Christian Bale Calls Howl’s Moving Castle a Masterpiece — Fans Stunned to Remember He Voiced Howl

Christian Bale told a new father at Los Angeles International Airport to show his daughter Howl’s Moving Castle, and he described the film as a “masterpiece.” The moment was shared online via an Instagram reel, and it highlighted Bale’s role as the English voice of Howl in Studio Ghibli’s 2004 film.

1. Bale’s recommendation
2. Film details and cast
3. U.S. release and box office
4. Legacy and perception
5. Where to watch

Bale’s recommendation

At the arrivals area of LAX, a new father asked Bale which of his films would be good for a child. Bale named Howl’s Moving Castle, and called it a “masterpiece.” The interaction was captured in a viral Instagram reel. You can view the reel on this Instagram post, which was shared by Joe Andaloro.

Additionally, the same reel and post are available through the original share by the user. See the post here for the full clip.

Film details and cast

Howl’s Moving Castle was directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The story follows Sophie, who is cursed to appear as an older woman and finds refuge in the moving castle of the wizard Howl. The English-language dub includes Christian Bale as Howl, Emily Mortimer (and Jean Simmons in other versions) as Sophie, Billy Crystal as Calcifer, and Lauren Bacall as the Witch of the Waste. The film mixes themes of magic, war, and self-discovery.

U.S. release and box office

Howl’s Moving Castle premiered in Japan on November 20, 2004, and reached U.S. theaters on June 10, 2005. In the United States, it earned about $4.7 million at the box office. By comparison, Studio Ghibli’s earlier film Spirited Away had reached U.S. audiences three years earlier and grossed over $10 million domestically; it also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2003.

Legacy and perception

Although the film has a large fanbase and positive critical reception, it did not match the U.S. commercial impact of Spirited Away or Princess Mononoke upon release. Consequently, some U.S. viewers treat it as less prominent than those titles. However, many fans and critics continue to regard it highly for its animation, voice performances, and story.