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Hello Cinephiles,
Today we’re talking about the 1989 film Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Story
We bought a newer blu-ray of the movie which means I think this is the third version I’ve watched. I originally had seen the American dub where Jiji is able to talk at the end of the movie, and then I’d seen the subtitled version which was quite different. The newest version with dubs is a good mix of the two and is more faithful to the original concept.
The story is simple, calm, and very relatable.
Score: 1
Characters
Kiki is young and unsure of herself and honestly, I feel that. I would not have felt comfortable leaving home at 13. The characters she meets along the way are borderline cliche but the movie might have been the source of some. From the stoic but big hearted baker to the friendly old woman and the deep artist. They are fun and sympathetic.
Score: 1
Dialogue
I assumed the weird laughing was a cultural thing but I didn’t notice it in any other Japan’s media. A lot of the laughter is at Kiki being young and innocent and it’s a little jarring.
I like my sarcastic black cats as much as the next guy, but I found Jiji a little annoying.
I did like the ridiculously awkward flirting and the deep but understandable advice from the painter.
Score: 0.5
Visuals and Music
The visuals were stunning as usual and the movement of the characters was spot on. It was a little funny to see the sketch of the crows and Kiki being more detailed than the art in the film.
The music was great. I remembered some jarring sounds and weird music, but either it was removed or I imagined it.
Score: 1
Fun
This was fairly relaxing, there are a few moments where I expected worse but overall it’s a lot of fun. The kids loved this one as did the adults.
Score: 1
Overall
A wonderful movie with a poignant message. Growing up is hard but worth it.
Final Score: 4.5 Stars out of 5