Before I begin this review, I want to say that I went to the annual TeenBookCon in Houston yesterday and met some incredible authors including Ruta Sepetys and Jennifer Donnelly! They are so intelligent and riveting; I couldn't help but be inspired by their skill in the craft of writing, especially of historical fiction. Sepetys did the Keynote speech which was incredibly moving; she has such a passion of voicing stories previously silenced. Seriously recommend the novels of both of these authors!
Also in love with Halsey's album Badlands. Now onto the review you've been waiting for.
Howl's Moving Castle
Summary: A young girl is forced to toil in her parents' hat shop and her only joy is in her occasional meetings with a handsome stranger, Howl the wizard. When the Witch of the Waste sees her happiness, she curses her to become old in a jealous rage. Ashamed and afraid, she flees to Howl's magic moving castle. Will Howl see her for who she really is?
This is such a cute film! The animation is very characteristic of Japan; they don't hold back the eccentricities. The art is so engaging and the story in its core is beautiful as the main character, Sophie, becomes more youthful as she becomes more self-confident. The love story is sweet and romantic. It's a great 2 hr film to watch when you need a pick-me-up!
My only complaint (if it is one) is that I felt that a lot more things needed explaining like the war or what exactly Howl did in the war... but then again, I feel like the writers really left it open to interpretation so if you're into that, it's really a pro for you.
Definitely a film classic!
xx Jennifer
(P.S. Should have a review of Poisonwood Bible up soon.)
