Kiki's Delivery Service
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There is a time when a young witch must seek out her own calling in her trade by setting out alone and finding a new place to live, away from her family and friends. This is the tradition among all witches, and this is the task that young Kiki has before her.
Accompanied by her black cat, Jiji, Kiki sets out on an adventure to the big city in order to learn just what it is in the field of witchcraft she is good at. She won't be alone on this journey though -- besides Jiji, she'll meet a friendly bakery owner and her husband who will help her set up her new business, a
flying delivery service that makes good use of Kiki's talents on a broomstick. She'll also steal the heart of Tombo, a young boy who dreams of the day he'll be able to fly a plane of his own. Despite harships and obstacles, Kiki is determined to find her place in the world and make friends along the way so that, one day, she can return to her family in triumph.
Some of you out there are blinking in disbelief I bet. "What's Tom doing reviewing a kid's film?" This is Miyazaki, people! Don't mock the master! And a master he is. Miyazaki has a way of telling a story, both by words and by visuals, that add a sense of magic that...well, I'll just go out and say what you all expect me to...can surpass even Disney's stranglehold on that market.
Kiki is a fantastic tale about triumph over adversity, but it's also about finding your own way on the path of life while remaining true to your heart. Early in the film, Kiki encounters a fellow witch-adept who has completed her training. She's all confident and arrogant, and we wonder if Kiki will become like that too. Yet, despite the adversity of her training, Kiki manages to remain the spunky (I hate that word, but it fits here) kid that she was the day she flew into town.
This is a great story for the kids although the adults might find it a little too sugary for their tastes, but I tell you that it's worth a shot. Hey, I enjoyed it greatly.
Technically, Buena Vista's transfer and dubbing of this film is unsurpassed. Granted, they have Disney's technological might behind them, but the picture even on VHS is crisp and clear, the audio spectacular, and the ADR and voice acting a cut above all others out there. Of course, this isn't fair to the dedicated anime producing companies out there, but it has to be said. The casting for the voice talent in this film is great, but the stand out of it all is none other than the late, great Phil Hartman as the voice of Jiji.
So good is his performance that you just can't help feel a little sad at the end of the film that this talented man is no longer with us. There's also an appearance by Janeane Garofalo as the voice of a reclusive artist which was very good casting in my opinion.
If you've always liked the anime style but have yet to find a title appropriate for your children, then this first release in Buena Vista's new Animation Celebration line (distributing the acquired Studio Ghibli titles) is a smart choice. Recommended highly, especially for those who were once otaku, but now have a baby seat in the Volvo.
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