Studio Ghibli UK have recently revealed on social media that two iconic Studio Ghibli films directed by Hayao Miyazaki will be returning to UK cinemas for a limited time.
On 26th December 2024 the 2001 film Spirited Away, which had a stage show adaptation performed in London earlier this year, will be available at participating cinemas across the UK. Then, in Spring 2025, the film Howl’s Moving Castle will become available at participating cinemas.
Spirited Away: Chihiro, a headstrong 10-year-old girl, is unhappy that her family are moving house and that she will have to make new friends. As they make their way to the new home, Chihiro’s father takes a detour to explore a mysterious tunnel in the woods. On the other side is what seems to be a deserted theme park but is in fact a ghostly town. Unwittingly, they have strayed into the Land of the Spirits, a world of dreamlike scenery inhabited by ancient gods and magical beings, ruled over by the sorceress, Yubaba. With her parents held captive and Yubaba set on enslaving them forever, Chihiro must use all her energy to survive in this strange new place. With the help of Haku, a brave young spirit, she is forced to overcome her fears and join an epic battle for her family’s freedom.
Howl’s Moving Castle: Sophie is an ordinary girl who works in a hat shop, but one day she is swept off her feet by the mysterious wizard Howl, and is then turned into a 90-year-old woman by the evil Witch of the Waste. In order to lift the curse, Sophie travels with Howl aboard his floating castle, as he risks his life to bring peace to a warring kingdom.
It’s not currently known whether the films will be shown dubbed, subbed or both, but we suspect that they will receive a limited cinematic run just like how My Neighbor Totoro was earlier the year. Regardless, if you’ve yet to experience either of these films on the big screen then you’ll be able to in the near future.
In the meantime both Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle are available on Blu-Ray and DVD in the UK, and both films can also be streamed on Netflix in the UK.
