Jiaen Lin

I know most people talk about the shallow plot and the underdeveloped characters but I still loved this movie regardless. Simply for the moving animation and soundtrack, for me this is movie was meant to be experienced rather than dissected. It’s simple, short and sweet. Just enjoy the ride and parkour your way into the world with the characters.

More than the beautiful romance, this drama is a love letter to youth and the journey of growing up. I almost immediately fell in love with the characters. Cheeky, witty, naive, simple, but all the same have an incredible depth; Seung Wan’s bravery by far inspired me the most. I have absolutely no complaints, especially not for the ending where some suggest a happier alternative. Personally, the bittersweetness perfectly captures the fleeting and temporary moments of youth that seemed like it would last forever. Becoming an adult and leaving behind the simpler times is sad. The nostalgia is also sad but there is no regret that it happened and it’s only because it happened that we can have these precious memories. Just like this drama, however heartbreaking, I’m still so happy I could experience this wild ride of laughing, crying and laughing while crying. Definitely one of my favourite dramas now alongside Hi-Bye Mama. Not recommended for those looking for a sappy love story with fairytale endings but definitely for those who don’t mind a bit of pain and want to watch something more grounded and realistic.

I really don’t know what to say except…what the hell?

The intricacy and heart poured into every single detail of the film; from the hand-drawn animation to the moving score, Howl's Moving Castle nothing less than another piece of perfection by the very hands of Studio Ghibli. A masterpiece for the ages.

I’m really only taking off the one star because Cassie’s narration in every single episode was getting on my nerves and the way they would try to interweave some pop music in between the classical got way too repetitive and at times messy. A few of the characters really lacked the depth and growth that make a show, namely Neveah and Oren, but overall it’s a good show to binge and the dances are just beautiful to watch.