Kiki's Delivery Service - Reviews

It is a cute kid’s movie, but there are better. It’s just average to me. So many shows handle the coming of age story better. If you want to kill some time with your younger family members, then this is good. 

Story; 8/10

First off, Kiki's Delivery Service is a children's movie. It is not meant to be scrutinized to the point of absurdity, but from a general viewpoint this is a well-done movie. 

The story is about a young witch named Kiki going through a rite-of-passage, if you will. She departs from her home with her mother's broomstick, a radio, her cat friend Jiji, and a small bag resembling a purse to engage on what is a journey of the spirit, a quest to find herself and develop her magic powers.

The themes Miyazaki presents are well-done, such as female individuality and independence, though sometimes the way Kiki interacts with her world is awkward and out-of-place. For instance, most of her interactions with Tambo are strange. She talks of how she looks forward to having a boyfriend in the first few minutes, then when a nice boy rolls around on a bike trying to be friendly, she shuts him down and flies away. Though it can be explained by her immaturity as a 13-year-old, I thought this scene could have been handled differently.

Beyond that, the narrative is good despite some of the sloppy discrepancies in time. The chronology of the narrative can be a bit awkward sometimes, leaving the audience with questions as to how much time has passed or what time it currently is in the story.

But, the story is there and it is handled correctly, just as all of Miyazaki's movies are.

Animation; 9/10

Studio Ghibli. Enough said.

Sound; 8/10

The music is good, though not memorable.

Kiki's voice is by far one of the most pleasant I have heard in anime. I enjoyed her voice acting all the way through, and her dialogue was well-done. Though I wish Jiji had more lines; his personality, similar to Calcifer from HMC, made me like him as Kiki's support much more.

Character; 9/10

Kiki's character growth is solid, as she runs her business she gains more independence and confidence in herself, a trait I favor in female protagonists (in actual women as well). Many could not understand why she loses her magic near the end of the movie; it is alluded to through the conversation with her painter friend when Kiki stays at her cabin. Kiki needs to come into her own skin before she can realize the full potential of her abilities, completing the transformation from girl into young lady.

A common complaint from critics is the personalities Miyazaki gives his female leads; they tend to be the same. Kiki is very similar to Sophie and Nausicaa, though I perceive this to be a part of Miyazaki's style. It could be said all of his female protagonists spawn from the same vagina factory, but I find this to be one of Miyazaki's strengths. He wants the women in his movies to be strong, independent, and retain their innocence.

Overall; 8.5/10

Kiki's Delivery Service is a light-hearted, fun movie people of all ages will enjoy. Some will love it, others will like it, but I have yet to see anyone hate this movie.

Kiki's Delivery Service is another one of the many Studio Ghibli films that will steal your heart.  There's nothing like Studio Ghibli to make you feel happy and free.  It's the only way I can describe it.  I grew up on Totoro and Kiki's Deliver Service was my second Studio Ghibli film I ever saw.  I've seen it so many times since then.  I'm 22 and I still love watching these films and I feel like a carefree kid again when they're done.

Kiki is a young witch who just turned 13.  It's a custom that whenever a witch turns 13, she takes off on her own for a year to train her abilities.  She is excited about becoming independent and leaving home for the first time just her, her broom, and her best friend, her cat, Jiji.  Her mom and dad see her off on a clear full moon.  The clear night quickly turns into a rainstorm and she gets into a train to stay dry.  After falling asleep, the train moves and takes her to a sea-side town.  She decides that this is where she'll live.  There's only one problem.  Kiki has nowhere to stay and not much money.

She finds a bakery and a nice woman who works there says she can stay as long as she can watch the store sometimes.  Kiki decides that, since flying is the only skill she has, she'll start a delivery service.  It takes off!  However, she starts to lose her confidence as a witch and her powers begin to fizzle.  She can't talk to Jiji anymore and she also can't fly.  Her boss is understanding and tells her that she needs to rest.  She has to find her confidence and the reason she flies in the first place in order for her powers to return.

Of course, there are some characters that I have to mention.  Kiki is so sweet and helpful.  She wants to help everyone and is quick to lend a hand.  Jiji likes to take the safe way out of every situation.  He's always trying to tell Kiki to slow down.  Tombo is a friend Kiki makes; at first, she doesn't like him, but later on they become really good friends.  He's funny and is always nice to Kiki.  Osono is her boss at the bakery who is pregnant during the movie, but she's always busy and willing to help Kiki with anything.  Ursula is a painter that helps Kiki out during her hard times when her powers are at a low.  She teaches Kiki that you have to believe in yourself.

This movie is truly magical, which is expected of a Studio Ghibli movie.  The English voices fit the characters perfectly and the music is one of my favorite parts.  There are two songs by Sydney Forest that I find addicting.  I'm singing along to them as I'm writing this.  The beginning song is called Soaring and the ending song is called I'm Gonna Fly.  In the Japanese version the songs are different.  The opening is Message of Rouge and the ending is Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta nara, both by Yumi Arai.

As with all Studio Ghibli movies that I've reviewed, I can't say anything bad.  These are close to my heart.  I know they'll be close to your's too.

 

I was pleased that pickleboii did a review of Kiki’s Delivery Service a few weeks back.  It alerted me to the presence of a quaintly insignificant movie opportunity I passed on when I was just a young husband within a year of being a young father.  The premise of a broom-flying girl in the service of pre-Amazon Prime distribution practices was something you hardly see.  Intriguing at the time, but duties and obligations forced me to wait for the next opportunity to view it at leisure.  Thirty years later … who’d a thunk?

I never knew KDS was anime, much less a work of the esteemed Hayao Miyazaki and the prestigious Studio Ghibli.  This could well be my next direction in that adventure called anime.

Three things lunged at me in viewing the movie, the dubbed version (a new sensation, having gotten used to and even preferring subbed works from Toei Animation).  There are variations from the subbed KDS, so I’ll use the characters as originally presented by Studio G.

First, I marveled at the acceptance of Kiki as a witch in her natal village.  This seems to be the Japanese view of mahou, Kiki just being a talented flying-girl who knows more about the common broom than sweeping up.  Kiki has just reached her thirteenth birthday and is set to go off on a customary year away from home to prove herself as ready for encountering the world outside her village.

Second, flight is a major theme in the movie.  Kiki is accomplished as a flying witch.  This is established in Kiki’s chance meeting of a young witch returning from her sabbatical.  This girl had spent her year in honing her magical skills; Kiki only wishes to fly.  Flying her broom allows her an occupation in the city she settles in.  The young boy who takes an interest in Kiki, Tombo, wishes to fly himself, and is working on a bicycle-driven flying machine.  The crisis in Kiki’s adventure is the sudden loss of flying ability, which she takes for her losing her witchery.  Her skills to fly (and communicate with her black cat companion, Gigi) are pushed to the sticking point when Tombo’s love for being airborne endangers his life.  A nick-in-time “Oh yeah, that’s how you do it” climax.

Finally, Kiki’s perceptions that the city she has chosen to live is slow to accept her as a witch, even though she has a charming nature which slowly gains the approval of the baker Osono and her taciturn husband Fukuo, the reclusive Madame and her madcap companion Bertha, and the general populace who is slow to warm up to Kiki.  This causes the slow development of the plot and the sudden dirigible predicament which jerks the story rapidly (maybe too rapidly) to its conclusion.

I enjoyed the simple story of KDS, doing something close to removing something from my “bucket list” (simplicity itself, as I have no “bucket list”).  But the discovery of Studio Ghibli and is contribution to the evolution of anime ...  Wow, classics!  Priceless.

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a heartwarming and enchanting film from the acclaimed Studio Ghibli, directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki. This animated classic tells the story of Kiki, a young witch who, as part of her coming-of-age tradition, moves to a seaside town to spend a year living independently and finding her purpose. With her faithful cat Jiji by her side, Kiki starts a delivery service, flying on her broomstick to help the townsfolk. The film beautifully captures themes of independence, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up, all while enveloped in Miyazaki's signature lush animation and storytelling.

A Flight of Fancy

• Whimsical World-Building: Miyazaki's talent for creating immersive worlds shines through in the picturesque setting of "Kiki's Delivery Service." The coastal town, with its European-inspired architecture and scenic landscapes, serves as a captivating backdrop for Kiki's adventures.
• Charming Characters: Kiki herself is an embodiment of youthful determination, her journey marked by both vulnerability and resilience. The supporting cast, including the sardonic yet lovable Jiji, adds depth and humor to the narrative, making the characters memorable and relatable.
• Miyazaki's Magic Touch: The film's animation is a visual treat, showcasing Studio Ghibli's attention to detail and the beauty of everyday life. From the fluidity of Kiki's flight to the minutiae of the town's daily bustle, the animation brings a magical quality to the story.

Gentle Gusts

• Subtle Storytelling: Some viewers might find the film's gentle pace and lack of a traditional antagonist as drawbacks. "Kiki's Delivery Service" focuses more on internal growth and everyday challenges rather than high-stakes conflicts, which might not cater to those looking for more dramatic or action-packed narratives.
• A Quiet Journey: The film's emphasis on slice-of-life elements and character development over a complex plot might leave some yearning for more depth or twists in the story. However, this simplicity is also where its charm lies, offering a soothing, reflective viewing experience.

The Wind Beneath Her Wings

• Life's Ups and Downs: "Kiki's Delivery Service" excels in its portrayal of the trials and tribulations of growing up, from the exhilaration of newfound independence to the fear of failure. This emotional resonance is a testament to Miyazaki's storytelling prowess, making Kiki's journey universally relatable.
• A Heartfelt Message: The film delivers powerful messages about perseverance, the importance of community, and the courage to find one's place in the world. It inspires viewers to embrace their unique talents and the value of hard work, kindness, and self-belief.

Conclusion

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a Studio Ghibli gem that captures the magic of youth and the journey towards self-reliance and maturity. While its narrative may tread a quieter path, the film's strength lies in its enchanting animation, endearing characters, and the profound simplicity of its story. It's a testament to Miyazaki's ability to weave compelling tales within beautifully crafted worlds, making "Kiki's Delivery Service" a delightful and inspiring adventure for viewers of all ages. This film remains a beloved classic, reminding us of the magic that exists in the ordinary and the power of believing in oneself.