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Kiki's Delivery Service

Miyazaki films usually feature two things: young heroines and flying. Kiki's Delivery Service offers both with a charming twist. Kiki has recently turned 13, and as a witch in training, she must find a place to live in apart for her parents for one year. With her wise guy cat Jiji, she flies on her Mother's broom to a quaint town by the sea. This town is a beautiful sort of European locale that never was, yet somehow should be. There she sets up house, finds a job, and deals with the quiet, lonely trauma of growing up.

Based on a popular Japanese children's book, the movie delightfully captures the intense, baffling uncertainties of early adolescence. The film is devoid of heroes, villains and the usual conflict between them. Most of the dramatic conflict is within Kiki herself, her struggles to sort out the complex mix of inner feelings, and find a place in a world where she feels alienated and alone. The film moves at its own gentle pace, often quiet and reflective, mirroring the thoughtful girl herself. Along the way she is helped by an unlikely pair of women: the pregnant owner of a bakery, and a Bohemian painter in the woods. The former is a cheerful optimist who gives her a job and a place to stay, while the latter gives Kiki insight into the complex paradoxes of art. There is also a boy, enamored of this mysterious flying girl, but romance is for the future. Generally, Americans think a coming of age story must include the dawning awareness of sexuality, but Miyazaki knows that is only a part of things, and an over-hyped part at that. Kiki is too involved in sorting out her own life to fall in love.

Visually, the film is quietly stunning, filled with countless memorable images. The magic of flight is captured perfectly in the scenes of Kiki soaring on her broom, sweeping through the air while gazing at the world spread out below. In the plain black dress that she despises, Kiki stands out from the rest of the townsfolk, which worsens her sense of being odd and apart. From the comfy bakery where you can almost smell the fresh, crusty bread, to the quirky house where her eccentric artist friend lives, Miyazaki creates a memorable sense of place. Character is established not just by voice and face, but in such subtleties as gestures, posture, and the distance of steps taken. The director has an astonishing eye for detail, yet the film is devoid of ornamentation. Everything has a place and a purpose. Miyazaki creates unique and memorable worlds, and this accomplishment in Kiki is all the more remarkable in that so much seems familiar.

Disney worked hard to supply a proper dub, and on the whole did quite well. Kristen Dunst captures Kiki's irrepressible spirit and uncertainty, while Phil Hartman is both funny and supportive as her black cat familiar. Jean Garofalo is perfect as the wise, off-kilter artist. For some reason, Disney chose to forgo parts of Joe Hisaishi's superb soundtrack with their own, mostly forgettable effort. Aside from that, the dub is good, and goes to show that English dubs don't have to be the wretched hack jobs they are with most anime. Happily, the DVD version gives the excellent original voices and music, as well as such goodies as the complete original storyboards.

Kiki's Delivery Service is what a film for all ages should be. Children will be enthralled by the flying and story, while teenagers will find Kiki's intense, inner bafflement and self-doubt all too familiar. For adults, Kiki is a tale of surprising subtlety, endearing characters, and charm. A required addition to any collection of anime.



  • Studio: Walt Disney Home Video
  • Format: DVD, VHS
  • Episodes in series: 1
  • Series completed: Yes
  • Number of DVDs: 1
  • Number of VHS: 1
  • VHS language: Subbed and dubbed available

 
  • Audio tracks: English, Spanish, Japanese
  • Subtitles: English
  • Genre: A genuine magical girl, but actually the film is unique
  • Ages: All
  • Cautions: None
  • Reviewer: George
  • Core Collection: Elementary 4-6, Middle, High School, and Adult