<P> Influenced by Miyazaki's opposition to the United States' invasion of Iraq in 2003, the film contains strongly anti-war themes . Miyazaki stated that he "had a great deal of rage about (the Iraq war)," which led him to make a film which he felt would be poorly received in the US . It also explores the theme of old age, depicting age positively as something which grants the protagonist freedom . The film contains feminist elements as well, and carries messages about the value of compassion . </P> <P> In 2013 Miyazaki said the film was his favorite creation, explaining "I wanted to convey the message that life is worth living, and I don't think that's changed ." The movie is thematically significantly different from the book; while the book focuses on challenging class and gender norms, the film focuses on love, and personal loyalty and the destructive effects of war ." </P> <P> The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on 5 September 2004, and was released in Japanese theaters on 20 November 2004 . It went on to gross $190 million in Japan and $235 million worldwide, making it one of the most financially successful Japanese films in history . The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature at the 78th Academy Awards, but lost to Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were - Rabbit, in 2006, and won several other awards, including four Tokyo Anime Awards and a Nebula Award for Best Script . It received highly positive reviews from critics, with praise going to the film's visuals and Miyazaki's treatment of its themes . </P> <P> Sophie, a young milliner, encounters a wizard named Howl on her way to visit her sister Lettie . Upon returning, she meets the Witch of the Waste, who transforms her into a ninety - year - old woman . Seeking to break the curse, Sophie leaves home and sets off through the country . She meets a scarecrow, whom she decides to call' Turnip Head' . He leads her to Howl's moving castle, where she meets Howl's young apprentice, Markl, and the fire - demon Calcifer, who is the source of the castle's energy and magic . When Howl appears, Sophie announces that Calcifer let her in, and she has hired herself as a cleaning lady for the house . </P>

When did howl's moving castle come out