Howl's Moving Castle [Hayao Miyazaki, 2004] – UK Premiere

Out of the mist lumbers a strange massive object: it's a castle,
walking awkwardly on spindly legs. We must be in Miyazaki land.
Magical in all senses of the word, Howl's Moving Castle is beautiful
to look at and full of wit and imagination. The story may be rooted
in a child-like vision, but it has some of the rich uncertainties of
the adult world. Characters are not simplistically drawn, but have
unexpected facets.

I loved the music. The Sofi love theme, for instance, is unashamedly
romantic but not cloying. However, the song at the end is rather
sickly sweet, as is the rather sudden resolution to the story. Mind
you, I can forgive the film this flaw with such a magical preceding
couple of hours.

By the way, my favourite character is the scarecrow.

Info: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0347149/combined

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence [Mamoru Oshii, 2004]

If nothing else, this film looks wonderful. However, there is a lot
more besides a visual feast for the viewer to enjoy: Ghost in the
Shell 2, like its predecessor, is full of interesting ideas and
characters. Yes, there is a little too much philosophising for its
own good at times, but the stylisation of anime somehow make this
perfectly acceptable.

Impressive.

Info: http://uk.imdb.com/title/tt0347246/combined