HBO Max original film Howl’s Moving Castle was released June 17th, 2005.
#Howl’sMovingCastle made $240.7M at the international box office.
rottentomatoes: 88%
metacritic: 82
imdb: 8.2
oscars: 1 nomination
Howl
Howl is a wizard who lives in a moving castle.
“There you are, sweetheart. Sorry I’m late. I was looking everywhere. Are you really? It looked to me like you two were just leaving. Don’t hold it against them. They’re actually not all that bad. Where to? I’ll be your escort this evening. Don’t get alarmed, but I’m being followed. Act normal. Sorry. Looks like you’re involved. This way. Hold on. Now, straighten your legs and start walking. See? Not so hard, is it? You are a natural. I’ll make sure to draw them off. But wait a bit before you head back outside. That’s my girl.” — Howl
“Calcifer? You’re being so obedient. Not just anybody can do that. And you are who? Give that to me. Hand me two more slices of that bacon and six more of those eggs. So, then, who hired you to clean? Hmm. Markl, get the plates. Bread, Markl? Sophie? So, friends, enjoy. Bon appetit. So, what do you have hidden in your pocket, Sophie? Give it to me. That is ancient sorcery. And quite powerful, too. ‘You who swallowed a falling star, o heartless man, your heart shall soon belong to me.’ That can’t be good for the table. The mark may be gone, but the spell is still there. Excuse me, my friends, please continue your meal. Calcifer, move the castle 60 miles to the west. And while you’re at it, make hot water for my bath.” — Howl
“I’d appreciate it if you didn’t torment my friend. Markl, make sure the cleaning lady doesn’t get carried away while I’m gone. This war is terrible. They’ve bombed from the southern coast to the northern border. It’s all in flames now. My own kind attacked me today. No, some hack wizards who turned themselves into monsters for the king. After the war, they won’t recall they ever were human. I’m tired. Make some hot water for my bath.” — Howl
“Sophie! You sabotaged me! Look! Look what you’ve done to my hair! Look! It’s hideous! You completely ruined my magic potions in the bathroom. Wrong! Wrong! I specifically ordered you not to get carried away! Now I’m repulsive. I can’t live like this. I give up. I see no point in living if I can’t be beautiful.” — Howl
“Sophie, wait. The Witch of the Waste is trying to find my castle. I’m such a big coward, all I do is hide. And all of this magic is just to keep everybody away. I can’t stand how scared I am. She was once quite beautiful, so I decided to pursue her. Then I realized she wasn’t. So, as usual, I ran away. I can’t run much longer, though. I have to report to the palace, as both Pendragon and Jenkins. As many as I need to keep my freedom. See that? That’s the oath I took when I entered the Royal Sorcery Academy. I must report to the palace whenever summoned.” — Howl
Sophie
“No, I better finish this. You go and have fun. Oh, no, I’m not lost. No, thanks, my sister’s expecting me. Leave me alone. Oh, I’m, um, just going to the bakery. Okay.”
“Lettie. So that did happen. It wasn’t a dream. But he was so kind to me. He rescued me, Lettie. No, he wouldn’t. Howl only does that to beautiful girls. Huh? All right. I better get going then. I just wanted to make sure that you were doing okay. The shop was just so important to Father. And I’m the eldest, I don’t mind. Well… I better be going. Bye, Lettie.”
“I’m sorry, but the shop’s closed now, ma’am. I could have sworn I locked that door. Must have forgotten. I’m afraid you will have to leave now. The door’s over here, ma’am. We’re closed. The Witch of the Waste? Oh. No. Oh! That’s really me, isn’t it? I’ve got to stay calm. I’ve got to stay calm! Now, there’s no use panicking, Sophie. Oh! It’s a bad dream, that’s all. Just go inside, go to bed. You’re gonna be fine, Sophie. You’re gonna be fine. Got to stay calm.”
“Don’t come in here. I’ve got a bad cold. I don’t want you to catch it. I’ll just stay in bed all day, so you go on. Up we go. This isn’t so bad, now, is it? You’re still in pretty good shape. And your clothes finally suit you. But you can’t stay here like this for long. Oh! Being old is worse than I thought. I’ll be fine, but thanks for offering. That was really kind. Just a little ways father than where you’re going. Thank you. I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll never get there with these legs. At least my teeth haven’t fallen out yet. That would make a nice cane. Up we go. Oh. Might be too big. This is one stubborn branch. You’re not getting the best of this old lady. Oh! Just a scarecrow! I was afraid you were one of those blob men. But how’re you standing on your own like that? Your head’s a turnip. I’ve always hated turnips, ever since I was little. At least you’re not upside down now. So long.”
“It’s too cold. And I can still see the town. I’ve barely moved. Hmm? Go away! Quit following me! There’s no need to thank me, you don’t owe me a thing. I’m sure you have some kind of spell on you, and I’ve had enough of witches and spells. So, just go find some field and stand in it! Thank you, this cane is perfect, it’s just what I need. If you’d like to do me one more favor, you could run off and find me a place to stay. I seem to have become quite cunning in my old age. A battleship! Oh! Why do you get so cold when you’re old? I’m fatter than ever yet the wind blows right through me. Someone’s got a fire going. Maybe there’s a cabin nearby. You turnip-head! That’s Howl’s castle! That is not what I meant when I asked for a place to stay. Look at that. They call this a caste? Ah! Is that the way in? Slow down! For heaven’s sake! Make up your mind. Are you gonna let me in or not? Whoa! Oh, my shawl! It’s nice and warm in there so I’m going in. Oh, my shawl, thank you. I’m sure Howl won’t eat the heart of shriveled, old lady like me. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. Even if you are my least favorite vegetable. Take care, Turnip-head.”
“Ah. There we go. What a dump. When I think castle, this is not what I picture. Well, one nice thing about getting old is nothing frightens you. The fire spoke! Are you Howl? A fire demon. Well, then, you should be able to break my curse. If you’re a demon, how do I know I can trust you? You promise to help me if I help you? Then go find someone else. Oh, that’s rough. All right, it’s a deal. War… I can’t believe it’s come to this. Calcifer said that I could come in. It’s not the wastes. That’s right. I’m the scariest witch of them all. What about you? You’re wearing a disguise. Hmm? This is the royal city, isn’t it? This is a magic house, isn’t it? So, tell me, where does the black one lead?”
“Don’t you want to have some bacon and eggs? Don’t worry, I can cook. Oh, there’s my hat. That’s better. All right, Calcifer. Let’s get cooking. How would you like a bucket of cold water in your face? Or maybe I should tell Howl about our bargain? So, what’ll it be? That’s right. That’s a good fire. I think I’d like some tea, too. Do you have a kettle? Uh, you can just call me Grandma Sophie. I’m your new cleaning lady. I just started work today. Oh! Uh, Calcifer did. He’s disgusted with how dirty it is in here. Hmm. Looks like I’ve got my work cut out for me. Yes, thank you. Even the manners are a mess in this house. Huh? Oh… what is this? Hmm. Oh! I would never work for that witch! She’s the one who… I’m actually a… if I ever get my hands on that witch, I’m going to wring her fat neck! Finish your breakfast!”
“I’ve had enough of this! You bugs better run before I bite your heads off! I’m sick of being treated like some timid little old lady. You’ll be fine. I’m just sweeping out the ashes. Oh, be quiet. You’re all right. Now quit bothering me, I’ve got a job to do. Whatever you don’t want me to clean, better hide it now. These little outbursts seem to be giving me some energy. What a mess. Oh! Oh! Incredible! Calcifer! Calcifer! Are you the one moving the castle? I am thoroughly impressed! You’re a first-class fire demon. I like your spark. It’s beautiful. Oh, dear. Give me a hand, Markl. Yep, I’ve been calling him Turnip-head. Somehow he always manages to get stuck upside down. He keeps following me everywhere. Seems to have taken a liking to me. Oh, yes! I’m the worst kind of witch ever, the kind that cleans. Looks like he’ll have it dry in no time. You’re right. He probably is a demon. But he led me here, so maybe he’s the good kind. Oh, thank you, Markl. When you’re old, all you want to do is stare at the scenery. It’s so strange. I’ve never felt so peaceful before.”
“Is Howl back? Too bad. Good morning. Don’t you love early morning markets? And just look at the water! I’ve never seen the ocean before! It’s beautiful! Pay up. Thanks, have a nice day. No, I’ve seen all I can take. Let’s go home. The witch’s henchmen are here. Quiet down. They’re only a few feet away. He’s gone. I don’t understand why no one else seemed to notice him. I just need a glass of water. What a pretty color. I just organized things, Howl, nothing’s ruined. Come on, it’s not that bad. You should look at it now. This shade is even better. Now, Howl, you’re all right. We’ll just die your hair back again. Okay? Oh! Fine! So, you think you’ve got it bad? I’ve never once been beautiful in my entire life! I’ve had enough of this place! Thank you, Turnip-head. How did you get to be so kind? Such drama. No, he’s fine. He’s just throwing a tantrum. Come on. Give me a hand. Get the hot water running. Come on, Howl, you can still walk. Get him cleaned up, Markl. Now I have to mop again.”
“Howl, I’m coming in. I brought you some warm milk. Want a sip? I’ll leave it here for you, then. Try to drink it before it gets cold. Do you want some milk? I saw her henchmen at the harbor. Howl, why is the Witch of the Waste trying to hunt you down? How many aliases do you have, anyway? Hmm. Just refuse the king’s invitation. You know, Howl, I think that you should see the king.”
Calcifer
“I don’t envy you, lady. That is one bad curse. Curses are tough. You’re gonna have a hard time getting rid of that one. Let me guess. The curse won’t allow you to talk about it, right? No, I’m an extremely powerful fire demon named Calcifer. I just like to do that once in a while. Maybe, maybe not. Listen, if you can find a way to break the spell that’s on me, then I’ll break the spell that’s on you, you got it? I don’t know, lady. Demons don’t make promises. Come on! You should feel sorry for me! That spell keeps me stuck in this castle, and Howl treats me like I’m his slave. It burns me up. Got to keep the water hot, the rooms warm, keep the castle moving. You ever try to move a castle? If you can figure out how to break this thing I’m in with Howl, then you can break my spell. After that, I can easily break the spell that’s on you. Hey, lady? Lady? Hello? Lady? Hello? Hey, hey! Lady? Lady? Hey, let me get over there. Some big help you’re gonna be.”
“Porthaven door. I did not. She just wandered in here from the Wastes. Do you think I’d let a witch in here? Porthaven door again! It’s the Kingsbury door! That’s right, lady. I’m not taking orders from you. I don’t cook! I’m a scary and powerful fire demon! Oh! Stupid me! I never should have let her in here. Here’s another curse. May all your bacon burn. Hey, what are you doing? Don’t get the kettle! Who’s side are you on, anyway? Markl, what are you doing? Not on purpose. She bullied me. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Mmm. Yummy. Wait a second, you’re all gonna eat while I do all the work? Fine. Like moving the castle isn’t hard enough.”
“Sophie, please! Sophie! Please help me. I’m going out! Please, get me some firewood, quick! Hey, please help me. Wait, what are you doing? Don’t! I’ll fall! You crazy lady with tongs! I’ll fall! Help! No, I’m not fine! Please! I’m going out! Please. I’m falling. Help, I’m falling! Sophie, hurry up, please. Hurry, please. Whoa!”
“She almost smothered me! If I die, Howl dies, too, I hope you know. Of course. No one else does any work around here. She likes my spark! Ha-ha! Whew. You okay? I mean, you smell terrible. You shouldn’t keep flying around like that. Soon you won’t be able to turn back into a human. Isn’t this great? Sophie put these here for me. I can’t stand the fire in gunpowder. Those dopey guys have absolutely no manners. Who, the Witch of the Waste? Those wizards are going to regret doing that. They’ll never change back into humans. Hey, aren’t you supposed to report to the king, too? What? Not again. Yes. He’s wasting all my hot water again.”
“Howl, cut it out. Howl, no, stop it. Howl, cut it out! I’m gonna drown! I’m drowning here, Howl. Sophie! Sophie, help him, please! Sophie! Do something!”
Markl
“Hey, who’s this lady? How’d she get in here? Stand by. Mr. Mayor, good day. I’m afraid that my master is out at the moment. I speak for him in his absence. And what do you think you’re doing here, Grandma? She’s from the Wastes? How do we know she’s not a witch? Must be a customer. Stand by. Yes, my dear child? Ah, yes, do come in. Just keep quiet and don’t cause any trouble, Grandma. Dust your ship with this powder and the winds will favor it. Farewell, child. Quit telling lies to our customers. I have to. I’m practicing my magic. Stand by. It is. I will inform him right away. Move it, Grandma, or you’ll lose your nose. And stop wandering around! Leave it alone, Grandma. I’m getting angry. Ugh. Only Master Howl knows that. I need some breakfast. I’m starved. Yeah, but we can’t use the fire. Master How’s not here. It doesn’t matter. Calcifer only obeys Master Howl. Calcifer’s doing what she says. Sure. Huh? Master Howl, the king’s messengers were here. They said you have to report to the palace as both Pendragon and Jenkins. Come have some breakfast, Sophie. Take a seat. Which do you want? You only get one ’cause the rest are dirty. Thanks. Bon appetit. I can’t remember the last time we had a real breakfast. Scorch marks. Howl, can you read them? It’s from the Witch of the Waste? Wow! It’s gone! You’re not working for the Witch of the Waste, are you? Come back later. There’s a witch on a rampage in there.”
“Master Howl, are you going out now? Sophie, what did you do now? Wait, you can’t come up here! Save my room for last, okay? Ah! Not ready! Not ready! Yeah. It’s called Star Lake. Hey, what’s that stick doing in there? It’s a scarecrow. That’s weird. Are you sure you’re not a witch, Sophie? Quit pulling so hard, Turnip-head! I think he likes doing the laundry. I bet he’s some kind of demon. Calcifer doesn’t seem to mind him at all. We got all the laundry put away, Sophie.”
“I don’t know why we’re doing this. Master Howl hardly eats anything. It always looks like that. Hmm. I hate potatoes. Hmm, I hate fish. Come on, Sophie, let’s get a better look. What? Look, Sophie. It’s the enemy’s airship! Sophie! Wait up! Sophie! Sophie, are you okay? I’ll get it. He’s calling the Spirits of Darkness. I saw him do this once before when a girl dumped him. Sophie, get back inside, we need your help! Howl’s in trouble! Is he dead? Okay. Right. I will.”
The Witch of the Waste
“What a tacky shop. I’ve never seen such tacky little hats. Yet you’re by far the tackiest thing here. Standing up to the Witch of the Waste, that’s plucky. The best part of that spell is you can’t tell anyone about it. My regards to Howl.”
Mother
“Look who’s here! What do you think? It’s all rage in Kingsbury. I know! Our customers will love it! Sophie! Sophie! That’s strange. I wonder what’s wrong. Sophie! Sophie! Sophie! You sound ghastly, like some 90-year-old woman. Well, if you insist.”
Lettie
“There you go. Here. She what? Sophie? What’s going on? Someone just told me you floated down onto our balcony. I should really get back to work. Thank you, though. Wow. He must have been a wizard, then. Of course he did. He was trying to steal your heart! You are so lucky, Sophie. If that wizard were Howl, he would have eaten it. Don’t give me that. You need to be more careful. It’s dangerous out there. Even the Witch of the Waste is back on the prowl. Are you listening? Ugh! Okay. I’ll be right there. Hi, how are you doing? Sophie, do you really want to spend the rest of your life in that hat shop? I’m not asking what Father would have wanted. I want to know what you want. Good seeing you again. It’s your life, Sophie. Do something for yourself for once. Will you?”
Porthaven
“Good afternoon, sir. Would the great Wizard Jenkins be at home? An invitation from His Majesty the King. The time for war is upon us. His Majesty requires that every witch and wizard aid our homeland. Wizard Jenkins must report to the palace immediately. That is all.”
“My mom sent me to pick up a spell. Okay. Excuse me, Granny, are you a witch, too? Thanks.”
“Hello, sir, is my potion ready?”
“Good morning. Thank you, come again. All our fish were caught fresh this morning. One of our ships is in the harbor! Looks like there’s been a serious battle. What happened? Sorry lady, we’re closed. The ship, it’s sinking! I can’t believe it. It’s our most advanced battleship. Look! There they are! That plane! That’s what dropped the bombs! Ignore the flyers. They’re enemy propaganda.”
“This says they’ve landed on the coast already. Where? North.”
Kingsbury
“Would this be the residence of the great Wizard Pendragon? I bear an invitation from His Majesty the King. Please inform Mr. Pendragon that all witches and wizards are required to report for duty at the palace.”
The Kingdom
“Excuse me, could we trouble you for some more coffee? Do you have Lettie-shaped cookies? I’d buy those. What time do you get off? I’m here, where’re you going? Hey! Lettie, would you like to use my office? Lettie, the chocolate eclairs are done. Thanks. Hello, Lettie. See you later, Lettie. You, too.”
“They say their prince is missing. And they’re blaming us. Yeah, and it sounds like they’re gonna start a war over it. Nobody wants to go to war. Let’s hope the prince turns up soon. Excuse me, could you use some help? Sure, there’s room in back, but where are you headed? You’re crazy if you do this, Grandma! There’s nothing but witches and wizards out there! She’s going to the Wastes by herself? She says she’s looking for her younger sister.”
Soldiers
“Hey. Looks like a little mouse lost its way. This little mouse looks thirsty. We should take her for a cup of tea. She’s pretty cute for a mouse. How old are you? You live around here? You see? Your mustache scafes all the girls. So? She’s even cuter when she’s scared. Hey, we’re busy here. Hup! Hup! Whoa!”
Hat Shop
“Sophie, we just closed the shop. You’ve done enough work. Why don’t you come out with us this time? All right, suit yourself. Let’s go, girls. Wait for me! I’m ready. Do I look okay? It’s Howl’s castle! Where? Howl? I’ve never seen it so close! Do you think Howl will go into town? He’s gone. No, he’s just hiding in the fog from those planes. Did you hear what happened to that girl Martha from South Haven? They say Howl tore her heart out. I’m scared to go out! What? Don’t worry, he only preys on pretty girls. All right, let’s go. You girls are mean. It’s not funny.”
“You’re back! Look at you! It’s gorgeous! Your daughter hasn’t come downstairs yet today.”
