i'm ecstatic that they finally released a longer trailer for it.

but from what I've seen, this movie has to be seen as a re-interpretation, NOT a reproduction... since there are a few things I can nit-pick about, it being different from the original book that is. Mostly it's lil details esp on Howl's appearence. (I'm not really diggin the blond Haku model.)

but I'm sure they will deliver, story-wise.

I didn't know that Howl's Moving Castle was based on a storybook. Could you please tell me a little bit of the story or point me to the original book? I'd appreciate it.

Howl's Moving Castle is based on a book of the same title by Diana Wynne Jones. Just type in Howl's Moving Castle in any search engine and you should come up with many sites relating to the upcoming movie. :)

Thank you. I was not a big book reader so my literature knowledge is embarrassingly almost non-existent. I have a lot to catch up on many famous literatures. I actually went "Huh?" when a friend asked me if I had ever read The Chronicles of Narnia. Anyway, thanks again. I'm going to get the book now and read it so at least I can see how things are different between the book and the anime.

Hello! First of all, I've been a lurker/reader of your reviews for many months now. I'm always impressed by your detailed reviews--keep up the good work!

Second, I read HMC a long time ago; it's considered a classic only in the Young Adult fantasy novel genre. Sophie and Howl made quite the pair as I recall...I also recall that the novel was satirical, complex, and romantic, so I really wonder how the anime is going to turn out.

Yay! I am reading the book right now! My friend told me about this movie! I better hurry up and finish so I could compare it to the movie when it comes out! Thanks for mentioning this! Oh yeah, thanks for keeping up with the Fruits Basket series!

Kyaaaaaa!
I love this movie (or will).
I read a little bit of the book and Anime Howl doesn't look like a silly magician. More like a grown up Haku Hottie. (I like his earrings)

The sad thing is that it will take ages when I can see the movie. Out in Japan: this fall, out in europe :someday. Maybe in the next 2 years (like spirited away) u_______u

i started the book once i heard about the movie. got maybe 20 pages in and hated the way it was written. i'm just gonna take miyazaki's interpretaion as all i'll need to enjoy the story.

Hey,

I am a college student spending a semester in Nagasaki Japan, and I already bought my ticket. Interestingly enough, in Japan it costs more money to buy tickets early, rather than less like the theater back home. But, since I heard Spirited Away sold out, I expect Howl to preform at least as well in box office turn out, so a little security was worth 300 yen to me. Kinda interested to see if I made the right decision; anybody know where I might find some projections for opening box office sales?

Thanx,
--Kevin

300 Yen or 3000 Yen? Unfortunately, I don't know any site that has projections for the opening box office sales. Even its Official Site doesn't have it. But given the enthusiasm for the film, I don't think you made a horrible decision whatsoever.

BTW, Kevin, if you're not busy after you saw the film, I wonder if you are interested to write a review for the film? I'll post it on the blog but all credits for writing it goes to you just like on other film review sites. Please let me know if you're interested either by leaving another comment on the site or by emailing me on the email below.

The movie definitely looks interesting, though I'll have to keep myself from nitpicking, since I adored the book it's based on. Of course, whether it resembles the book or not, I'm sure Miyazaki has done an amazing job.

Now, if only I could fastforward in time to its American release-- or travel to Japan to see it, I guess ^^;

What? No one has commented on actually having SEEN the movie?? Well.. I saw it twice *just got back from Japan-- well, a month ago* And I don't know any Japanese and I was still able to follow the story very well. It is by *FAR* my favorite Ghibli movie yet. I saw it before reading the book and absolutely LOVED it. Yes, is is very VERY loosely based on the book but still amazing. But I'm not going to say anything else about it. You all are just going to have to see for yourselves!

Hey! Here's a person who's already seen the movie- twice! I loved every bit of it! The drawings are amazing, the story captivating, and the music is great! I don't know when its coming out in the US, but it's been out in France for like, 3 weeks? A "sequal" is coming out in Japan in April. Its going to be in the form of an exhibition, with drawings or something. I'm going-its only going to be out for 10days. Well hope you guys get to see it soon, its definately worth it!

It's one, gorgeous movie - yesss, Howl is a grown up Haku hottie that made me so friggin' jealous of Sophie. >

It's meeee again... Today, I brought my digital camera to take pictures for the exhibiton and caught the movie again. How many times do I have to tell the world how friggin' hawt Howl is? Even though the storyline didn't actually followed those of Miss Jones, I'd say it's still wonderfully gorgeous. I swear I'll buy myself the DVD the day it comes out - I've been a fan of Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki for long, but strangely, I never got my hands on his very first production... Nausicaa or something. The very first production I saw of his was My Neighbour Totoro - brings back nostalgic [sp] moments. I was three or four at that time. I'm listening to HMC's OST now. Gorgeous orchestra music. w00t. I think I like Howl better as a brunette. ^^

whee.. I just watched Howl's moving Castle.. And it's really really good!!!! Ahhh!!! Howl is so HANDSOME!!!! yeah and as usual the artwork and soundtrack rocks too ^^

yeh it is pretty good i just watched it(for the 2nd time). I really like the way miyazaki drew hauru(sorry I watched the japanese version with chinese translation even though I can speak english) and it made me feel a bit weird and I think it's because the things are...I've watched most of his stuff and the things he has in this film is sort of taken mostly from his other things. I do admit that Hauru is really handsome though ^o^

hi all
just wanted to know when will the DVD be available

My favorite Ghibli film ever! The scenery is beautiful, the animation is spectacular, and Howl is gorgeous! I hadn't had a crush on an anime character in years, till Howl. ^_^; It's such a touching story, too, and all the subtle moments of romance left my heart all aflutter. I had planned on seeing this again and again, but only a week later, it's been pulled from the one local theater that was showing it! How sad... I can't wait buy the DVD and completely wear it out. ^_^

In Australia, we've only just started hearing about the movie. But there is hardly a kid that hasn't read the book. Ms Jones is one of kids' favourite authors - though most think this book wasn't her best, I love its spin on the usual fairytale. Recommend everyone reads it because there's too much to put in one movie.

I have seen this film and it is completely amazing!
The story was wondeful, the anime itself was perfect and Howl was gorgeous! I am going to buy the dvd without a doubt!