CharacterPhilosopher

This is actually one of my least favorite Ghibli movies. I know a lot of people say it's their favorite, but it doesn't quite hold up for me. Now, I am not saying I don't enjoy this film. I have yet to experience Ghibli film that I thought was bad in any way. I just like this one less than the others. It feels like it's too Ghibli if that makes sense. Like, it hits all the Ghibli beats perfectly, the wonderously unique premise, the warm character designs, the quintessential Ghibli pretty boy, the magical adventure, and the heartwarming ending. However, beyond these things, it doesn't really distinguish itself with anything particularly special or unique that is intrensic to Howl's Moving Castle itself. Yes, it has the unique subversive premise of the protagonist turning into an old woman, which immediately intrigued me, but after that, I just found myself thinking "Okay, this is real nice and warm like the other Ghibli films." Nothing else stood out to me. However, if you haven't seen this movie, definitely watch it. The music, story, characters, and animation are all still great. I mean, it's a Ghibli movie. It's good.