Blog Entry 7

I have chosen Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne jones. This is a novel which published in 1986 and in 2004 it was adapted as an Academy Award-nominated animated film by Hayao Miyazaki.  This is a wonderful movie which I have watched 4 times, and then I read the original book.

         This is a magic story about a young girl Sophie who was turned into an old woman by a powerful witch and then found a job as a cleaning lady for another wizard Howl. Sophie deals with Howl’s resident fire demon, Calcifer: if Sophie can break the contract Howl and Calcifer have signed, Calcifer will help Sophie return young. Sophie learns that Howl a lot, he is a rather self-absorbed, dishonest and cavalier but ultimately good natured person. And after some adventures they have been in love. Finally, Sophie and Howl admit they love each other and live happily ever.

         The first time I watched the movie was 2005, Mr. Hayao’s movies are all great. This is one of the best from him. However, I think the book is better than the movie, because the characters are more full truth.