Like many of Miyazaki's female protagonists, Kiki is a multifaceted character with an endearing tenacity and she makes it easy for us to understand the rollercoaster of emotions she rides as she grows and matures through the movie. Kiki has gained independence through taming her own broom and she has become a well-rounded person who is more conscious of her gifts. Jiji falls in love with a female cat who at first doesn't give him the time of day. A group of Yokohama teens look to save their school's clubhouse from the wrecking ball in preparations for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. In the credits, it is shown that Jiji and Lily had kittens together. The film is Studio Ghibli’s fourth animated feature and is one of this reviewer’s personal favorites. Searching for streaming and purchasing options ... Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. The Clock family are four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family's residence, borrowing simple items to make their home. Was this review helpful to you? We're updating our reviews to better highlight authentic stories and accurate, diverse representations. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. Tombo nearly plummets from a great height, but is saved before he's seriously injured. Common Sense is the nation's leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of all kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the 21st century. After helping a cat, a seventeen-year-old girl finds herself involuntarily engaged to a cat Prince in a magical world where her only hope of freedom lies with a dapper cat statuette come to life. By losing her flying and fighting to get it back, Kiki realizes how much she loves to fly and she understands her skill on a deeper level. Families can talk about Kiki. What are the movie's messages about growing up? This accounts, in part, for the film's enthusiastic reception by so many young viewers. Unlike some of his other movies that feature some potentially frightening characters or disturbing scenes, this film is a sweet coming-of-age adventure. Click HERE and join our team! With Miyazaki's masterful direction and Studio Ghibli's impeccable execution, Kiki's Delivery Service is a beautiful coming of age story that captures the trials and tribulations of growing up with its charming characters, an intriguing premise and realistic conflicts. See something that needs to be addressed? The symbolism is clear. View production, box office, & company info. But she is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. As she approaches puberty, Kiki begins to lose her powers. Add your ratingSee all 56 parent reviews. When an unconfident young woman is cursed with an old body by a spiteful witch, her only chance of breaking the spell lies with a self-indulgent yet insecure young wizard and his companions in his legged, walking castle. She befriends Marnie. A community of magical shape-shifting raccoon dogs struggle to prevent their forest home from being destroyed by urban development. They ride a bicycle together, blush in each other's presence, and share one hug after a near-death experience. Ursula's advice is very relevant as artist's block is partially caused by self-doubt and a mental break allows Kiki to realize that there's more to herself than just being a witch. Join now. i don't think you'll be disaponited. Whenever Kiki has a run-in with her friend Tombo's gang, and other girls her age, we can see her put her head down and plow forward with closed body language. Based on the lesser-known book of the same name by Eiko Kadono, the movie focuses on a 13-year old witch named Kiki who, per ancient traditions, must leave home for a year to make a living in a different town. I have nothing to complain about. 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. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. What helps her gain back her strength? Looking for some great streaming picks? Sweet tales of friendship have great messages for kids. A young boy and a girl with a magic crystal must race against pirates and foreign agents in a search for a legendary floating castle. Metaphorically speaking, Kiki's loss speaks to the deeper insecurities she harbors about her identity as a witch and how her self-doubt stops her from finding her true potential. How is it different from the majority of Hollywood animated movies? Black Clover: Can Grey Transform Into a Fearless Black Bull? My very sensitive 6 year old adored My Neighbor Totoro, but found elements of this movie disturbing, particularly when [SPOILER!!!!] During this trip, Ursula tells Kiki that she may have artist's block and suggests that she take a mental health break. What to Watch, Read, and Play While Your Kids Are Stuck Indoors, Common Sense Selections for family entertainment, Stoke kids' love of reading with great summer stories, Check out new Common Sense Selections for games, Teachers: Find the best edtech tools for your classroom with in-depth expert reviews, 5 consejos para hablar con tus hijos sobre las elecciones, Which Side of History? KEEP READING: Best Studio Ghibli Anime (Ranked By MyAnimeList). And now that the Ghibli catalog is hitting streaming services for the first time, old and new fans alike are diving back into these worlds of cozy fantasy. Kiki has friends back home but in this new city and a new school filled with older kids, she has to start from scratch. Kiki's Delivery Service Production Committee, Kiki / It has a fun concept and is easy to understand. She's also very sensitive and doesn't understand the petty and rude way some kids her age act. As a gorgeous sunset paints the sky, Kiki is still very much alone and we start worrying that she hasn't found a place to stay. But she is still a little green and plenty headstrong, but also resourceful, imaginative, and determined. Kiki lacks any shared experiences with these town girls as a witch and it's sad to see this bubbly character feel so awkward around Tombo's friends. After a cute shopping scene, she finds out how quickly her money runs out, which forces her to get back to setting up her business. The movie's core concept is about gaining financial independence from one's parents and that's a key part of growing up. 5 Tips to Make Family Movie Night a Success. Get full reviews, ratings, and advice delivered weekly to your inbox. Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky and My Neighbor Totoro are all examples of movies that have captured hearts in both the East and West. Click the button below to start this article in quick view. The star rating reflects overall quality. Part of growing up, particularly but not limited to the adolescent phase, includes wanting to fit in with others as a way to understand one's identity. Like any coming of age story, Kiki's Delivery Service culminates in the loss of innocence as a part of growing up. Dogs in an Action-Packed Yashahime, My Hero Academia: Why Mina Ashido Is a Mediocre Hero. All rights reserved. Kiki was born in the summer of 1947. Kids will love it just as much as adults. How does she compare to other characters in animated movies? Kiki is perfectly sociable with people older than her but it seems that she has some social anxiety when it comes to other girls her age. Additionally, children make friends with unconscious ease, bonding over things as inane as eating mud pies, yet when people grow up, these activities are frowned upon and they have to find new ways to socialize with their peers. A boy her age, the aviation buff Tombo (Matthew Laurence), develops a crush on her. it's heartfelt, funny, and all in all a wonderful movie. Some of the positive messages include keeping a positive outlook, being generous and helpful even when you don't have to be, valuing your family and friends, and staying true to your passions, whether it's art or baking or, in Kiki's case, flying. Common Sense and other associated names and logos are trademarks of Common Sense Media, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (FEIN: 41-2024986). Toward the end of the movie, Kiki rises above her insecurities to help save her friend. Very good movie and enjoy it immensly. Kiki teaches kids that they should appreciate their friendships and not treat people like outsiders. Due to 12 y.o. But in one day she has a job, a rent-free room and networking connections without needing LinkedIn or Indeed. Kiki's hurt reaction and later brooding is a direct parallel to adolescents who have become self-conscious and are extremely sensitive to their peers' opinions.