The Studio Ghibli Series Part 7: Howl’s Moving Castle

[School of Movies 2023]

Having now won an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Ghibli was facing the retirement of one of their absolute linchpins. Hayao Miyazaki wanted to go out with a bang, so adapted another favourite book of his. Howl was popular, but readers had things to say about changes that were made.

After that, his son Goro Miyazaki tried his hand at being a director in the elder's absence. adapting another treasured childhood fantasy, which was declared the worst Ghibli ever upon launch (we don't think that's fair in hindsight; Goro has done way worse since).

So, the grumpy Dad returned with a sweet little mermaid story about why his grandchild is just as cute as a button. He would later attempt and fail at retirement several more times!

2004: Howl's Moving Castle (1m 35s)

2006: Tales from Earthsea (44m 21s)

2008: Ponyo (1h 3m 35s)

In the middle of our show there is an essay piece from our friend Alejandra Vargas.

(NOTE: Part 6, which will be Spirited Away has not yet been recorded, but we will be releasing that as our finale, because it is our favourite.)