CinemaCl🎃wn’s review published on Letterboxd:
Loosely based on the novel of the same name, Kiki's Delivery Service is the fourth anime produced under the Studio Ghibli banner and tells the story of a young witch named Kiki who follows the witches' tradition of leaving home at the age of thirteen to spend a year in a town on her own and support herself by using her magical abilities. The film covers her attempts to fit into a new society, facing setbacks, losing confidence but eventually learning to embrace her individuality.
Written & directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the film has a very fun-filled, light-hearted & joyous atmosphere and the use of humour is well-timed too. Unlike Miyazaki's other works, Kiki's Delivery Service doesn't try to make strong statements about environmental issues but is mainly concerned with the hardships faced by teenagers while growing up & the perspective of life they gain by overcoming those difficulties.
The hand-drawn animation is gorgeously rendered on the screen, Kiki's character arc is exquisitely carried out, the town featured in the film is heavily influenced from the European architectures and the entire story is effectively paced & excellently supported by its rich score. But what I loved most about it is the simplicity with which the plot unravels itself & how effortlessly it manages to retain an innocent flair throughout its runtime.
On an overall scale, Kiki's Delivery Service is another work of mastery from Hayao Miyazaki which entertains as well as enlightens viewers of all ages in its unique childlike manner & remains one of the most enjoyable films of his stupendous career. One amongst Studio Ghibli's most pleasant examples of art, vision, creativity & craftsmanship seamlessly blended with refined storytelling, Kiki's Delivery Service is delightfully recommended.
