Based on Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones. Howl's Moving Castle follows the story of young Sophie Hatter, a bookworm, the eldest of three daughters, a girl doomed to an uninteresting life as a hat maker. Sophie resigns herself to her boring fate, but fate has other plans for her. Cursed by the Witch of the Waste with the body of a 90-year-old woman, she finds her way to the moving castle inhabited by the wizard Howl, said by all to eat the souls of young girls.

Howl has been cursed by the Witch as well, and is seeking the love of young girl to help him break the curse. The book has enchanted readers of all ages for nearly 20 years, and the film was released on November 20, 2004 in Toho theaters across Japan (see the FAQ for other release dates).

The screenplay for the film was written by Hayao Miyazaki, who also directed the film. Katsuya KONDOU (Kiki's Delivery Service) was the Animation Director. Mamoru Hosoda had been selected to direct the film but abruptly left the project. Miyazaki then took up the director's role.

Hauru no Ugoku Shiro and Howl's Moving Castle ©Copyright 2004 Nibariki, TGNDDDT.
Original work ©Copyright 1986 Diana Wynne Jones.
Images and information used for promotional and informational purposes only.