The Academy Award-winning actor Christian Bale is best known for delivering intense performances in some of Hollywood’s biggest productions. However, Bale’s most beloved project is from a world he is not commonly associated with: Japanese anime. Christian Bale is a long-time admirer of renowned anime filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki. Among all Studio Ghibli productions, one magical fantasy film is his personal favorite.
The Anime Film Bale Loves
What is even more interesting is that the anime movie at the top of Christian Bale’s list is none other than Howl’s Moving Castle. What makes this piece of information unique is that Christian Bale himself voiced the wizard in the English version of the movie. The fantasy film, released in 2004 by Hayao Miyazaki, has become one of Studio Ghibli’s most popular productions.
It has been said that after watching Spirited Away, Christian Bale became a huge fan of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. “If I ever did a voiceover, I’d like it to be for a movie like that.”
Bale’s admiration for Miyazaki clearly remained strong long after 2004. His return to the Studio Ghibli fold in 2023 for The Boy and the Heron, voicing the character of Shoichi (Mahito’s father).
This appreciation soon became reality when he was chosen to voice the character in the English version of Howl’s Moving Castle, in which he portrayed Howl. The film is a tale of a young lady who is mysteriously afflicted and turns into an old lady. Her adventures soon lead her to a magical moving castle owned by the charming and mysterious wizard Howl.
Fans often joke that during a scene in which Howl loses his composure, Bale’s delivery briefly mirrors the gravelly, intense tone he would later become famous for as Batman in the Dark Knight trilogy (even though Howl was released just before Batman Begins).
This film has been highly praised for its wonderful visuals, touching story, and unique imagination, which have captured the hearts of many around the world.
This film is especially significant for Christian Bale because it gave him the opportunity to explore a completely different genre in the film industry, where he is mostly known for taking on challenging roles in blockbuster hits, revealing a softer side of his capabilities.