November 2nd: Kiki’s Delivery Service
Kiki’s Delivery Service
Released: 1989
Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Debbie Reynolds, Matthew Lawrence, Janeane Garofalo, Tress MacNeille
This is one of the sweeter movies out there. It is about a young witch going on her apprentice-like expedition away from home. She learns about friendship, hard work, and overcoming a lack of confidence. Kiki is such a hard-working and honorable kid. She pushes herself hard, especially for a thirteen-year-old. Her best friend is her cat, Jiji, who is voiced by Phil Hartman in one of his final roles in the version I saw. The movie is a coming-of-age story about this young girl facing difficult challenges and facing them with tenacity, honor and kindness. It is truly a heartwarming film.
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Small Observations:
- It is always bittersweet to see or hear Phil Hartman in something. He was a comedic genius. His voice is so fun to hear in so many different roles, Jiji included. He is always sorely missed.
- The movie plays as basically a lot of cute vignettes about Kiki doing her job. One of the more touching parts is when Kiki is called to deliver something on behalf of an elderly woman referred to in the credits as Madame. Madame isn’t quite ready for her item, a pie, to be delivered. While the older lady is willing to pay her for flying out to her, Kiki spends the day helping her cook the pie. And, though late, she flies through the rain to deliver it to Madame’s granddaughter — who hates her grandma’s pies. It is just another example of Kiki’s strong character.
- One of the more interesting characters is the artist Ursula, who Kiki befriends on one of her trips. Ursula is the character who helps the young witch overcome her magical block later in the film by building her up as a supportive friend.
- MCU actors: 0 but 1 from the Spider-Man films and 3 voice actors for Marvel animated series
Overall Rank: A
Just a wonderfully heartwarming and kind film. It is one of those that makes you feel good after watching it. Recommended.
