This is due to Miyazaki’s way of storytelling. It’s true that the entire film explains every significant plot point if we pay attention. However, this is frequently done in a very subdued manner that might go unnoticed. On the one hand, this might encourage the audience to watch the film multiple times, understanding new meanings and broadening their perspective with each viewing. However, this could also give the impression that the narrative is a little jumbled.
Given everything, it is evident that “Howl’s Moving Castle” is a masterwork in terms of both plot and storytelling. However, in order to truly understand the depth of its message, some exegesis is required. I hope to have adequately interpreted master Miyazaki’s intentions. In any case, this strategy undoubtedly gave me a lot of valuable insights about life, love, and genuine youth.
Throughout the film, Howl, another central character, is also forced to withstand this terrifying metamorphosis multiple times. But this young sorcerer’s greatest dangers lie elsewhere. His evolution also runs counter-parallel to Sophie. Sophie struggles with confidence when it comes to her appearance, but Howl places too much emphasis on his attractiveness. He naively thinks that the only time his life is worth living is if he can continue to be beautiful and young. Howl loses his blonde hair due to Sophie switching his potions by accident, and he becomes extremely depressed and throws a fit.
This is especially true when it comes to how Miyazaki depicts magic in his universe. The mechanics of this magic are sometimes confusing. For instance, a scene where Sophie, a young woman cursed to look like an old lady, abruptly and seemingly without explanation returns to her original age, albeit only temporarily, may confound some people.
We can finally understand the true significance of Sophie’s curse. All that the curse accomplishes is show Sophie for who she truly is. At first, despite her youth, Sophie presents herself as an elderly woman. She chooses to spend her life working in her shop rather than partake in the exuberant celebrations of her youth. Before the curse took hold of her body, she was already older than her years. Her body is just reflecting the age of her soul after the curse.
I need an explanation. So, even after years of watching the movie Howl’s Moving Castle, I still don’t understand what the monster that Howl transforms into is. Is it a mythical creature from Japanese culture, or is it just a different kind of demon?
FAQ
Why did Howl turn into a crow?
What was Howl’s curse?
Why does Howl eat girls hearts?
Why did Howl’s hair change?