I love Hayao Miyazaki’s films. Well, maybe not Up on Poppy Hill but that was an exception. I love his imagery and his deep storylines. I was really sad when I heard he was retiring. He really is a master of his art. My favorite movie is Howl’s Moving Castle. Needless to say, I got a big fictional crush on Howl.
Stats:
Full Name: Howl Jenkins Pendragon
Age: 27-30
Occupation: Wizard
Who is He?
Howl is the male protagonist in Diana Wynne Jones’s novel Howl’s Moving Castle and the Miyazaki film by the same name. He was voiced by Takuya Kimura in the Japanese language version and Christian Bale in the English film. Howl is the wizard who gives his heart to a falling star for a boost in magical power.
Fun Facts:
- Howl is Welsh!
- Howl and Sophie have a son named Morgan.
- In the novel, Howl has a sister with children.
- Howl uses magic and flashy clothes to make himself into a ladies’ man.
- Howl likes to spend hours in the bathtub.
Why So Crushworthy?
Howl is narcissistic, egotistical, and way too fashionable for his own good. Yet, he still has a heart of gold even though Calcifer has it. He is also entertaining from start to finish. The scene from the YouTube clip above really sealed it for me. He is such a big baby! Many of Miyazaki’s male heroes are overly serious (Ashitaka) or are young kids. So Howl is a different type of hero in a Miyazaki film. Howl is like the really hot guy sitting next to you in class. You know it’s probably a bad idea to even have a crush on him but you do anyway. He is probably just a shallow jerk who flirts with any female in the room. You later learn that beneath his good looks he has a deep personality and is really sweet. Then you fall in love with him — and get turned into an old hag by a jealous witch.
I really love how devoted Howl is to people he cares about. He takes in Markl (Michael) off the streets and makes him his apprentice. He even takes care of Calcifer. His devotion to Sophie is amazing. He saves her from pervy soldiers and later lets her live in his castle. It’s interesting to watch him fall in love with her and learn to be selfless. His character is so dynamic and great. I was crying a little when Sophie brought him back from his beast form. It was probably one of the best moments I have ever seen in an anime. A female heroine saving the one she loves — the gentleman in distress. Howl is also a hoot to watch. His diva moments keep the movie lively. He is also mighty good looking for an animated man. I can watch Howl’s Moving Castle over and over again.
