Kiki's Delivery Service Review

Kiki Review

Kiki is a 13-year old girl who has come of age and needs to leave her home in order to learn how to become a witch. She and her trusty black cat, Jiji, ride on her broomstick to find a town of their own. When they finally find a town things are very different to how she thought it would be and people don't treat her as she thinks a witch should be treated. She will have to find a way to live in her new surroundings and on her journey she meets some interesting people and does some truly amazing things along the way.

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Screenwriter: Hayao Miyazaki
Producer: Hayao Miyazaki
Music: Joe Hisaishi
Released: 1989

Language Preference: Japanese (sub)

The movie won numerous Best Film awards and was
the highest grossing film in Japan in 1989

Story
Kiki's tale is one of adventure, meeting new people, adapting to an unfamiliar world and facing tribulations. In the original book that the film was inspired by Kiki didn't deal with much adversity but Miyazaki-san said that he wanted to make the story about growing up which isn't just an easy ride and thus introduced challenges into her life that would develop her character.

The film was adapted into a manga
and a musical

Characters
Kiki is a lovable girl who keeps her word and always does her best, she is not impressed by people who she thinks are rude. Tombo is a determined, courageous young boy who is fascinated by Kiki's ability to fly. Osono is a kind lady who owns a bakery, she is a caring mother-type figure. Ursula, is a young artist who Kiki encounters and becomes friends with. These and all the other characters help Kiki ro grow. They introduce Kiki to some interesting ways of life, perspectives and opportunities.

Jiji, Kiki's cat, has a completely different personality
in the English version

Presentation
Set in a fictional European-style town (where it is believed World War II never happened) the story already starts with a distinct style. It was described by Miyazaki-san as "a mishmash of various locales, like Napoli, Lisbon, Stockholm, Paris, and even San Francisco." It even features two oceans, the Mediterranean and the Baltic. Many beautiful things concentrated into one place. But what caught my attention in this movie was not this fantastic mixture of places but the soundtrack. My goodness, what an adventure it takes me on just listening to it.

Final Thoughts: Yes, you should watch it! This film is absolutely fantastic. I had this thought in my head: "I can't wait until I have kids and show them this movie." It is a fun adventure about growing up which I was able to relate to on a personal level and learn a few things from.. New favourite song: Rouge Message, but don't you dare listen to it before you watch the movie! Sorry I've gotta go and get something delivered (my heart to Studio Ghibli).

The name of the Bakery, Guchokipanya, is a play on words.
Guchokipa (Rock-Paper-Scissors) and Panya (Bakery).