Ghibli films can be analyzed for hours, considering how each one of them is laden with meaning and symbolism. While there can be various interpretations of every theme portrayed, Hayao Miyazaki’s unwavering pro-environment and anti-war sentiments always seep through.
Films like Spirited Away and The Boy and The Heron have garnered attention from all over the world and even won the Academy Awards. However, Miyazaki has always been more focused on his craft than its reception. He once went out of his way to make sure one of his films wouldn’t do well in the United States. This Ghibli film was none other than the fantastical Howl’s Moving Castle.
Miyazaki Went the Extra Mile to Sabotage Howl’s Moving Castle’s Performance Overseas
Howl’s Moving Castle is based on a novel by Diana Wynne Jones. Fans of the novel often complain about how the movie strays from the novel’s storyline with the introduction of some original ideas. Out of the many narrative and creative changes Hayao Miyazaki made, the theme of war was something that stood out, as it wasn’t a part of the original story in the novel.
Seemingly, Miyazaki had a reason why he decided to incorporate war into an otherwise magical film. The legendary director’s memoir/book, Turning Point: 1997-2008, mentions a particular interview where he shared how he was confident that his future movies wouldn’t do as well in the United States.
Around the time of the Iraq War, I even made a slightly conscious effort to create a film that wouldn’t be very successful in the United States.
The Iraq War began in March 2003. Howl’s Moving Castle was the first film to be released (in 2004) after the war. So, it’s safe to assume that Miyazaki was referring to Howl’s Moving Castle when he said he made a conscious effort.
The director made his feelings pretty clear, and while his influence couldn’t affect the war directly, it may have influenced a lot of people. It wasn’t the first Ghibli film where Miyazaki condemned the war, but it was the first time there was such a stark contrast in the themes represented in his films.
On one hand, Howl’s Moving Castle was an escape and a beautiful fantasy, and on the other, it showed the atrocities of the war.
The Stark Contrast in the Themes of Howl’s Moving Castle
For many fans, Howl’s Moving Castle is a comfort watch. The beautiful scenery, compelling characters, and exceptional soundtrack ensure that you have a good time. As soon as the war becomes more prominent in the story, the feel-good atmosphere gets replaced with a more intense mood.
The war and its futility are explained to us, as nothing can truly explain the destruction of such a colossal magnitude. Miyazaki weaved such different moods and themes into one film, and fans loved it. It shows why he’s so highly regarded around the world.
The complete disregard for the potential reception and commitment to his own vision makes Miyazaki’s creations authentic and impactful. He has reached a place where he has the autonomy to experiment and dictate what the final product should look like, and it’s glorious to witness him use that authority to its full potential.
Howl’s Moving Castle is available to stream on Netflix, and Turning Point: 1997-2008 can be found on Amazon.
