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¥Ï¥¦¥ë¤Î„Ó¤¯³Ç [Howl no Ugoku Shiro] #4
Howl's Moving Castle, Vol. 4
Sophie thinks of herself as plain and boring, especially compared to her vivacious younger sister Lettie. Sophie expects to spend the rest of her life quietly making hats in the back room of her family's shop, but as her country prepares for war, she is forced to set out on an extraordinary adventure!
With the Royal Sorcerer hot on their heels, Howl moves house, and Sophie finds herself back where she started, in her family¡¯s hat shop. But she isn¡¯t the same plain and timid Sophie¡ªshe¡¯s been cursed, chased, and even fallen in love with an infamous wizard! Now her new strength will be tested as the war breaks out in the skies above town and Howl¡¯s life is threatened by mysterious magic!
With the Royal Sorcerer hot on their heels, Howl moves house, and Sophie finds herself back where she started, in her family¡¯s hat shop. But she isn¡¯t the same plain and timid Sophie¡ªshe¡¯s been cursed, chased, and even fallen in love with an infamous wizard! Now her new strength will be tested as the war breaks out in the skies above town and Howl¡¯s life is threatened by mysterious magic!
167 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
7 people are currently reading
514 people want to read
About the author
Hayao Miyazaki
360?books3,364?followersHayao Miyazaki (Japanese: ŒmÆé òE) is a celebrated Japanese animator, filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of animation. He is the co-founder of Studio Ghibli, the animation studio responsible for producing many of Japan¡¯s most beloved and internationally acclaimed animated films. Over the course of a career spanning decades, Miyazaki has developed a reputation for creating visually rich, emotionally resonant stories that often explore themes such as nature, pacifism, flight, childhood, and the human condition.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father¡¯s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli¡¯s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki¡¯s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl¡¯s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film¡¯s success further solidified Miyazaki¡¯s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director¡¯s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki¡¯s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
Miyazaki was born in Tokyo and developed an early interest in drawing and animation. His father¡¯s work in the aviation industry had a significant influence on him, particularly in fostering his fascination with aircraft and flight, motifs that would become prominent throughout his later works. After studying political science and economics at university, Miyazaki began his professional career in animation when he joined Toei Animation. There, he worked under the mentorship of directors like Isao Takahata, with whom he would later form a lifelong creative partnership.
In his early years at Toei and other studios, Miyazaki contributed to several television series and animated films. He worked as a key animator and storyboard artist, gradually gaining recognition for his storytelling abilities and attention to detail. Among his early projects were contributions to series such as Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Future Boy Conan. His directorial debut in feature films came with The Castle of Cagliostro, a film adaptation of the Lupin III manga series, which already showed signs of his distinctive style and sensibilities.
Miyazaki's breakthrough came with the film Nausica? of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga. The success of that film prompted the establishment of Studio Ghibli, which he co-founded with Takahata and producer Toshio Suzuki. From that point forward, Miyazaki directed and wrote many of Ghibli¡¯s most iconic works, including My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki¡¯s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Princess Mononoke, and Howl¡¯s Moving Castle. His films are known for their hand-drawn animation, strong character development, and philosophical underpinnings.
In 2001, Miyazaki directed Spirited Away, which became one of the most critically and commercially successful animated films of all time. The film received numerous awards and international recognition, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It also became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history at the time of its release. The film¡¯s success further solidified Miyazaki¡¯s reputation as a master storyteller and a visionary in global cinema.
Despite announcing his retirement several times, Miyazaki repeatedly returned to filmmaking. His later works, such as Ponyo and The Wind Rises, continued to showcase his evolving themes and storytelling maturity. His most recent project, The Boy and the Heron, marked a highly anticipated return to the director¡¯s chair and once again captivated audiences with its dreamlike visuals and emotional depth.
Miyazaki¡¯s films are often distinguished by their complex female protagonists, environmental messages, and moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut villains and heroes, his stories explore the nuances of human behavior and often focus on characters finding their place in the world. Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades and honors for his contributions to the arts, including lifetime achievement awards recognizing his impact on both Japanese and international cinema.
His legacy continues to influence generations of animators and filmmakers worldwide, and Studio Ghibli remains one of the most respected names in animation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 13, 2024
"They say that the best blaze brightest when circumstances are at their worst."
I'll never not get emotional with this ending! It's so so so beautiful! ???
Not sure what else to say about the end except that it's everything and love this story so so so much!
I'll never not get emotional with this ending! It's so so so beautiful! ???
Not sure what else to say about the end except that it's everything and love this story so so so much!
January 12, 2019
::Howl's Moving Castle's Characters::
Michael
Michael is Howl's apprentice wizard and became this by accident simply by turning up one day and then never really leaving. He is in love with Sophie's sister Martha who is pretending to be her sister Lettie. He is a decent wizard but is becoming more confused by the more complicated spells and often gets them wrong. He is loyal to Howl and grows to like Sophie over time although he finds her a nuisance when she first moves in. He also finds her a useful ally in convincing Howl to stay in the area as he does not want to move far away from his Lettie. Most of the truly disastrous spells are Michael's, such as the spell to make things bigger that grows Howl's blue suit to the size of the house.
***
The Scarecrow
The scarecrow is able to move at will and is made from parts of Suliman and parts of the Prince. Although he scares Sophie initially he manages to appear far less frightening at his second attempt to get in the castle.
Michael
Michael is Howl's apprentice wizard and became this by accident simply by turning up one day and then never really leaving. He is in love with Sophie's sister Martha who is pretending to be her sister Lettie. He is a decent wizard but is becoming more confused by the more complicated spells and often gets them wrong. He is loyal to Howl and grows to like Sophie over time although he finds her a nuisance when she first moves in. He also finds her a useful ally in convincing Howl to stay in the area as he does not want to move far away from his Lettie. Most of the truly disastrous spells are Michael's, such as the spell to make things bigger that grows Howl's blue suit to the size of the house.
***
The Scarecrow
The scarecrow is able to move at will and is made from parts of Suliman and parts of the Prince. Although he scares Sophie initially he manages to appear far less frightening at his second attempt to get in the castle.
October 7, 2023
3.6 stars
April 6, 2024
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May 21, 2016
I just want to get it out that words cannot describe how happy I was with the end of this book. Ok. There, I'm done. Now I'm going to go fangirl about it...Peace?
October 5, 2023
I wish I could've found volume 2-3 online as well but nvm ?
May 8, 2021
I really enjoyed this Film Comic series even though it is literally just the film but in comic form.
But reading this actually made me notice things way more, like how did Turnip get that cane for Sophie? Did he steal it? Or was it just some random cane in the middle of the wastes?
This movie/comic just made me so happy (especially since this is one of my favourite comfort movies of all time).
One of my favourite parts in Howl's Moving Castle has got to be when Turnip turns back into his normal self and says that Sophie is his true love since it was only a true love's kiss that would break the curse that was put on him.
But then being told by the witch of the waste that his true love is in love with someone else and Turnip just accepting that and not make a big fuss out of it was really interesting to see. You don't normally see men/boys nowadays actually accept that the person they like, don't feel the same towards them, and instead have a tantrum that they didn't get what they wanted.
So just like the other volume's in this Film Comic series,
I will rate it 5/5 Stars.
But reading this actually made me notice things way more, like how did Turnip get that cane for Sophie? Did he steal it? Or was it just some random cane in the middle of the wastes?
This movie/comic just made me so happy (especially since this is one of my favourite comfort movies of all time).
One of my favourite parts in Howl's Moving Castle has got to be when Turnip turns back into his normal self and says that Sophie is his true love since it was only a true love's kiss that would break the curse that was put on him.
But then being told by the witch of the waste that his true love is in love with someone else and Turnip just accepting that and not make a big fuss out of it was really interesting to see. You don't normally see men/boys nowadays actually accept that the person they like, don't feel the same towards them, and instead have a tantrum that they didn't get what they wanted.
So just like the other volume's in this Film Comic series,
I will rate it 5/5 Stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2024
This is a general review for the entire series.
I picked up this series, because I thought that it would be an interesting way to re-experience the movie and it, in fact, was. I think that it does a pretty good job of relaying the point of the movie, but, of course, a few things are missing. I find it somewhat interesting that this is an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation. It is fun, but I do not think that this is something that you should go out of your way to experience. If you are not sure that you will like the story - watch the movie. If you watched the movie and loved it - this is a great way of looking further into the stills.
I picked up this series, because I thought that it would be an interesting way to re-experience the movie and it, in fact, was. I think that it does a pretty good job of relaying the point of the movie, but, of course, a few things are missing. I find it somewhat interesting that this is an adaptation of an adaptation of an adaptation. It is fun, but I do not think that this is something that you should go out of your way to experience. If you are not sure that you will like the story - watch the movie. If you watched the movie and loved it - this is a great way of looking further into the stills.
November 3, 2021
Howls moving castle¡.. was¡¡ absolutely¡¡. AMAZING. I loved being inside howls world of magic and mayhem. This was a fantastic series that I plan on restarting once I finish a couple other series I¡¯m currently reading. I highly recommend this series to everyone. If I could I¡¯d give this 10 stars.
December 16, 2023
I read this anime because I am seriously behind on my 2023 goodreads reading goal.
Howl¡¯s moving castle is a beautiful story in book, anime and manga forms. One of my all time favorites deserving a reread every few years. Timeless.
Howl¡¯s moving castle is a beautiful story in book, anime and manga forms. One of my all time favorites deserving a reread every few years. Timeless.
June 16, 2018
When everything comes together like that... Dear lord, i just cry. It hits me where it counts. The story has a lot of settings and sparks that make me love it.
May 22, 2019
I thought that it was a really nice closing to the series, and I definitely think it is worth watching and reading.
March 31, 2020
Based on stills from the movie - reproduced as per the screenplay.
November 2, 2021
I love this so much :(
February 17, 2022
<33 and the ending tho <33
February 24, 2022
I just love it! Everything about it. It was supeeerb. Periodt!
May 18, 2022
2.75*.
June 13, 2022
the book was very interesting
January 3, 2023
Hieno lopetus hienolla tarinalle.
May 7, 2023
3.5 stars
October 26, 2023
3.75 stars ?
March 21, 2024
My favorite from Ghibli
April 14, 2024
In love with the story.
January 19, 2025
speechless
April 6, 2025
Loved the ending to this series
The way it all came together and developed
Definitely a win in my first series reading one of the movie titles for studio Ghibli
The way it all came together and developed
Definitely a win in my first series reading one of the movie titles for studio Ghibli
June 23, 2022
it was a very entertaining book
January 7, 2022
Lige s? god som jeg havde forventet. Selvom det godt nok er ved at v?re noget tid siden jeg har f? set filmen, men jeg overvejer kraftigt at gense den.
January 15, 2020
Die Comics sind eins zu eins eine Adaption vom Film. Und da ich das h?ufiger in den Kommentaren/ Reviews gesehen habe: Der Film ist genauso verwirrend und abrupt zu Ende wue die Comics. Das ist demnach kein Kritikpunkt an den Comics sondern am Film. Aber wenn man die Geschichte und das Ende auf sich wirken l?sst, versteht man es schon irgendwann. Ich wusste nach dem ersten Mal gucken auch nicht worum es im Film geht.
Ich mochte die Comics sehr, da diese in Farbe sind und den Film wiedergeben, zum durchbl?ttern und sich erinnern einfach top. ?brigens sind die Comis durch den farbigen Druck recht schwer.
The comics are a one-to-one adaptation of the film. And since I've seen this in the comments/reviews a lot: the movie is just as confusing and abruptly over as the comics. So this is no criticism of the comics but rather of the film. But if you let the story and the ending get to you, you will understand it at some point. I didn't know what the movie was about after the first look either.
I liked the comics very much, because they are in color and show the movie, so you can flip through them and remember it. By the way, the comics are quite heavy because of the color print.
Ich mochte die Comics sehr, da diese in Farbe sind und den Film wiedergeben, zum durchbl?ttern und sich erinnern einfach top. ?brigens sind die Comis durch den farbigen Druck recht schwer.
The comics are a one-to-one adaptation of the film. And since I've seen this in the comments/reviews a lot: the movie is just as confusing and abruptly over as the comics. So this is no criticism of the comics but rather of the film. But if you let the story and the ending get to you, you will understand it at some point. I didn't know what the movie was about after the first look either.
I liked the comics very much, because they are in color and show the movie, so you can flip through them and remember it. By the way, the comics are quite heavy because of the color print.
July 26, 2016
*There may be spoilers in this review but big ones will be marked.*
Again, this was awesome and i'm really sad that it's finished! I might have to go and read the origional story by . Which I haven't done yet and probably should have. I love Heen! I think he's so cute!!
I really, really did like this though. The pictures are amazing and they picked just the right frames to put into the comic. I really want to read some of Hayao Miyazaki's other manga/graphic novels now :)
Again, this was awesome and i'm really sad that it's finished! I might have to go and read the origional story by . Which I haven't done yet and probably should have. I love Heen! I think he's so cute!!
I really, really did like this though. The pictures are amazing and they picked just the right frames to put into the comic. I really want to read some of Hayao Miyazaki's other manga/graphic novels now :)
August 14, 2012
This 4 book series is great. I love it. I like that it reads like a manga book and that it is stills from the movie used as the artwork. I absolutely loved the movie. This volume takes you from where Sophie tells Markl she won't leave because they are a family through to the end of the story. I just loved Howl and Sophie's story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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