Howl’s Moving castle is a fantasy movie, and tells the magical love story of Sophie and the notorious wizard, Howl. The film begins with the protagonist Sophie Hatter, a timid and unsure 18 year old girl working in her late father’s hat shop. After being rescued by Howl (a mysterious wizard), she is brought to the attention of the Witch of the Wastes who then places a curse on her, turning her into an ugly 90 year old lady. Unable to tell anyone about her curse, and longing to break it, Sophie sets out on a journey to the West to find the wicked Witch. On the way she is befriended by a speechless scarecrow whom she names Mr. Turnip Head and together they find Howl’s Moving Castle. After finding shelter in the castle, Sophie makes a deal with Calcifer (a subdued but powerful fire demon), in which he will help to reverse Sophie’s curse, in turn for helping to break the contract between Howl and Calcifer. In the castle Sophie also meets Markl (a 15 year old boy who is Howl’s companion) as well as the wizard Howl himself. Over the course of the movie, Sophie begins to develop strong relationships with these people, especially with Howl.