Toms View of the World

(or to use it’s Japanese title - “Hauru no ugoku shiro”)

This is simply superb - surreal, bizarre, a story of magic told against a backdrop of war, beautifully animated.

The story centers around Sophie, who is cursed by the Wicked Witch of the Wastes and finds herself trapped in the body of an old woman. In escaping the city, she finds herself caught up in the adventure of Howl, a boy, a scarecrow, a fire-demon, and a dog.

It’s utterly bizarre, and although animated, and despite it’s “U” rating in the UK - this is a film that is much more adult than child, however Hayao Miyazaki has brought this magical world to life.