Whilst many have attempted and failed to deliver a coming of age story with sincerity as well as the charm it seems the masters of animation Studio Ghibli seem to have found that winning formula. It’s in a world with broomsticks, talking cats, deliveries, growing pains and been independent, step forward Kiki’s Delivery Service (1989) the first of many Ghibli films since GKids took over the UK rights. Hayao Miyazaki‘s timeless classic that deserves to admired on the biggest screen possible, IMAX.
I originally watched Kiki when Studiocanal UK released the film on a Blu-ray with The Grave Of The Fireflies back in 2013. Both films delivering a different type of coming of age story, one that will have you transfixed and smiling throughout the other will having grabbing Kleenex.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is based on Eiko Kadano‘s 1985 novel we meet Kiki a 13 year old teen witch determined to make it own her own despite been second rate at spells and poor at making potions. She moves to a new town with the aid of her broom she sets herself up as a courier service delivery, delivering everything from bread to pets. At first, her only company is her sarcastic talking cat Jiji she soon discovers she has more friends than she ever thought on her long road of self discovery.
Many of Studio Ghibli‘s films have the array of mythical creatures or kindred spirits like in Spirited Away or have an villainous character . When it comes to Kiki’s Delivery Service it has neither, if anything life itself is Kiki’s only enemy. With magic and everyday life living in unison, this make’s Kiki a more grounded realistic animation (1950’s Sweden) that is vibrant, electric and it’s probably the only Ghibli animation that resembles a Disney animation minus the over indulgent songs. If you are looking for fantasy elements Kiki herself been a witch, her potions, her talking cat provide that substance without forgetting this film is purely a coming of age tale.
Whilst the premise maybe light hearted giving the animation a nicely paced episodic feel breaking down each part of Kiki’s tribulations into nice equally entertaining parts. Miyazaki does continue his use of strong positive Female protagonists however with Kiki we do learn she is not picture perfect which opens the door for older, wiser stronger character, strong female role model such as Ursula (voice by Janine Garofalo) to guide our young witch. Some critics say Ursula brings a feminist element to the story and it’s probably why Kiki’s Delivery Service finds itself paired with The Grave Of The Fireflies both roughly similar targeted age groups both with a message that may not appeal to younger pre-teen audience but never looses the magic we associate with Studio Ghibli. The studio is no stranger of having many female protagonists leading their films or at least strong female characters. Equally can be said about male characters, regardless every boy or girl does needs a good strong positive role model.
For years I’ve always been on the fence with 4K or IMAX. Probably not totally understanding and appreciating the formats, after the recent Akira re-release wow. I’m not scared to admit I am traditionalist when it comes to hand drawn animation, it’s a dying artform with digital animation becoming more the standard in the industry. Seeing it on the IMAX screening is gorgeous, the vibrant colours and audio are so crisp. There’s always the danger of pixelation, there’s none as you get a real true feel of the film’s detail when we see Kiki flying her broomstick in and around her town.
There’s always that scenario of watching Kiki in it’s original language or dubbed version. In the words of Bong Joon-Ho I like to rise above the one inch tall barrier of subtitles, however this is a film for a younger audience that will be the parents choice. This is getting released in both, with a voice cast that includes Kirsten Dunst (Kiki), Phil Hartmann (Jiji), Debbie Reynolds, Jeanine Garofalo. The original Japanese language version voice cast includes Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Chika Sakamoto.
Kiki’s Delivery Service might provide that unique take on the coming of age tale, it’s also magical and grounded. A warm, sweet entertaining tale that still holds well against today’s modern Kids films which is an amazing 37 years old!
★★★★
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UK Cinemas in IMAX 21st August, wider release 28th August | Japan, 1989 | U | GKids, Studio Ghibli| Dir.Hayao Miyazaki | Kirsten Dunst, Jeanine Garofalo, Debbie Reynolds, Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma
This review is an updated version of our 2013 review
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