Howls Moving Castle

Howl's Moving Castle is an animated movie written and created by Hayao Miyazaki based on the novel of the same title written by Diana Wynne Jones.¹ It was dubbed into English under the direction of Peter Docter.²

Fast Facts

1. Alternative title: HAURU no Ugoku Shiro
2. Japan release date: November 20, 2004
3. U.S. release date: June 10, 2005³
4. Director: Hayao Miyazaki
5. Screenwriter: Hayao Miyazaki
6. Producer: Toshio Suzuki
7. Distributor: Toho (Japan), Buena Vista Home Entertainment (U.S.), Madman Entertainment (Australia), Optimum Releasing (UK)
8. MPAA rating: PG
9. Run time: 119 minutes
10. Language: Japanese
11. Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film of the Year in 2006⁴
12. Premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2004⁵

Plot Summary

Sophie is rescued from a dangerous situation by Howl, a young wizard. She then encounters the Witch of Waste who turns her into an old woman. The movie follows her adventures as she searches for Howl again, hoping he can lift the curse.

Japanese Cast Information

• Chieko Baisho as Sophie
• Takuya Kimura as Howl
• Akihiro Miwa as Witch of the Waste
• Tatsuya Gashuin as Calcifer
• Ryunosuke Kamiki as Markl

English Cast Information

• Emily Mortimer as young Sophie
• Jean Simmons as older Sophie
• Christian Bale as Howl
• Lauren Bacall as Witch of the Waste
• Billy Crystal as Calcifer
• Josh Hutcherson as Markl

Related Pages on Mahalo

Hayao Miyazaki | Spirited Away | Takuya Kimura | Emily Mortimer | Christian Bale | Lauren Bacall | Billy Crystal | Josh Hutcherson | My Neighbor Totoro

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