A review of the most memorable characters in this anime film
Studio Ghibli is one of the oldest animation studios and praised by the film industry. His recognition is worldwide and his team has been responsible for bringing such famous cult feature films to the world as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away either The grave of the firefliesa dramatic anime with anti-war messages that has excited a large number of viewers.
Moving Castle is another of this studio’s great films. A fascinating display of imagination by Hayao Miyazaki that he treasures in his footage some of the most inspired moments of his entire filmography. Its animation has withstood the inevitable passage of time and its story is led by charming characters who carry important messages for the viewer under their arms. In this article we will delve into the best characters in the movie.
Watch Moving Castle on Netflix
The following lines include spoilers from Moving Castle.
Sophie Hatter
Sophie in one of the first scenes of the film
At the beginning of the film, Sophie is shown as a young woman with a shy personality who constantly despises his own physical appearance. Due to the Witch of the Wasteland’s curse, Sophie’s body aged until she looked similar to that of a 90 year old woman. Ashamed and confused, Sophie decided to run away from her family and ask the enigmatic wizard Howl for help.
The curse has also caused Sophie to suffer a significant weakening of her physical resistance. Curiously, Sophie’s new look made her turn more extroverted with people and positively value the appearance he had before receiving the curse. During the film we see her gain more confidence, develop romantic feelings for Howl, and reach a better version of herself.
The Witch of the Wasteland
The Witch of the Wasteland is a powerful sorceress and the main antagonist of the film for the first two-thirds of the film. He appeared at Sophie’s store and to punish her insolence turned her into an old woman thanks to a curse he knew. He has known Howl for a long time and is a selfish character who excessively values the physical appearance of others.
He holds a grudge against Howl and his main objective is physically take over your heart. At a late point in the plot, the Witch of the Wasteland loses her powers and becomes a decrepit version of herself. Sophie was capable of standing up to this version of the Witch of the Wasteland, but she preferred to forgive her and end the conflict between them. After this, the Witch of the Wasteland decided give him Howl’s heart.
howl
A wizard of immense power who hates wars
The eccentric lord of the castle that gives its name to the film. He is considered one of the best Studio Ghibli characters and has immense power, far superior to that of the Witch of the Wasteland. His physical attractiveness and mysterious personality have caused many to consider it dangerous, but treat human beings well.
Howl has always been courteous to Sophie and has protected her on numerous occasions, even before she received the curse of the Witch of the Waste. He deeply hates wars and uses his magic mainly to help living beings. Despite being very mature and empathetic, Howl sometimes shows a very innocent and childish side. His greatest ambition is to lead a quiet life while traveling the world.
Calcifer
A little fire demon that has no qualms about addressing others and share your opinions. He is very outgoing and serves Howl faithfully, although he sometimes complains about his job. The moving castle may be in constant motion thanks to its power.
Calcifer He has been traveling the world for a long time along with Howl and Markl. He got along badly with Sophie in the early stages of the film, but she won his affection when she appreciated his powers.
Turnip Head
Sophie met Turniphead while looking for Howl.
One of the most beloved supporting characters in the film. Turnip Head is a scarecrow with a life of its own who is unable to communicate verbally with people. He became Sophie’s greatest ally when she selflessly helped him while searching for Howl.
Turnip Head helped Sophie in several moments of the film and thanks to him our protagonist was able to enter the moving castle. In the final stretch we discover that it is, in reality, an important prince from a neighboring kingdom that is at war.
