talk about work-life balance, but in those days, there was no concept of that.”

Yamashita first worked with animation maestro Hayao Miyazaki as a key animator on 2001’s “Spirited Away.” Over the past 20-plus years, he has served various roles on Studio Ghibli films, including as an assistant supervising animator on “Ponyo” (2008) and a key animator on “The Wind Rises” (2013) and “The Boy and the Heron” (2023).

Yamashita recalls working 14 hours a day on “Howl’s Moving Castle” during the last six months of production,...

Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky (1986), My Neighbor Totoro (1988) and Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) have one thing in common: they all feature scenes that capture the peace and tranquility of clear, starlit nights. Now, Ghibli's official online storefront has released an all-new set of greeting cards that pay tribute to each of these memorable sequences.

As detailed on Donguri Sora's website, each card in Ghibli's "Night Sky" greeting card collection features beautiful, foil-stamped artwork depicting a well-known scene and a character quote from one of the studio's beloved fantasy films. My Neighbor Totoro's card depicts Satsuki, Mei and their friend Totoro sitting in a tree together playing their ocarinas. The Kiki's Delivery Service card depicts Kiki and Jiji's nighttime journey to the town that ultimately becomes Kiki's home away from home. Finally, Castle in the Sky's card recalls the night that protagonists Sheeta and Pazu navigated the...

Studio Ghibli's official online store, Donguri Sora, regularly releases brand-new products and high-demand restocks based on its extensive film library. Now, a new series of merchandise brings the likes of My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle and more to the world of home and office desk organization.

The new Studio Ghibli merchandise, a series of six different wooden clip stands, covers five different films: Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Whisper of the Heart and of course, My Neighbor Totoro, with the latter movie receiving two separate item designs. Each clip looks much like a miniature version of a caf or shop signboard, with the front and back both featuring cute and colorful artwork from its respective film. While Donguri Sora suggests using the clips as stands on which to place memos and other small messages or notes, they could in theory also be used for other purposes,...

The beauty of Hayao Miyazaki’s works is that Studio Ghibli and his animation style provides a sense of tranquility. Whether it is Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro, not only is there ample range, but there exists something for everyone. The beauty that is consistent in Miyazaki’s works is derived from the dedication and importance of quality.

San, popularly known as Princess Mononoke | Credits: Studio Ghibli

On multiple occasions, the animation has stated that knowing one’s audience is a bigger task than most. Not acting like they are dumb and giving them the benefit of the doubt is what helps his movies shine in the first place. The effort that is put into the making of each and every panel adds to the beauty of the movies.

The Essense of Studio Ghibli’s Works

Even those who are heroes to others have their own people they look up to.

Studio Ghibli is one of the most famous and beloved anime studios ever. Since its formation in 1985, the studio has produced many beloved and critically praised movies. The studio's number and variety of films often spark intense fan debates about which film from Studio Ghibli's vast catalog is the best introduction for newcomers. If you skim through any forum where this question is asked, Howl's Moving Castle generally comes out as the consensus choice. But is it really the best introduction to the legendary studio?

Released in 2004 and directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Howl's Moving Castle follows a young milliner named Sophie. Sophie's world is turned upside down when she meets a strange and eccentric wizard named Howl while out on a walk. This meeting leaves a massive impression on Sophie, but it also causes her issues as, a short while later, the Witch of the Waste appears and transforms Sophie into a grandma.

Exclusive: Jane Goodall is one of the world’s most renowned conservationists and foremost experts on chimpanzees. Her life’s work has been spreading knowledge about animals and the natural world, challenging what was historically a male-dominated scientific establishment along the way. Goodall’s work has drawn her admiration and respect from all corners, including from Leonardo DiCaprio, with whom she is an executive producer on upcoming film Howl.

The live-action movie will tell the story of a dog and wolf’s joint battle for survival. It is the first picture from Promethean Pictures, the label created by Argo Films’ Richard Johns and E. Elias Merhige (Shadow of the Vampire). Merhige is directing from Christopher Monger’s (Temple Grandin) screenplay

Goodall fully understands the power of film to change how people interact with the natural world. Much of her early work, dating back to her time in Tanzania in the 1960s,...

This post contains spoilers for "Howl's Moving Castle."

The Studio Ghibli aesthetic blueprint evokes a sense of nostalgia that is comforting to cling onto. Here, lush green meadows bloom with fantastical flowers, the innocence of childhood merges with the growing pains of adolescence, and the everyday wonders of sharing a warm weal or talking to a loved one cultivate a safe space like no other. When Hayao Miyazaki weaves a Ghibli tale, the spiritual and mundane come together to pave the path for surreal, unforgettable adventures, such as the one Chihiro embarks on in "Spirited Away," and Kiki is nudged towards in "Kiki's Delivery Service." Although every Miyazaki-helmed Ghibli offering is visually stunning; they transcend their singular aesthetic identity with complex, layered themes, tugging at the essential aspects of being human and what it means to embrace or turn away from this innate humanity.

At first glance, "Howl's Moving Castle...

Studio Ghibli characters depict many kinds of heroism and bravery. There are many traits that can make a character honorable and heroic. Often, doing the right thing isn't as easy as finding and wielding a legendary sword, or assembling a band of amazing warriors.

Often, heroism isn't easily won, and a character may still be frightened and riddled with self-doubt as they do the right thing. Being kind in an unkind or uncertain world is noble, and resisting the cycle of violence is heroic. These characters don't advertise how admirable they are; they just choose to put one foot in front of the other, keeping loyal to their values and morals while remaining open to learning from new perspectives.

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Related 10 Studio Ghibli Characters That Still Give Us Nightmares (And Why)

From problematic hunks like Howl to terrifying deities like Nago, Studio Ghibli...

Quick Links Many Ships Are Not Canon, But That Doesn't Make Them Less Compelling Some Protagonists Simply Shouldnt Have a Love Interest The Art of the Character Arc (Feat. The Bechdel Test)

The best anime protagonists, such as Luffy, Haruka Sakura, and Light Yagami, dont have a canon love interest, and definitely dont need one. If my fellow anime fans are anything like me, they love finding new characters to ship, as it's always been one of my favorite parts of starting a series. However, there are few major characters in anime (and other Western shows) that actually dont need a love interest.

One of the reasons anime is so popular is the countless ships that fandoms have created. Some are canon, and some are not, but most have a huge community on social media, complete with fanart, fanfictions, cosplays, and more. A few famous anime ships include Naruto x...

Quick Links Does Ashitaka Align with Any Autistic Traits? Ashitaka Seems to Be a Stoic Ashitaka's Immovable Moral Code Is It Important That Ashitaka Isn't Canonically Autistic? Fans speculate Ashitaka from Studio Ghibli's Princess Mononoke may be neurodivergent, emphasizing his moral code and clarity. Autism is a spectrum - traits such as social interactions and sensory sensitivities may resonate with Ashitaka's character. Ashitaka remains stoic and empathetic, guided by his strong sense of justice and unwavering goal of peace.

Many people related to (and aspire to be like) Prince Ashitaka of Princess Mononoke. Studio Ghibli produces many kind and admirable characters who rise to fan favorite status, like Howl from Howl's Moving Castle and Chihiro from Spirited Away. Ashitaka is a particularly compelling character because of his strong moral code and his ability to see with clarity, never deviating from what he knows to be correct.

There are no...

One of the most memorable scenes from Studio Ghibli's Ponyo (2008) features its titular star chowing down on ramen with Sousuke and his mother, Lisa. Now, Ghibli's official store has released a movie-accurate version of the ramen bowl-and-lid set from the beloved family film.

Donguri Sora, Ghibli's official online storefront, recently unveiled its brand-new Ponyo "Sea Bowl and Lid" -- a ceramic dining ware set that perfectly resembles its cinematic counterpart. The only deviation is the cute illustration of Ponyo that adorns the side of the lid (along with the film's Japanese title). Instead of a stove or microwave, Lisa uses covered bowls to prepare Sousuke and Ponyo's ramen, putting the ingredients under the lid and letting them sit. In addition to being a handy ramen maker, this set is also microwave and dishwasher safe, allowing for easy cleanup. Hungry foodies can purchase Ponyo's Sea Bowl for 5,500 yen (roughly US...

Calcifer -- the wise-cracking fire demon from Studio Ghibli's 2004 fantasy flick, Howl's Moving Castle -- is one of the studio's most beloved animated icons. As a testament to the character's popularity, Ghibli's online store has just re-released special kitchenware to help fans prepare the perfect anime-style breakfast (provided the bacon doesn't burn).

On Donguri Sora, Ghibli's "Calcifer Mini Frying Pan" and "Calcifer Kitchen Spatula" are once again available on the site's digital catalog. Like many of the shop's Calcifer-themed products, this kitchenware is directly inspired by a scene where Calcifer reluctantly helps Howl and Sophie prepare bacon, eggs and ham for the family. Accordingly, the bottom of Ghibli's Calcifer's frying pan contains a prominent decal of the character pressed into the bottom -- a design that also allows hungry foodies to make delicious Calcifer-themed pancakes. The spatula features a brightly-colored nylon head depicting Calcifer with a matching facial expression.

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The 2004 anime movie Howl's Moving Castle will celebrate its 20th anniversary this fall. Just in time for the upcoming celebration, the official Studio Ghibli store is selling an officially licensed lunch set based on the fantastical movie.

Donguri Sora, the official online store of Studio Ghibli, is selling two lunch-based items that are inspired by the magical film by Hayao Miyazaki. The first item is a purse-type lunch bag that features aluminum vapor deposition inside. It also includes mesh pockets for ice packs or other items, as well as a double zipper to easily open or close the bag. The second item is a storage case designed to hold two food utensils, like chopsticks and a spoon, both of which are included as part of that set.

Related A Famous Howl's Moving Castle Scene Gets Transformed Into Enormous Tapestry...

Studio Ghibli's Howl's Moving Castle is a must-watch movie with intricate character arcs, and a cyclical story that unfold with each rewatch. The enchanting animation and captivating music by Joe Hisaishi make Howl's Moving Castle a cinematic masterpiece worth revisiting. The blossoming relationship between Howl and Sophie, along with the cyclical story, highlights the love and growth between the characters.

Howls Moving Castle is one of the best Studio Ghibli movies that deserves many rewatches. The initial story is great, but fans can understand and experience new things with each rewatch. There are so many facets to this story that watching the film over and over again is almost necessary to experience the movie in its entirety. Some of the best things about Howls Moving Castle are the music and animation. Joe Hisaishis compositions with Studio Ghiblis signature style are a combination thats always magical.

Plus, many characters in...

Studio Ghibli, the beloved production house responsible for anime classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, has a gift for creating immersive fantasy worlds that include breathtaking landscapes and architecture. Soon, English-speaking Ghibli fans will be able to get their hands on a brand-new art book that delves into the process of creating these magnificent fictional structures.

As detailed on Crunchyroll's online store, Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation provides readers with hundreds of pieces of exclusive, behind-the-scenes artwork for films like Nausicaa: of the Valley of the Wind, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away and many others. Using rough sketches, concept art and background paintings, the book outlines the evolutionary process behind each iconic structure and its respective in-film locations. Accompanying these images is exclusive commentary by famed Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, in addition to prominent architect and architectural scholar Terunobu Fujimori. The book also contains explanatory statements from various Ghibli artists and art directors.

Exclusive: Leonardo DiCaprio and revered environmental activist Jane Goodall will executive produce Howl, a film following an abandoned family dog and a young wolf, which will unfold from the animals’ perspective. The Promethean Pictures movie has just entered production, we can reveal. It is not an environment film per se, but the team behind it plans to give moviegoers a transformative view of the natural world.

Set against the backdrop of a harsh winter, the movie will follow Harry, a family dog who is inadvertently left home alone and whose owners then die in an accident. Harry goes through a rollercoaster survival ride that brings him into contact with a wolf. The pair must overcome their mutual fear and suspicion, and ultimately they develop a close bond. The story is animal-led, but there will be some human characters with casting news to follow.

E. Elias Merhige (Shadow of the Vampire...

Howl's Moving Castle is a beloved Studio Ghibli film with a heartbreaking inspiration from author Diana Wynne Jones. The story tackles serious themes like war and personal struggle, resonating with audiences for over 20 years. Despite the tragic circumstances, the film offers a whimsical romance and anti-war perspectives loved by many.

Behind the beloved Studio Ghibli movie, Howls Moving Castle, is a heart-breaking truth that inspired the author, Diana Wynne Jones, to create such an iconic tale. The Studio Ghibli film, Howls Moving Castle, is a fantasy-romance released in 2004. The film was nominated for several awards, including the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film at the 2006 Academy Awards. Furthermore, the English dub cast is stacked with marvelous performances from well-known actors such as Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, and Josh Hutcherson.

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While some liberties were taken for the screen adaptation of Howls Moving Castle, the films inspiration is sourced from Diana...

Studio Ghibli produces thoughtfully written protagonists, villains, love interests, and side characters. Hayao Miyazaki said that he thinks it's very important to write as many complex and strong female protagonists as he does male protagonists. Each protagonist goes through change, adapting and growing through their situation, taking a step closer to the person they're meant to be.

There are many kinds of character arcs. Characters like San from Princess Mononoke and Howl from Howl's Moving Castle must figure out their values and how best to live by them. Younger protagonists, like Shizuku from Whisper of the Heart and Ponyo, figure out their place in the world.

Related 10 Anime Protagonists With the Best Character Arcs Anime is full of well-written characters who change drastically for better or worse as their stories progress, from Naruto Uzumaki to Madoka Kaname. Ponyo Finds a New Home Close

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Over the years, millions of viewers worldwide have experienced the magic of Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky, Kiki's Delivery Service and Howl's Moving Castle. Now, the studio has released another series of brand-new products that will certainly receive a stamp of approval from fans: a collection of gorgeous wax-sealing sets inspired by each of the aforementioned films.

In Japan, sealing stamps are commonly used when mailing letters. By pressing a stamp with a carved design on the base over melted wax, the letter is sealed with a specific symbol or insignia. On Apr. 20, Ghibli's online storefront, Donguri Sora, released letter-sealing sets for Howl's Moving Castle, Kiki's Delivery Service and Castle in the Sky, providing Ghibli fans with all the tools they need to seal their letters in style. Each set contains a gold-colored stamp, a melting spoon for the wax and a glass bottle filled with small wax cubes of various colors.

Studio Ghibli’s real-life Catbus in Ghibli Park will now officially be welcoming service dogs. The amendment comes one month after My Neighbor Totoro’s beloved Nekobasu, or Catbus, made its real-life debut at the studio's official theme park on March 16.

Per SoraNews24, the real-life Catbus, which operates in Ghibli Park in Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, has revised its "pet" policy and will now be allowing service dogs on board. The Catbus, officially referred to as the Apm (accessible people mover) Nekobus, carries passengers from Ghibli Park’s Mononoke Village to Dondoko Forest. Reportedly, on the Catbus’s very first day in the park, one would-be passenger was unable to board due to their service dog companion. Although service dogs are welcome in all areas of Ghibli Park (including the Transcontinental Flight Café), the passenger was told that their service dog could pose a safety risk to itself or other...

Studio Ghibli has recreated two minor characters from Howl's Moving Castle into absolutely adorable plushies.

According to Japan Today, fans of the classic anime film can now purchase recreations of the plush toys that briefly appear during the short scene in Howl's bedroom, snuggled on top of his bed. Retailing for 7,700 yen (roughly $56), the items come as a pair and are available at Donguri Kyowakoku stores nationwide and online.

Related: Studio Ghibli's When Marnie Was There Was Almost a Queer Classic

About Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle

Written and directed by beloved filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, Howl's Moving Castle premiered in 2004, earning an impressive $236 million at the worldwide box office, making it one of the highest-earning anime movies in history. Moreover, it won several prestigious awards, including Best Script at the Nebula Awards 2007 and Animation of the Year at the Tokyo Anime Awards in 2005. Although the film received a...

This post contains spoilers for Makoto Shinkai's "Suzume."

Makoto Shinkai's strengths as an animator lie in his ability to mesh vividly beautiful visuals with thoughtful fantastical narratives, where the mundane and magical come together to tell emotionally-resonant stories. Shinkai's highly acclaimed "Your Name" underlines this thread of wonder that is ever-present in his work, as it delves into a mystical, inexplicable connection between two teenagers, whose love for one another is rooted in the spiritual. Shinkai's latest, dazzling entry in his impressive oeuvre, "Suzume," follows a similar format, where the love shared between Suzume (Nanoka Hara) and Sōta (Hokuto Matsumura) is eclipsed by a need to return to the self and honor the past to make way for the future.

Shinkai's art style and narrative prowess have often been compared to legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki and the artistic identity of Studio Ghibli as a whole — and for good reason.

Howl's Moving Castle, a 2004 animated feature from Studio Ghibli, has become one of the company's most widely-recognized films. The story is about Sophie, an apprentice at her family's hat shop, who stumbles into the wizard Howl's magical castle searching for answers after she was cursed and turned into an old woman by the fearsome Witch of the Waste.

Some fans may be surprised to learn, though, that the Hayao Miyazaki masterpiece is actually based on a 1986 book of the same name by British author Diana Wynne Jones, and the novel is the first of three in a series that tells Howl and Sophie's story. While the whimsy of the book transferred to the screen, there were also many changes made for the film, making the two works differ in some key places.

Updated on December 27th, 2022 by Stacie Rook: The next movie set to be released by Studio Ghibli,...

After working on the special effects for The Descent and Attack the Block, it only made sense for Paul Hyett to direct his own monster movie. And once he boarded Howl, his second directed feature overall, Hyett made the considerable decision to remove most of the humor from Mark Huckerby and Nick Ostler’s original script. The choice worked in the 2015 movie’s favor, because as inherently difficult as it is to make a werewolf movie, it’s even harder to pull off a scary horror-comedy. Playing everything straight not only helped Howl maintain a consistent tone, but also reminded viewers of why werewolves are so terrifying to begin with.

A dark and remote forest is a good place to find trouble, yet the characters in Howl believe themselves to be safe. Their late-night journey by train typically passes through a long stretch of wilderness without incident, though that sense...