In 1989, the then fairly new Japanese animation company known as Studio Ghibli released their fourth feature film called Kiki's Delivery Service. Based on the children's book by Eiko Kadono, the movie proved to be the studio's first big success upon its original release and it soon gained notable attention internationally thanks to the Disney produced English dub in 1998. Nowadays, it is often seen as one of director Hayao Miyazaki's finest features, especially to those who grew up with it in the early 2000s decade. So how well does it hold nowadays as a coming of age witch story?
The movie follows a young witch named Kiki who moves to a port city with her cat by means of starting a flying courier service. This premise is pretty simple all things considered, but much like the best of Miyazaki's films, what makes the movie engaging is the character of Kiki herself rather than the actual story. Although somewhat episodic in nature, the different misadventures Kiki embarks on to deliver baked goods across the town of Koriko are delightful in their own right, especially as she meets new people and discovers more about her strengths and weaknesses. Since Kiki is just 13 years old, she has to face maturity and independence at the expense of losing who she is internally, and it's through her genuine gestures and Minami Takayama's sincerely vulnerable performance that make the titular character worth rooting for. Although the film does end a little too abruptly after such an intense climax, it nonetheless captures the search for independence that people face at a young age with emotional sincerity and respect for those people finding themselves.
As for the other characters, perhaps the most symbolic one is Kiki's black cat Jiji. In addition to being a witty companion, the factor of Kiki being able to talk to him represents the cat as a voice of reason towards the titular character, at least before Kiki matures. The baker couple who take Kiki in are also charming in their own right, especially Osono being outwardly kind and concerned for Kiki's well being, and the curious lad Tombo makes for a cute if not quirky mutual fascinated by Kiki more than she thinks otherwise. That being said, the young painter Ursula is by far the most relatable and uplifting character in the whole movie, as her experiences being a self imposed artist could resonate with anyone suffering from a creative crossroad. In addition to a lovable cast of characters, the often preferred English dub comes courtesy with a spectacular cast such as Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Lawrence, Debbie Reynolds and more. Whichever dub you personally prefer, you'll still be able to admire these characters the same way.
Now even though this was only Studio Ghibli's fourth movie, the filmmakers brought the world of Kiki to life beautifully. Despite most of the film taking place in one town, the luscious backdrops, intricate color details and rich artistry recreate the look of a gorgeous northern European coastal area down to the tiniest ornaments and environments. Many of these landscapes are shown at their pique during the flying sequences, which are fun to watch on their own and make the viewers feel the soaring heights in each gust of wind Kiki embarks on. Also, the character designs and animation are reminiscent of what you'd find in your typical Miyazaki directed Ghibli film, which is perfect since the characters are naturally down to earth amidst the presence of a magical person who is also losing sight of their own abilities. Lastly, not only is Joe Hisaishi's score poetically refreshing given the film's mostly laid back tone, but the opening and end credits songs keep the momentum going strong all throughout. It's great that even a slice of life fantasy film can feel as poignant as a more epic one.
As a heartfelt coming of age film about a witch discovering her significance in the world, Kiki's Delivery Service stands strong as one of the penultimate Studio Ghibli films with its down to Earth themes, lovable characters, gorgeous artistry and serene sense of realism. After roughly 35 years since its debut, it has aged like fine wine as far as coming of age films go, and it's worth checking out for more than just the main premise alone. Just like how its message of self discovery inspired numerous people back in the day, here's hoping that it can continue to do so in the decades onward.
The movie follows a young witch named Kiki who moves to a port city with her cat by means of starting a flying courier service. This premise is pretty simple all things considered, but much like the best of Miyazaki's films, what makes the movie engaging is the character of Kiki herself rather than the actual story. Although somewhat episodic in nature, the different misadventures Kiki embarks on to deliver baked goods across the town of Koriko are delightful in their own right, especially as she meets new people and discovers more about her strengths and weaknesses. Since Kiki is just 13 years old, she has to face maturity and independence at the expense of losing who she is internally, and it's through her genuine gestures and Minami Takayama's sincerely vulnerable performance that make the titular character worth rooting for. Although the film does end a little too abruptly after such an intense climax, it nonetheless captures the search for independence that people face at a young age with emotional sincerity and respect for those people finding themselves.
As for the other characters, perhaps the most symbolic one is Kiki's black cat Jiji. In addition to being a witty companion, the factor of Kiki being able to talk to him represents the cat as a voice of reason towards the titular character, at least before Kiki matures. The baker couple who take Kiki in are also charming in their own right, especially Osono being outwardly kind and concerned for Kiki's well being, and the curious lad Tombo makes for a cute if not quirky mutual fascinated by Kiki more than she thinks otherwise. That being said, the young painter Ursula is by far the most relatable and uplifting character in the whole movie, as her experiences being a self imposed artist could resonate with anyone suffering from a creative crossroad. In addition to a lovable cast of characters, the often preferred English dub comes courtesy with a spectacular cast such as Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Lawrence, Debbie Reynolds and more. Whichever dub you personally prefer, you'll still be able to admire these characters the same way.
Now even though this was only Studio Ghibli's fourth movie, the filmmakers brought the world of Kiki to life beautifully. Despite most of the film taking place in one town, the luscious backdrops, intricate color details and rich artistry recreate the look of a gorgeous northern European coastal area down to the tiniest ornaments and environments. Many of these landscapes are shown at their pique during the flying sequences, which are fun to watch on their own and make the viewers feel the soaring heights in each gust of wind Kiki embarks on. Also, the character designs and animation are reminiscent of what you'd find in your typical Miyazaki directed Ghibli film, which is perfect since the characters are naturally down to earth amidst the presence of a magical person who is also losing sight of their own abilities. Lastly, not only is Joe Hisaishi's score poetically refreshing given the film's mostly laid back tone, but the opening and end credits songs keep the momentum going strong all throughout. It's great that even a slice of life fantasy film can feel as poignant as a more epic one.
As a heartfelt coming of age film about a witch discovering her significance in the world, Kiki's Delivery Service stands strong as one of the penultimate Studio Ghibli films with its down to Earth themes, lovable characters, gorgeous artistry and serene sense of realism. After roughly 35 years since its debut, it has aged like fine wine as far as coming of age films go, and it's worth checking out for more than just the main premise alone. Just like how its message of self discovery inspired numerous people back in the day, here's hoping that it can continue to do so in the decades onward.