Howl's Moving Castle

[Jeikobu]

I am delighted to say, I just saw the movie! I good friend of mine sent a subtitled version of it to me that was filmed in theater by a guy who took a camera in. I'm really excited that I didn't have to wait for its release in the US. It was really a fantastic film. Only Miyazaki can make films like that. If anyone wants to download it for themselves, PM me and I'll provide the link.
It was a very deep film, and was even complicated and confusing at times, but it was always entertaining. There are good messages in it as well (like in all Miyazaki films). I liked (big spoilers ahead) [SPOILER] the love theme alot, how Sophie's love for Howl conquers their curses. I also liked how magic isn't portrayed as almighty, like how Howl and Sophie are in Howl's secret garden and he says he uses his magic to help the dead flowers but he didn't create any of what's there. And though I'm against witchcraft, it seemed at times to be more of a symbolism of one's abilities and how they must be used for the greater good. And how when Howl is upset about his hair changing color he begins to bring an evil spirit, I saw it as showing the evil in witchcraft. And though Calucifer is called an "evil spirit", I never saw him as one really, because 1) he will eventually die, and more importantly 2) he simply wasn't evil. He just liked to boast about being evil, but he ends up being a big help to the other protagonists.[/SPOILER] There's so much I could say about this movie. You'll just have to see it yourself, but I cannot see how this movie will not win this year's Best Animated Film Oscar. The story is very intriguing, the characters are deep and loveable (most anyway, man the Witch of the Waste is UGLY), and well thought up. Each have different personalities. It's like a kind of fairy tale only better. Anyway, whether you see it from me or you wait for its official domestic release, you must see this film. Miyazaki certainly hasn't lost anything. It's another one of his masterpieces.

BTW, when you see this movie, read this first. It helps explain some stuff better.

[olorc]

Well I hadn't heard much about this movie until you posted this thread. but i'm glad you liked it so much. I'm excited to for the time when I can view it myself.

[Jeikobu]

If you want to know more about the movie, go here or to Anime News Network's page on it, whenever the site gets back up.
Definitely see it when it comes out here, you won't be disappointed!

[olorc]

sounds good. I think I will.

[Mr. Rogers]

i wanted to see this one. i was told it's supped to be pretty good.