Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Content

Hello folks! We will do a nice soft rollout. We encourage you to use the Badd Medicine website to watch the videos. Over the next few weeks or so, we will continue to upload videos to Patreon and the website.

Badd Medicine website: Howl's Moving Castle watch along & Uncut available

Link: Howl's Moving Castle FULL REACTION

Full Length Uncut (no sync): Howl's Moving Castle UNCUT

Note: The uncut version is for testing purposes and is not a permanent addition at this time.

The uncut will be up for 48 hours-ish, & the website has a 21-day window before it expires from its posting.

Format: Watch along (Have your copy to sync) 

Why is it blurred? Copyright laws. We do not own this movie property nor can we afford the rights to distribute

First watch: All 

Watched on: HBO MAX

Howl's Moving Castle watch options here

Thank you and hope you enjoy

Files

Comments

Lord W.

Loved your reaction to this, fellas! And I'm glad you got to enjoy it more because you went in with a different mindset this time around! <3

Kadence

plz tell me they watched it dubbed

sophia

About to watch so excited !!!

Kadence

NOOOOOO CHRISTIAN BALE MY GLORIOUS KING

minnie

y’all should check out the cast they got for the dubbed version, lots of familiar and beloved names there ;)

Artem Dmytrenko

Upvote your favorite Ghibli movies on the website! Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=yxn2xnwgqp Porco Rosso https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=q6o92fmh95 Castle in the sky https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=aol2a0hrre Princess Mononoke https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=znlozcxepw Kiki's Delivery Service https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=phuivy4m5w My Neighbor Totoro https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=6jyi7qaqyw The Secret World of Arrietty https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=ik2mgz4zuj Ponyo https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=9c5ryk1xpo From Up On Poppy Hill https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=oleo0uatlz Whisper of the Heart https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=rf2gl4n1ef Grave of the Fireflies (I, personally, really don’t think they should watch this, come on guys what are you doing) https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=vw8p9thz4n When Marnie Was There https://www.baddmedicine.com/recommendations?share=tzjq2hnc1e

LavendersBlues

NOT DUBBED?????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO CHRISTIAN BALEEEEEEEEE........so saddddddddddddddddddd..........................😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

DustinEatWorld

As much as I hate to say it, I think Studio Ghibli films simply aren’t really made for you 😅—you’re not exactly the target audience. That said, I also believe you should have started with Totoro, Kiki, Whisper of the Heart, or Ponyo, and only later worked your way up to the bigger, more complex masterpieces.

DustinEatWorld

But I think it’s great that you watched it in Japanese. Calcifer sounds far too dark in English, in my opinion. And Howl comes across as much too serious and mature—thanks to ‘Batman.

DustinEatWorld

My top 5 are: 1.Nausicaä 2.Whisper of the Heart 3.Sprited Away 4.Howls Moving Castle 5.Totoro

Artem Dmytrenko

It's not a Ghibli movie if you don't get confused at the end 😌 But I believe you understand most of the important moments: 1) Sophie's appearance depends on her self-estimate 2) She let Witch stay because she has a kind heart 3) Howl is a pacifist. That's purely a film thing, Miyazaki is a pacifist himself and loves to put anti-war messages in films.

slavicandsapphic

I disagree on Grave of the Fireflies. I think every American should watch it, it’s an incredibly important movie. Will it suck and will we all cry? Absolutely. However, I think the guys would appreciate the movie and what its trying to say. Art that is meant to disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed is something the guys have always appreciated. (examples being The Long Walk, Hunger Games, and so on) That being said, I hope we get more lighthearted movies before this one.

DustinEatWorld

A big, well-known name, yes—but it doesn’t really suit Howl’s elegant and somewhat fragile nature. The original Japanese version is better in that regard, just like it is for Calcifer.

Brooksie

Do i think it's better than Spirited Away? Yes. Did I finish it just as confused? Also yes.

gen

How come you guys decided not to watch the dubbed? :/

gen

I knowwwww it has such a great and fun cast in English I don’t get why they didn’t go for the dubbed since almost everyone has been recommending dubbed studio ghibli movies 😭🫠

duui

the only time i would've preferred a dub 😭

Maisie

This is my cousin's favorite movie. I've watched it four times and still have no idea what it's about.

Artem Dmytrenko

I was pleasantly surprised that Oak decided to give Spirited away a second chance and watched it by himself. If you’re gonna rewatch Moving Castle I strongly suggest dub - it’s considered very good, you may say it "westernizes" the movie a bit, but keeps the Ghibli vibe.

Crispy

oh my god, this is why you guys need to stop telling them how to watch things. now they don't get to see Christian bales performance...

Mari

OMO! The English Dub was really good! Christian Bale. My favorite animated movie of all time, seen it a alot of times and I have never watched it in Japanese. This is a first for me.

Crispy

it does

Claire

I wish you had watched it dubbed! The English audio matches the films whimsy a lot better imho!!! But I’m glad you guys are building an appreciation for Japanese media regardless!

Mina E.D

Yayyy subbed

Artem Dmytrenko

because of the pressure from sub-lovers. I am a sub-lover myself, but some people just need to chill

LavendersBlues

I've seen both the sub and dub and I just like Christian Bale's performance. Maybe that's because I am a western audience member but.... Miyazaki's own argument is that you should watch it in your native tongue because no matter what you're going to miss nuances either way and it's easier for you to absorb the film. He's the ultimate middle ground on dub v sub. And imho the Ghibli dubs are the best anime dubs of all time, hands down.

Izanne

Well I was excited to watch this reaction but I personally only like this one dubbed.

Izanne

I’m honestly sad, I was so excited when it popped up 😕

BigMajor

Have never seen this movie but seeing all the comments of dub v sub make me laugh so much. This is why you watch movies and tv in the way that's best for you. It's about enjoying the experience the way you prefer. Not the way others pressure you. But I get they are trying to please the fans. As a fan of Badd Medicine, just watch shows how you want. We are here for your reactions no matter what you guys do

LavendersBlues

I'm with you -- if watching in dub makes it easier to absorb and understand the plot then people should watch the dub!!! They've mentioned it several times in Demon Slayer that the sub would have ruined the experience and their ability to enjoy/understand the show. And Ghibli dubs are great! I don't know why people are so down on them.

AllyBoo124

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES OF ALL TIME LETS GOOOO

LavendersBlues

Look, when dubs in the 90's and early 2000's were bad, I get why the sub superiority complex became such a thing. But the dub scene has improved SO MUCH in terms of translation, acting, and enjoyability --- for western audiences who didn't grow up learning Japanese culture and tradition via anime or personal interest, dubs should always be first choice. It's the easiest way to translate the story and intention so the audience will understand it. And now I've said my peice, I'll listen to all sub superiority arguments while I sip my water and wait.

mdl

I love Studio Ghibli films but I find myself in the same boat where the first time I see them I’m not a huge fan, but then they just grow on re-watch. I didn’t like Spirited Away the first time I saw it but it’s easily my most watched Ghibli film over the decades. Sometimes it’s weird and you don’t appreciate it until later. I’m just glad they watched it 😀

Jessie

A cool thing about Hayao Miyazaki movies, as you guys noticed here, is that there are never any real villains. The "villain" is usually a concept (war or pollution or self-doubt) which always makes it feel more realistic to me. love that you guys noticed the cozy vibes and the symbolism of Sophie's changing appearance. I know there was some confusion, but if you ever rewatch, you'll catch that Sophie gets younger when she feels the most self-assured and at peace with herself. Poor Diamond Dave has gotta be so up in arms with all the dub/sub discourse. sadly it's really case-by case as far as quality, but Studio Ghibli English dubs are generally loved (by western audiences) Not only are the performances amazing, but it's a lot easier to follow some of the more confusing concepts. Also, i feel like a lot of the humor got missed here. Fingers crossed for Kiki's Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke soon!

Jessie

Lol agreed about avoiding Grave of the Fire Flies. I feel like we should at least find them a Studio Ghibli movie they can actually enjoy before we break their spirits completely 😂

TingKarg

Aww damn. I was really hoping y'all would do the dub for this one. I think it's one of the best Ghibli dubs if not THE best.

Saphthings

IMPORTANT: Hey, besides the whole dub thing, this is critical for you to know. Ghibli movies are notoriously bad on youtube when it comes to strikes. Whole channels have been nuked because of them (look up VKunia, and her first ever video, that's her second channel she had to start over). If you do put it on youtube put just 1 of them, wait a while, and feel it out. And do it at your own risk. As much as they're iconic and great, they're honestly not the best business move because of how tough they are on rights on youtube.

Valerie ♡

My head is in my hands hahahaha

TingKarg

I know, I was so hype when I saw the notif but now I'm just depressed lmaooo.

Charity Konusser (the chonus)

I don't believe they chose to do the subtitled version based on comments from community members -- I believe they either chose on their own, or it's part of the alternating pattern they're using.

Mintteacup

I like you guys but after not liking Spirited Away i'm surprised the next one you got recommended was Howl's Moving Castle of all things. If it was Princess Mononoke or Grave of the Fireflies i would understand then. Also Ghibli movies and probably most anime movies unrelated to a show are definitely regarded as better to watch in English. I'm a sub watcher but always do dub for movies. Ghibli also have some great well known actors you might even recognise.

𝙶𝚘𝚕𝚍𝙻𝚒𝚍𝚒𝚊 🏴‍☠️🦇

Ghibli movies are chill and slow, and maybe the first time you watch it that can become a bit tiring as a viewer. My first movie from this studio was My Neighbor Totoro, I had a.. WEIRD experience with it. You definitely have to see them several times (but not to get the plot, simply because you focus on different things - details that you hadn’t seen before and it slowly starts getting into you). The artsyle is beautiful and everything is hand drawn, If I’m not wrong they surprisingly finished the whole movie in under two years.

Maria

I haven’t watched this in sooo longgg. excited to re-watch with you guys 🫶🏻

Erlacine

If you guys continue watching japanese animated movies, aside from ‘A Silent Voice’, it would make my whole year if you guys ever watch ‘Wolf Children’ (dub) by studio Chizu. It’s such a beautiful story

Lauren

I haven’t watched the full video yet, but I want to take a minute to just make an Answer appreciation post. He’s always so enthusiastic and open-minded in his reactions. All the guys are, but I wanted to give Answer some love today.

Andrew

Not sure abt that, they've been doing sub for all anime movies and dub for all the anime series beside AOT, which is what they started with.

Annika

I love that you're checking out Ghibli :) This is one of my favourite movies.. I was looking forward to this so much, unfortunately you missed out on the best English dub with Christian Bale :(

Rica

Awww my childhood! Studio Ghibli has such a special place in my heart ♥️

Rica

When it comes to Ghibli movies please don’t be afraid and feel free to watch the dub versions :)

gen

Yeah I keep waiting for them to watch Mononoke because I feel like that’d be closer to their taste but 🤷‍♀️

Tales of the Chronicler

LOVE that you guys watched this! The whole aging/de-aging of Sophie was tied to her "sense of self", namely when she feels confident and sure of herself = younger / when she doubts herself or feels low = older. Sorry if someone explained this already!

meeshmallow

This is my fav Ghibli film and I totally understand it not making sense the first time around! Like Oak said, things come together a bit more the second time around

gen

I think this is just a matter of preference. I absolutely think Christians voice suits Howl and his personality and I love Calcifers dub too

MynamecouldB

After what happened with Spirited Away I thought they would watch this one in dub.

Husna Samadi

I'm really disappointed it wasn't watched in English Dub, the English Sub was torture >_<

LavendersBlues

@gen -- Billy Crystal absolutely slays as Calcifer, agreed. And yes I'm with you, I think Christian was great as Howl. And honestly both Sophie's were GOLD.

Alana Swiss

As you're learning, Ghibli films are complex and often open for interpretation! I think Ghibli films always carry similar base elements: 1. Showcasing the magic of day to day life (cleaning, riding a train, waiting for a bus, cooking.) These elements add to the coziness of ghibli films and give viewers a sense of calm amidst chaos. 2. The importance of nature and highlighting ways humans often destroy its beauty. This is a focus of Japanese culture as well. They have a deep respect for nature and I think Ghibli often highlights it with overgrown areas and natural landscapes in addition to more obvious plot points. 3. The horrors of war. Miyazaki grew up in a post WWII world and is a notable pacifist. The selfishness of human wars often makes their way into his films. 4. Aviation. Miyazaki loves all forms of aviation. There are many planes and flying devices often explored throughout his films. 5. Respect for the elderly. This, to me, is why they took in the witch of the waste. Sophie is a naturally empathetic person and as she gets to know the witch, she feels more sorry for her than angry at her. Then when the witch loses her magic and becomes just a frail old woman, Sophie takes it upon herself to look after her because it is ingrained in Japanese culture to take care of your elderly. 6. A childlike sense of wonder. Ghibli films are a form of escapism. And you're right that they often feel like a weird fever dream. They're a form of immersive realism, blending fantastical elements like flying or spirits with mundane day to day life to create a cozy, lived in world that feels like you're exploring your subconscious. There's something deeply human about Ghibli films that take you on more of an emotional journey than a typical film with straight forward plots and action. As you said, it is an *experience.* As for this movie in particular, I always took Sophie's changing looks as reflecting how she was feeling inside. In the beginning they even call her old for just wanting to make hats and stay in. She feels old, a shut in, a spinster - so that's how she appears. When she feels young, she looks young (and Howl's love makes her feel young). In the end, this movie is about love letting you overcome your shortcomings like Sophie's lack of self confidence, and Howl's vanity and selfishness. Ghibli movies are thought provoking, emotional, and visually immersive which is why they are so beloved! 😊

MrPwnzor

Wolf Children is one of my FAVORITES. So good.

Kalkent

Hayao Miyazaki is a master storyteller. His skill in mixing genres - adventure, fantasy, drama, comedy - seamlessly with themes - both personal and worldly - is second to none. His movies are always allegorical - often projecting our real world issues or history, only in a fantastical backdrop masked inside a fun adventure. He never dictates the viewer how they should feel through overt dialogue, but encompasses you in the burgeoning atmosphere that's full of surprises. That, for me, is what separates him from almost every other filmmaker. Howl's Moving Castle is him not operating at his best, but very close to, which is still better than 99% directors that have ever made a film. 4.2 Answers

Gabby Torres

Would love to see the English dub. I I like that you guys respect, traditional anime rules and will watch with the original language, but studio Ghibli movies are a little different in regards to the English cast.

Valerie ♡

Yesss good point ! Which is why... they should react to it AGAIN but in the English dub :')

Javier Padilla

One of my all time favourite movies. I love how it leaves so much for the imagination and uses magic as a great resource for it. I think the whole jurney of the movie is really never trully understanding how things ans spells work. As is in the final song lyrics you just have to accept that the only constant in life is change. So the best thing you could do is accept it. I can reallt talk about this movie for hours. But as i revisit it in diffrent stages of my life it really taches me something different. A true masterpiece.

Javier Padilla

I think this is a really important movie and message for the times we're living in, with so many wars going around us. Miyazaki's message of anti war is a constant throughout his movies as someone who lived his childhood in a post ww2 japan. the "why is the witch still around" comments are funny but also if we think of it. It really is a way of telling us how conflict really begins, wih a grudge or a need for vengance. As of the other mages and Howl i love the message of. It's not really about sides war strips away of humanity out of everyone involved. Makeing it trully the folly of human kind. Miyazaki teaches us to strive for a more understanding and forgiving society.

Artem Dmytrenko

I hope this dub-sub complaining won't discourage you 🥺 Your reactions are great and we would love to see more Ghibli from you!

krissy

Some examples of Sophie's appearance changing and my reasoning as to why: 1. When she's sleeping: she's most at peace. I also think that her interaction with bird Howl was maybe a dream or some alternate state of consciousness. When she "woke up" young she said, "I wonder if Howl's back." Then, the next morning she woke up again as Grandma Sophie, glanced up at the stairs sort of confused, and said, "Howl must be back." So either way I feel like she doesn't remember it clearly. 2. Whenever Howl does something kind for her: She feels appreciated and seen, confident and cared about. She second guesses herself pretty quickly afterward until the end of the film though. When Howl shows her the bedroom he made her she starts to look younger until Howl asks if she likes it. Her face wrinkles and she replies sort of dejectedly, "Yes, it's perfect for a housekeeper." 3. I'm sure there are more examples, but I've already typed way more than I meant to. Ooh! When she stands up for herself/Howl!

Laura

Im fully convinced if this animation was terrible the film would not be nearly as popular. Lol im sorry this isnt a good plot. And howl as a character isnt very fleshed out or interesting. I couldnt care less about him almost dying at the end because hes such a nothing burger of a character.. and theres a lot of unexplained and unexplored lore that we as an audience are just presented randomly. I would rate it a 2/5.

Fajar Kurniawan

Watch anime in dub ✅ Watch anime in sub ✅ Watch anime ✅

PKKite

HIGHLY RECCOMEND PRINCESS MONONOKE!!! Personally I think its the Ghibli movie yall would most enjoy ive been hoping for it since yall did spirited away and werent feeling it. Also reccomening dub just makes things easier.

Kelsey Roberts

I’m curious why you think Howl is a nothing burger of a character. They make it clear in the movie that he’s several things. He’s vain. He’s clever. He’s funny. He’s childish. He’s a pacifist or a coward. Whichever you’d prefer to style him as. He’s a flamboyant dresser but has a hard time with household chores. He’s kind enough to adopt a child and make him his apprentice, but selfish enough to remain constantly roving around the country for his freedom. Lots of qualities. Not really a nothing burger in my opinion.

Husna Samadi

I agree I think the feeling of being loved/seen is what makes her younger again, ultimately gaining self esteem and confidence in who she is

Silvana

I want to thank you guys for making the effort to understand and appreciate what makes these films feel special to those of us who love them. This one holds a special place in my heart. On our wedding day, my husband and I did a choreographed ballroom dance to the song entitled “Merry-Go-Round of Life”, from this movie. Also, I genuinely think you guys would enjoy and be affected by Studio Ghibli’s “Grave of the Fireflies” or “The Wind Rises”.

Nate

The the plotlines and characters are not clear cut because THAT'S THE POINT. The themes are similar to Spirited Away and other Miyazaki films. When you are young and innocent (one of the main themes) the film is exactly how you view the world. No plan, no destination, just what you are feeling in the moment. Just like in Spirited Away, both main characters are faced with tragic problems they have to deal with, but as they experience the world around them, those problems become less significant. Both protagonists meet enemies that allow them to forget and throw away their own problems to help them out, and eventually join the team. It's not about the plotlines or making sense of the world, because those are more mature topics. These pieces are all about youth, innocence, and immaturity. The main beauty about these films is that as you get older and your brain becomes more logical, they make less sense and more unrelatable, while the whimsy in younger audiences are able to activate the messages in the movie.

Brooksie

First time watching and the voice of Howl is like butter 😳

kumamon

Honestly I thought you guys would watch this in English dub , I know everyone always begs for Japanese dub , but it my opinion I’d say ghibli movies are even better in English dub . Probably even funnier

SICProwl

I've actually never seen the Japanese Dub - so this is an extra treat!

karla

Glad to see you guys trying another Ghibli movie! As for the Sophie curse, I think the curse is open to various interpretations, but its true nature isn't just about 'getting old.' It’s more about Sophie's confidence and self-esteem. Even before the curse, Sophie’s heart was already 'old' (she constantly told herself she wasn't beautiful and wasn't truly enjoying her life). The curse simply made her physical appearance match her inner state. As the story progresses, she looks young whenever she is brave, in love, or stops worrying about herself. In contrast, she looks old again the moment she becomes insecure or shy. Ultimately, I believe she breaks the curse by learning to love Howl&herself without fear.

Schuyler j Thackeray

The book is a thousand times better. There are defined good and bad guys in the real story. Myazaki made a loose and fairly incoherent antiwar film. The anti war message, I might add, is totally invented for the movie. Ghibli has always played very fast and loose with adaption. It is a beautiful movie though.

Fajar Kurniawan

maybe Shopie turning old and young at random is just a visual from the animators for the viewers? since we have slight romantic scenes between Howl and Sophie, it will be awkward to see young man and old woman in those scenes especially when Sophie kiss Howl. but I could be 100% wrong 😑

Michael

Can’t wait for more from studio ghibli hell yeah! Also the dub versions are done professionally with some well known actors so honestly it’s just preference if you wanna watch with subs or the dub in my opinion they are both good and always convey the core message. This was great though’ I would highly recommend princess Mononoke it’s great and had a really good message and again I agree with others just watch the English versions they are great. Arriety is really good as well if you’ve seen the borrowers . The details in the animations are just so beautiful honestly like the backgrounds and just everything it’s truly a delight and yeah I’d say they are akin to Disney films from back in the day if not even better in most cases but rather than compare I just enjoy them all for what they are and it’s a work of art.

Angela 🌺

Amazing film! I would have loved to see this in dub. Christian Bale, Minni Driver, and so many other greats!

The Paladin Breakstar

HMC is a story of radical kindness. The characters all gravitate to Sophie simply because she chooses to help them regardless of any circumstance. In the end, her choices stop a war.

SICProwl

I think you guys would like the dub of The Cat Returns - a more straightforward Ghibli fairy tale. Plus, some fun voice acting.

Amiguresu

Thank god it’s sub version. It’s so hard to find a ghibli movie reaction in sub version.

Mari-Emm

One thing that there is to know about Studio Ghibli films is that they are never clear cut with the writing. There is always something you miss the 1st time you watch anything but that's specifically true with Ghibli films, that's how you find the magic in them. It's ok to be confused, that's actually the best thing when you have to figure some stuff out unlike with some western films, which usually tend to be kinda pre-chewed. Hayao Miyazaki wants the audience to really put effort in watching the films and do the thinking yourself without the film explaining everything to us. So it's actually encouraged to watch the films more than once

Magda Chonillo

I actually left you a comment before you watched this, but I’m not sure if you saw it, so I wanted to share it again now that you’ve experienced the film. Miyazaki’s movies aren’t really meant to be taken literally. They’re more like emotional, symbolic stories, where things reflect feelings and inner struggles rather than a straightforward plot. And I think Howl’s Moving Castle is a perfect example of that. To me, the story is deeply about self-worth and how we see ourselves. Sophie doesn’t believe in her own beauty or value, and that’s exactly what the curse reflects. When she feels insecure, she appears older and fragile… but when she gains confidence, you can literally see her become younger again. It’s like her inner world shaping her outer one. And then there’s Howl, someone who seems to have everything on the surface, beauty, power, but is actually dealing with fear, vulnerability, and emotional wounds. In a way, both of them are “hiding,” just in different forms. That’s why this film means so much to me ❤️ It reminds me how powerful it is to believe in yourself, and how much can change when you start seeing your own worth. Sophie’s journey isn’t just about magic, it’s about finding the courage to step outside of the role she thought she had to live in, and allowing herself to grow, to be seen, and to be loved. It’s such a beautiful story, and I really loved seeing your reactions to it ❤️❤️❤️ This is my favorite anime film 🥹

Avery

Scared to start watch this reaction.. worried youre gunna hate this one too 😭

Magda Chonillo

Honestly I feel like I could talk about this movie for hours and find meaning everywhere. One thing I didn’t mention before is the theme of war, Miyazaki is very anti-war, and in Howl’s Moving Castle it feels chaotic, senseless, and like no one really wins. Every time Howl goes to fight he turns more into a monster, which feels like a reflection of how war slowly takes away your humanity. I also love the idea of the heart. Howl literally gives his heart to Calcifer, and without it he loses part of his humanity and his ability to truly feel, and through Sophie he’s able to get it back, which feels like learning how to love and be human again. And Sophie’s curse is so beautiful to me because in a strange way it actually frees her. When she’s older she stops worrying about how others see her and speaks more openly. It’s like letting go of that pressure allows her to finally become herself. There are just so many layers in this film, it’s really something special ❤️

MoyashiMei

Happy that you guys reacted to this and it would be amazing if you reacted to Princess Mononoke next, my favorite Ghibli movie

jessie ashton

I think the English dub for this movie is amazing! I would suggest the next studio Ghibli movie be Princess Mononoke, my favorite. The English dub is also great for that movie.

Jane Ling

It was a first time watch for me so this is just my interpretation... I thought the witch did not turn Sophie into an old lady but made her look like she acts/feels. Sophie did not want to go to the festival, just thought about work and so on. Even her quick way to just accept her new appearance without any way of trying to fight the curse... she was not passionate about anything in live. But when she was falling in love, dreaming, fighting, standing up for someone, cheering etc. then she became younger again...

Jane Ling

It was a first time watch for me so this is just my interpretation... I think so too. I thought the witch did not turn Sophie into an old lady but made her look like she acts/feels. Sophie did not want to go to the festival, just thought about work and so on. Even her quick way to just accept her new appearance without any way of trying to fight the curse... she was not passionate about anything in life. But when she was falling in love, dreaming, fighting, standing up for someone, cheering etc. then she became younger again...

Lin

I've seen this movie over 3 times all in English. Loved it every time. This is the first time I've seen it in Japanese.

gen

Sophie turns young and old depending on how she’s feeling in regards to herself. How she views herself in those moments. If she’s feeling courages or is she lying about how she feels. Whether or not she feels beautiful or worthy or if she’s feeling insecure etc

gen

Exactly lol I’m so confused on the og comment 😭

sAngee

You guys won’t believe who voices English Howl!! I was so shocked the first time I found out lol

Jess The Fox

sad you didn't get to hear Christian Bales voice as Howl and Billy Crystal as Calcifer :(

Waffles

The book is one of my all-time favourites and I personally think the Ghibli treatment does NOT do it justice at all. I wish I loved the film like everyone else but I just can't get over how different (in a bad way) it is to the book. To anyone who hasn't read the book - YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY READ IT. It's incredibly charming, brilliantly whimsical, and has a well-written storyline from beginning to end 😭

Waffles

I completely agree that the film plot is no good. But if you think the film is terrible (like me), you might still love the book!! I would highly recommend forgetting the film and giving the book a chance. I despise the film but absolutely adore the book - so you might end up feeling the same way.

Breezybaby

OK so watching it in Japanese is amazing because literally nobody does buuuut you guys should absolutely watch in English at some point the whole tone changes

Rawaby 1204

Can’t believe people still bitching about the sub and dub even in a movie , anyway glad you watched it in sub believe me the confusion wouldn’t change cause that’s just a package with the Ghibli movies , and for the Oak question yes I watched it multiple times in both languages and I still discover small details on every rewatch, also love that you understood the vibe of Ghibli movies , these are meant to be watched while you covered up and eating snacks with a quiet and cozy room , thank you for the reaction !

Nahx Das

Guys...for Studio Ghibli specifically, I beg you to please watch the dubbed versions, they are so, so good, you're really missing out and it makes me sad that you don't get to experience the highly professional greatness of these dubs that honestly makes the movies feel even more whimsical in my opinion.

Lucy

They should do Ponyo next. In dub though! Such a more simpler movie not very confusing easy to enjoy and wonderful.

Carol

Might be good for them to have some follow-up questions from audience (Dave could probably check these) so that they aren't too lost in the discussions after (especially for anime when there might be some cultural things they don't know), they can still have their normal discussion and have those after or something.

Carol

We should be giving them a ranking based on 'anime-ness' to prepare them, starting with Spirited Away was crazy 😂Nausicaa or Mononoke are a bit more straight forward with the messages to ease them into it.

Gabby Torres

I’m begging you to do dub versions for studio ghibli. It changes everything entirely and will make so much more sense plsssss!!

Pictomancer

Studio Ghibli movies tend to get confusing as they are fantastical. Personally if I were to recommend a Ghibli movie for you to watch, I'd probably stick to thsoe with more... for lack of a better word, straightforward narrative. Stuff like Mononoke Hime, Porco Rosso, Laputa, Nausica, and Grave of the Fireflies. And I can't believe people are still hating on the sub. While yes there are good dubs, they usually suffer from tone/character/meaning shifts by trying to match lip flaps... or are kids not used to reading subs these days.

Alex

Nooo why the Japanese 😭😭😭

Alex

Studio ghibli English dubbed casts are STACKED. Not just howls but sooo many movies have A++++ actors

Storm

Was waiting for their reaction to Christian Bale as Howl but it was subbb 😭😭😭

Gaminduc

Ohhh nooo.... christ I thought for sure they would watch the Christian Bale, Billy Crystal version but its sub

Aang

Oak has always been my favorite reactor because of how open minded he is when watching and reacting. I really appreciate his outlook on Ghibli films and how he recognizes that these movies need multiple watches. These movies to me are all about the ambiance and the unconditional love amongst the characters. Its not always the most excitinf or plot heavy but its so important nonetheless. I think I watched this movie probably 3 or 4 times until I actually understood the message and now its one of my favorite movies of all time. I even have a tattoo of the star children! The English dub would have been nice but I appreciate them watching in sub as well!

DustinEatWorld

I think it’s totally fine if you quickly look something up on your phone after the reaction when there’s something you didn’t understand. Especially regarding Sophie’s constantly changing appearance toward the end. It might make things click for you and help you see the movie in a completely different way.

DustinEatWorld

With pretty much all anime, I prefer the subbed version like most people do. But when it comes to Studio Ghibli films, the dubbed versions are honestly usually the better choice.