The Art History of Howl’s Moving Castle

What do a Welsh children’s book, the Iraq War, and a master of Japanese animation have in common? They collide in Howl’s Moving Castle—the dazzling follow-up to Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning Spirited Away. Though now beloved by audiences worldwide, the film almost wasn’t Miyazaki’s. Originally intended for another director, this spellbinding story only came under his care after global events reshaped its destiny.

Howl’s Moving Castle, like many other Ghibli films, finds its roots in a European children’s book, in this case Diana Wynne Jones’ 1986 book of the same name. It was an important book for the New Mythology movement, which is defined by the emergence of a new heroic archetype that transcends old cultural concepts and confronts them with modern ideals. The central character, Sophie Hatter, with her courage and determination in the face of difficulty, is an ideal New Mythology hero. Sophie also fits neatly into the Miyazaki canon of brave, capable female leads - with a unique and interesting twist.

Helen McCarthy is a writer and speaker on anime and manga. She’s been studying anime since 1981, writing over a dozen books, over a hundred articles and essays, and giving talks all over the world. Her talk on the Art History of Studio Ghibli has wowed audiences all over the UK for Seed Talks.

Presented by Seed Talks

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