Howl's Moving Castle (2004)

Calls it a stunning reaction to the invasion of Iraq but more than an anti-war polemic. Singles out the dazzling visuals, real emotion and sophisticated plotting as far beyond your average cartoon.

The critic finds the adaptation a charming and absorbing treat that blends Jones' clever fantasy with Miyazaki's visual playfulness and detail, though the dense plot and familiar themes make it feel somewhat redundant and hard to follow for younger viewers.

The critic calls it visually inventive and unremittingly charming like its predecessor Spirited Away, with funny, exhilarating and touching moments, but notes it lacks the spiritual and metaphysical depth of that film.

The critic praises the spellbinding set pieces, intricate details, and the inventive moving castle but notes the story lacks logic, emotion, and clear motivation, making it a frustrating but visually captivating experience.

The review praises Miyazaki's wild imagination and the visually ingenious adventure but notes that eye candy comes at the expense of plot development, with a rushed final third and surreal conclusion likely to confuse children.

The critic highlights the film's visual dazzle and imaginative high-imperial fantasia setting but finds the structure increasingly baggy with a fluctuating tone and cloying conclusion that diminishes engagement.

The critic finds the film a disappointment compared to Miyazaki's recent masterpieces, with a murky plot that grows impatient at spectacle without meaning, though it has undeniable charm and visual wonderment. The castle itself is singled out as an amazing visual invention.

The film is a hand-drawn visual treat full of delightful touches and a star turn from the walking castle, but its lack of clarity and unfocused plot may frustrate viewers expecting more coherence.

Miyazaki's astonishing imagination and detail shine through in this adaptation, with a marvellous moving castle, though the story is at times confusing and too long, losing its way in the final half-hour.

The critic hails Miyazaki's gift for wonder and fearless visual imagination, describing the film as magical and breathtaking with an idiosyncratic emotional through line. The castle and themes of love, kindness, and the evils of war are singled out for praise.

The critic finds it a floatingly delightful fairytale and touching parable about the transforming power of love and the scary burden of youth. Praises its visual exuberance, gentleness and unshowy intelligence and emotional literacy.

The critic finds the film less enchanting than Spirited Away due to its convoluted plot and surreal twists that may bore some viewers, though it remains likeable with strong visual flair and a standout walking castle.

The critic calls it a fitting introduction to one of modern cinema's great enchanters, praising its visual ingenuity and sensitivity as a storyteller. The castle is highlighted as one of the most extraordinary contraptions on screen.

Miyazaki delivers a dazzling, wonderful fairytale bursting with joy, enchantment and a marvellous clanking castle, though the convoluted story and lengthy finale prevent it from matching Spirited Away.

The critic finds the film a visually breathtaking work with solid voice acting and likeable characters, though the pacing feels uneven after the midpoint and the plot is occasionally confusing.

The critic hails the film as anime at its finest, a surrealistic fairytale that is lightning-paced, visually stunning and feverishly creative. They single out its fluid, magical logic and imaginative set pieces, such as elderly women climbing a staircase.