"Kiki's Delivery Service" (animated film)

[Bob Pr.]

The following is based on my user comment on www.imdb.com written in 2000.

This film is in the Japanese "Animé" style (typically having serious themes presented at several different levels, kids through adults -- but look it up, e.g., on Wikipedia or www.about.com , for a more detailed view).

My expectations were out of whack with what this movie actually provides. I expected oriental characters and towns but there were none -- characters were occidental and so were the landscapes and architecture, which resembles a Bavaria placed by the sea. The time was fluid without being jarring; some vehicles, appliances, people characteristics, etc., were drawn from the 30s through the 90s, so it became essentially timeless. And I was wondering about the "witch" aspect, but that's really more a story-telling device to present some very human challenges.

The artwork is quite handsome. The characters are somewhat cartoonish but their actions in such small things as laughing and smiling, seem more realistic (perhaps intensified?) than is true for American animated films of the same era. Some of the other objects, e.g., ships, have the same simplifications. But most of the landscapes, the backgrounds to the characters, are really beautifully drawn.

The story tells of a young girl's growth in getting to know herself in a series of challenges. Much of this has a "slice of life" quality to it. Utterly charming. While I've loved all the Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli animé films I've seen (Spirited.., Howl's MC, Princess M), Kiki remains my favorite maybe because it's so perceptively human and has less interventions of magic or spirits. Whatever the reasons, I'm obviously not alone -- Kiki's a favorite of many others.

Some reviewers have commented on their preference for the Japanese version of Kiki with English sub-titles. We saw the dubbed American Disney version and loved it but it's believable that the original might be more appealing to an adult audience. As it was, this version easily kept a four year old's interest throughout.

link to IMDb info on movie: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097814/

link to trailer of Kiki: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1892549401/

[Retriever Mama]

I thought it was cute but preferred Howl's Moving Castle and the other's to Kiki. Looking forward to Miyazaki's new one, Ponyo!

[Harlan]

Hi guys,.
Its really great article about the Kiki's Delivery Service,.
Nice to read,.