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Watching Miyazaki: A Short "Film-Review" Series


Kiki's Delivery Service

(1989)

“Without even thinking about it, I used to be able to fly. Now I'm trying to look inside myself and find out how I did it.”

- Kiki

Okay, here's the thing about Kiki's Delivery Service. Nothing happens.

Go watch it and you'll see that nothing happens. at least not until an abrupt end.

But whoa, whoa, whoa, stop. Don't skip to the next one. The hell's the matter with you? Sit down and watch this. Doesn't matter how old you are, if you are 18 or younger, sit down and watch this now. you will appreciate it one day. If you're older than 18, you are going to feel like you're younger than 18. Why?

This is quite simply one of the most metaphorical and poetic works of Hayao Miyazaki. I would compare Kiki's Delivery Service's plot to a haiku:

Witch looks for a job;

loses her magic of flight;

she saves falling blimp.

I had to watch this twice to understand that. It's funny 'cause a good majority of my friends who's seen this always say that this is their favorite film from Miyazaki. And I see why. Nothing amazing happens; it is not external but internal, subtle to the the mind's touch. What this beautiful art piece lacks in action it makes up for in a strong message about the transition to adulthood.

This is an interesting one. I think, it is the most different out of the Miyazaki films, I've watched so far. If you're currently a college student, I'd give this one a watch. This film tackles the idea of homesickness, the idea of discovering your strengths and purpose, and the idea of making do with what you have. It's a child struggling with the adult world. It is very monumental.

I wouldn't recommend it to a younger audience as the metaphors will just pass by their heads, but I won't rob them of this film. Like I said, if you are below 18 years of age, you will come to appreciate this film. This one is definitely more geared towards a more mature audience. Regardless, I think you'll like it.

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) Trailer

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