| |
Spirited Away two years ago (125 audience, 87% score) showed
there is a market in the West for Japanese animation (and
there dominant skills over most western
animators), so we kick off the spring season with its wonderful
follow-up.
Transformed from a young woman into an aged crone by the
Witch of the North Sophie finds work with eccentric wizard
Howl in his titular home. He’s busy fighting
wars with his neighbours so she befriends his cursed fire
demon Calcifer and various adventures ensue. Peopled with
Miyazaki’s trademark demons, spirits and
bewildered humans and with another gorgeous Joe Hisaishi
score, this marks the continued refinement of the trademark
Miyazaki themes: redemption, flight, identity,
loyalty, honour and friendship.
"a floatingly delightful
fairytale with its heart set on repealing the laws of gravity"
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
|
|
