I was doing a homestay in Japan (thank you, Tanaka-san) in Kyoto. It was on the television, and everyone seemed to have watched it before. I was mesmerized by the gorgeous, dreamlike scenes, but couldn't quite get into the story.
It wasn't until several showings later, when the real meaning of the movie crept out at me. Sophie young, and Sophie old- they were essentially the same person. Only the outside had changed.
As a young girl, Sophie was serious and preferred to dress in "older lady" clothes.
When she was suddenly changed into an old woman by the evil "Witch of the Wastes", she finds it funny that now, her wardrobe finally seemed appropriate.
Like Sophie, I love my comfortable sweaters, and hats suit me very well (although it's a shame that people don't really wear hats anymore.) Like Sophie, I have worked in a shop with very demanding customers! (Flashback to when I was asked to put a very large item in a bag, and there wasn't a bag large enough to be found!) And among my other jobs, yes, I have actually done cleaning, so I could appreciate Sophie's pride and satisfaction over a job well done!
Sophie is intrigued by the beautiful Howl, but has been warned about him. Stuck in the form of an older lady, she doesn't think that he will see her as a love interest anyway, just a tasty snack, as we've been told he devours hearts! As the film goes on, we grow to see Howl, who is a bit vain and tempestuous, but nonetheless develops deep feelings for Sophie. Now, I have never met a naughty wizard like Howl, but I daresay that he would fit into my world of eccentric characters. This film touches on so many things: growing and changing, love, becoming older, magic, and the confidence to be yourself. Sophie blossoms when she stops being so self-conscious about what others think and becomes her true self- a great lesson for all!
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