About Howl

Howl is one of the leading characters in the motion picture Howl's Moving Castle (as one would assume from the film's title). Before we meet his character, we learn he is regarded as a fearsome wizard who prowls the streets of Market Chipping, devouring the hearts (in a literal sense) of beautiful girls and women alike. The Howl we meet, however, is a self-absorbed pretty-boy possessing the magic allure of a legendary wizard and the nauseating aura of an excessively narcissistic prick.

Despite his obsession with his looks and glamour, Howl does possess the composure and ability of one of the most powerful spellcasters in the land. One thing he does not possess, however, is his heart—that and the ability to face up to his fate. He has spent his life running from the Witch of the Wastes and his own life, in protection of his magic, existence and spirit. Still, despite his intellectual flare and overwhelming power, he acts cowardly towards the inevitable and runs from everything, bearing many disguises and aliases, shadows and tricks.

Still, like every character, there exists the ability to change and to be changed by those around you. Through the magnificent fairytales-weave of Howl's Moving Castle we are able to implore the enigmatic character of Howl and come to understand his questionable ways and peculiar ideals. It is that quality which makes both the character and the film a true masterpiece.

Howl's Moving Castle

The theatrical release of Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle (Hauru no Ugoku Shiro) by was based upon the classic novel by Diana Wynne Jones. It tells the tale of Sophie Hatter, a young hat maker with no future or dreams, whose simple life is turned upside down when the Witch of the Waste places her under a devastating curse, turning her into a ninety-year-old woman. Determined to be restored to her original form, Sophie leaves the small town she has always known, and travels to the Wastes in hopes of finding the witch. She, however, finds the moving castle belonging to no other than the dreaded Wizard Howl. Thus begins Sophie's tale of intrigue, enchantment, and the ability to discover the power of one's heart. Through the many characters she meets, and the many lessons learned, she will come to discover that not everything is as it appears, and that some dreams have to be discovered, not fabricated.

A Fanlisting?

A fanlisting is a directory of sorts, where fans of certain objects, songs, people, etc. can submit their name and e-mail or site URL to be posted on a page of fans, just to show their "fansmanship". In this case, if you are a Howl fan, you may want to join.

Part of Akedia.net, AnimeFanlistings.org and TheFanlistings.org