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Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)

  • 7.8/10
  • Animation, Family, Fantasy
  • 1989
  • 1h:43m
  • G

A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.

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Movie Analysis: Kiki's Delivery Service

Movie Analysis: Kiki's Delivery Service

1. Introduction and Overview

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a beloved Japanese animated fantasy film directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. Released in 1989, the film follows the story of a young witch named Kiki who moves to a new town with her talking cat familiar, Jiji, to complete her mandatory year of independent life training.

2. Plot Summary

Kiki sets up a delivery service using her broomstick as a means of transportation. As she navigates the challenges of starting her business and finding her place in the world, she meets various characters who impact her journey, including a kind baker named Osono and an artist named Ursula. Throughout the film, Kiki faces self-doubt and loss of her magical abilities but ultimately learns the value of friendship and self-belief.

3. Character Analysis

Kiki

Kiki is a strong-willed and independent young witch who undergoes personal growth throughout the film. Her determination and kindness endear her to the audience as she faces both magical and personal challenges.

Jiji

Jiji, Kiki's cat companion, provides comic relief and a source of companionship for Kiki. Their bond is a central aspect of the film's charm.

4. Directorial Style

Hayao Miyazaki's directorial style is characterized by detailed hand-drawn animation, vibrant colors, and richly developed characters. His films often explore themes of nature, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit, all of which are evident in "Kiki's Delivery Service."

5. Themes and Messages

The film explores themes of independence, self-discovery, and the importance of community. Kiki's journey resonates with audiences of all ages, emphasizing the value of perseverance and believing in oneself, even in the face of adversity.

6. Critical Reception

"Kiki's Delivery Service" received widespread critical acclaim for its animation, storytelling, and emotional depth. It is often praised for its positive portrayal of a young female protagonist and its timeless themes that appeal to both children and adults.

7. Cultural Impact

The film has had a significant cultural impact, influencing subsequent animated films and inspiring merchandise, theme park attractions, and even a live-action adaptation. "Kiki's Delivery Service" remains a beloved classic in the world of animation.

8. Where to Watch

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is available for streaming on platforms like HBO Max, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. It is also widely available for purchase on DVD and Blu-ray.

9. Conclusion

"Kiki's Delivery Service" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to enchant audiences with its heartwarming story, stunning animation, and memorable characters. Hayao Miyazaki's direction and the film's themes of self-discovery and friendship make it a must-watch for fans of animation and storytelling alike.

Genres

Animation Family Fantasy Drama

Cast

Minami Takayama

Minami Takayama

  • Character: Kiki / Ursula (voice)
Rei Sakuma

Rei Sakuma

  • Character: Jiji (voice)
Kappei Yamaguchi

Kappei Yamaguchi

  • Character: Tombo (voice)
Keiko Toda

Keiko Toda

  • Character: Osono (voice)
Mieko Nobusawa

Mieko Nobusawa

  • Character: Kokiri (voice)
Koichi Miura

Koichi Miura

  • Character: Okino (voice)
Haruko Katō

Haruko Katō

  • Character: Old Lady (voice)
Hiroko Seki

Hiroko Seki

  • Character: Barsa (voice)
Yuriko Fuchizaki

Yuriko Fuchizaki

  • Character: Ketto (voice)
Koichi Yamadera

Koichi Yamadera

  • Character: Bakery Worker / Policeman (voice)

Movie Details

  • Director: Hayao Miyazaki
  • Budget: $6,900,000
  • Revenue: $4,493,017
  • Status: Released
  • Original Language: JA

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  • Reviewer avatar wizzardss

    When watching films by Japanese animation powerhouse Studio Ghibli a number of adjectives come immediately to mind; imaginative, wholesome, and quirky, to name a few. And there is perhaps no more quirky Ghibli film than _Kiki's Delivery Service_. Fundamentally, _Kiki's Delivery Service_ is a coming of age film, telling the story of 13-year-old trainee witch Kiki who leaves home with her cat Jiji to continue her training. Arriving in a far-off European city, Kiki starts a flying delivery business, couriering goods around the town, which catches the eye of aviation-obsessed Tombo, who is immediately smitten by her flying. One of the big draws of Ghibli is the simplicity of the stories, making them hugely accessible for the audience. In Kiki's Delivery Service we must just accept that there are "some" witches and even though people will possibly never see one, they are not feared. In fact, the only fear in Kiki's Delivery Service comes from Kiki's own self-doubt. Considering, then, that Japan is far more conservative than the West - especially when it comes to family values - it is quite bizarre that one conservative Christian group in America took the decision to boycott the film solely for the purpose of glamorising witches. But really, Kiki being a witch is completely secondary to the film. In some ways it could be argued that Kiki being a witch is simply another excuse for director Hayao Miyazaki to view another Ghibli world from the sky, allowing his team of animators to draw some of the most beautiful landscapes in animation. In addition, it allows Kiki's comic foil to be a talking cat (who, in the English dub, is voiced by the instantly vocally recognisable Phil Hartman, who you may remember from such shows as _The Simpsons_, where he plays Troy McClure). As well as dominating most of the film's funnier moments, Jiji also depicts Kiki's transition from innocence. Despite all of this marshmallowy innocence, _Kiki's Delivery Service_ is still a quirk. The plot is littered with unanswered questions - what happened to the other flying witch who was returning home? - and the final act involving the dirigible is, frankly, too overdramatic and out-of-place with the rest of the down-to-earth storyline. Still, it is perfectly enjoyable, and while it isn't necessarily the first Ghibli I would recommend, it is still one that you should see.