It's a bummer that Miyazaki's self criticism of the story is actually what I find to be its strength. Kiki is a wonderful study in the mixtures of navigating the world with limited support mixed with the mundane aspects of day to day life it self. Like when she runs in the door with the 2 bags and trips and almost falls. So few movies make small details like that especially anime where every frame is $$. It's a masterpiece that does not try to tackle enormous philosophical themes while at the same time exploring things equally as important.
This is very interesting. As someone who has never read the book but watched the film a million times, it’s interesting to hear how they were different in a lot of ways but both had the same themes, morals, and lessons. Kiki’s Delivery Service is not only my favorite Ghibli movie, but also my favorite movie of all time. It’s gorgeous animation, relatable characters, and especially heartbreakingly but also beautiful message, the movie adaptation to me scratch’s something that no other Ghibli movie or movie in general has ever done for me. On the surface, it’s a nice slice of life story with charming characters and beautiful locations. The deeper you go though, the more you realize how sad but also how amazing it’s message and themes are.
If I want to feel better, I watch Whisper of the Heart first and Kiki's Delivery Service second. My two favorites. I was a creative child who wanted to become an actress and unfortunately, illness took that away from me as an adult. These two movies inspired me so much. To this day, I'll still turn them on. I even shared them with my fiance. Kiki gave me a lot of strength to dream and believe that I'd make my way out of creative burn out and sing again or do something else again because that's who I was. I had gifts and many of them. But I never got that chance. The movie also taught me that I would be happy again. It's a movie that sticks to the landing, something Miyazaki doesn't do with all of his movies (sorry not sorry). I respect and love SOME of Miyazaki's films but he's not my favorite Ghibli creative. Kiki can stick to the landing and give you a clear message of you'll be fine. Honestly, if I did not have so many movies to watch telling me I'd be fine, I'd have gone crazy from all the people telling me my life was over. My life was over. I just needed a new plan. Surprisingly, not a big deal. The words in Ursula's cabin should be taken to heart not just about being an artist, but about life. Go take a break. It'll come to you again. You'll create something amazing.
I actually rewatched the film last night, after watching Cinema Therapy’s take on it. I didn’t appreciate this film at all when I first saw it (recorded it off the Disney Channel in the early 00s), but it’s easier to appreciate now.
At least the movie being made led to the first book coming overseas (please whoever's listening, translate the others 😭) I do like both of them and honestly wish that more of the story would get adapted by someone, but what we have is decent. The scene where she rescues Tombo has me on the edge every time... I also love the scene where she helps that old lady with the fish pie (side note: 🤬 that ungrateful granddaughter), it's just so... I dunno, cozy? As I am a filthy dub watcher, I'm gonna take this moment to pour one out for Phil Hartman (English voice for Jiji)😔 Nice video 🤗
That rescue scene always makes me cry, lol. I'm also preferential to the dub. Mostly because it's what I grew up with watching it so many times. But I also love Phil Hartman (and I believe this was his last role?). His death was so tragic. We lost him way too soon 😢
This video was very interesting, since the time I’m writing this I haven’t actually read the original book yet. It’s very fascinating how Miyazaki adapted the book, and the changes and similarities he put into how the story is played out, it’s mood and tone, events that occur, and his overall message. Kiki’s Delivery Service in both film and book is a masterpiece, this story at first glance can be seen to just be a story about a young witch in training, that ventures off to stay somewhere new. But it is more than that, it’s about the question on why this story is being told. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a symbolic metaphor for independence, confidence, motivation, strength and acceptance. And how the youth must gradually learn to adapt in the new world they live in.
As a writer myself I have to say that having any of my works be made into a film (by Studio Ghibli no less!) is the dream! I actually haven't seen the film so I might click off and come back once I've seen it, but I really like your delivery style and I subscribed!
I have seen a lot of analysis vidoes about kiki's delivery surface but yours is so good. I really like how you included so many interesting details about Eiko Kanodo and her daughter.
This was a great video! I was working on a script to make a video on this movie myself. I'm a new studio ghibli fan and kiki's delivery service is one I really loved. Its so relaxing and comforting to me. I love how your video gives more clarification on things that confused me in the movie. I think the context around the film makes the movie more interesting to me to watch. I'm also kind of interested in reading the books for more lore. Either way I'm happy you made this video. Kiki's delivery service is an easily enjoyable movie for me and I'm glad so many people love it too.
I never understood where my interest for Swedish came From, but I loveeeed Kiki's delivery service and went to learn some basic words from duolingo. I know this isn't all of Swedens culture but I like the quiet social culture where it isn't too heavily on extraversion.
The relationship changes between Kiki and Gigi in the book wasn’t very well portrayed in the movie. When I watched on Kiki’s Delivery Service for the first time, having Gigi suddenly ignore Kiki and stop being able to communicate to her felt abrupt. In the movie it seems like Kiki lost her powers and that was the reason for this change in their dynamic. I believe this is the actual reason but it made it feel disconnected to their prior relationship. The two seemed to have a dynamic that even without speech should have kept them close but the movie portrayal makes it seem like it’s her magic that holds their body together at all. I find the books depth and connection to the growing up relationship between the two much more interesting. I have that agree on your judgment that each generation are also introduced to the world younger and younger. With the Internet, kids have to learn to navigate the world at their fingertips which wasn’t even something I had full access to as a kid. I think it adds to the confusing nature of learning how to socialize and grow. I also have to agree with the author’s comments about the difference between the book and movie. I adore the movie but I believe a lot of the lessons you spoke of that may be portrayed clearer and in more depth in the book fall short in the movie. The movie feels less touching or deep to me in comparison to many of the other Studio Ghibli films I have seen. It truly felt lackluster and it’s not one I would necessarily rewatch often.
Miyazaki is even harsher on Porco Rosso ironically my favourite film(probably because I'm older man with cynicism seeping in) In documentary Kingdom of Dreams and Madness he calls it stupid since it's story of an older man which again is why it appeals to me more.
This was a great video! I love studio ghibli films and their music, hopefully I will post a cover of town with an ocean view in the future. I'm so surprise your channel has so little subscribers, you have a new sub :)
Many of Miyazaki’s movies are about big subjects like war or environmentalism. Those are interesting subjects that Miyazaki does very well, but Kiki’s is kind of unique for the realism between characters and their relationships that Miyazaki usually seems give a back seat to in favor of atmosphere and themes.
Kiki was a disappointing watch for me. It started off strong and just started to lost momentum at around the end of the first act. I've never read the book I should add.
Kiki is a difficult movie for me to watch because it's so sickeningly sweet, if that makes sense. Not even Ponyo and Totorro have such a lack of stakes as to feel like pure fantasy fulfillment. Technically Kiki has a conflict, but to me there's never any real stake to the conflict. So I watch this movie about a cute little girl moving to a perfect Italian-style town with no problems, where she lives above an old-style bakery and gets to fly on her broom wherever and whenever she wants (perfectly free and independent mode of transportation) and feel the cool and refreshingly misty ocean breeze in her face. And then I go back to my life: I'm not a cute little girl and never will be. I don't live in a beautiful Italian village. I live in the midwest, flat and gray and void of even trees. The only ocean we have is that of Walmart parking lots. The only breeze we have is the anti-bug hot air that blasts your face when you enter a supermarket. I don't fly on a broom but wait in line for 15 minutes to buy gasoline at Sam's Club for my car which is required to get anywhere at all. I don't live above a bakery, I pay rent each month to live above a parking lot. I've heard it said that Miyazaki wants his movies to encourage kids to get outside and enjoy what life has to offer. If it is true that this is his intent, then I think with Kiki he failed so badly in that mission because he made a world that is so perfect that real life couldn't possibly compete. At least with Totorro the mother is sick, which grounds the movie, and with Ponyo it's never hidden from you that all the magical moments are temporary because Ponyo will eventually return to the sea. And I didn't have independence as a kid, like Kiki is given. I had a set societal path planned before I was even born. I'll go to school, then college, then work 40 hour weeks somewhere. I won't be an artist because I'll end up homeless if I try that. I can be passionate about something but it had better stop at being a hobby and nothing more. I had better keep my emotions in check and never unload on people because that'll scare them away, or make me lose respect in their eyes--a currency which is required in the standard career-driven, job-networking world. There is beauty in the world, but realistically, it's a very different type of beauty than that in Kiki. I think it's disingenuous and probably unhealthy to kids and largely disrespectful to adults.
I kinda disagree. I feel like watching Kiki encouraged me to romanticize my life. I don’t live in a beautiful ocean town, but I watched it after graduating college and moving away from my family and it struck something emotional in me as as at the time I was leaving from the place I’ve always known to somewhere completely different, feeling like a foreigner in a new place, and having to mature more than ever. It’s a coming of age story.
@@nctzen3to3 to each their own, I won't knock how it might've affected you. For me it failed as a coming of age because of the pacing being pretty poor. Poor pacing is pretty typical of Miyazaki's movies though, so I guess I'm just complaining that the sky is blue
I first watched this movie when I was a teenager. Being bullied pretty much every day, no friends, struggling with anxiety, depression and puberty. To me this movie was escapism and comfort food. I get what you are saying but I absolutely love this movie and always will. I get where you're coming from. But, I loved this movie then and still do now. In part because I related to some of the things in it. I also felt like people didn't want to accept me or had preconceived notions about me. I wasn't a witch, lol. But people sometimes misjudge the quiet, loner type as something is wrong with them or that they think they are too good to talk to them. I think I liked the idea of a simpler world with less "high-stakes". Lord knows there's a million other books, movies, or TV shows with plenty if that I could watch instead of that was what I was looking for. I needed some peace.
@@Jennilynne i get what you're saying. I personally believe that pure escapism is a dangerous thing to give to people because it could end up being some people prefer the fantasy to real life. Like they see a mountain range in real life and think to themselves "I've seen better in this movie". It basically sets people up for dissapointment. But I also see exactly how a bit of escapism can be very good in the short term. Maybe I'm little more than one of those old people who say "a little smacking will do the kid good". I am probably just jaded from growing up on video games and in the US. I worry that the end goal of capitalism is to sell people escapism from a world which large companies make worse day by day. Creating the problem and selling the solution.
Idk why this was in my recommendation. I am a 260lb Veteran who still runs 3 miles in the morning before work and I watch a ton of history, politics, and racecars.
Screenshotting this to post on r/iamverybadass. Imagine having so little to contribute that you manage to make a film analysis of a young girl all about your own toxic masculinity.
Lol, the quirks of the algorithm. I've ended up *deep* niche places randomly as well. Note to everyone else responding to OP: this person is not your high school bully; find a therapist. (Legit advice, I'm not poking fun at you) Also there is a lot of comedy in the post: use your imagination and make a mental picture of someone who is big, watches nascar, and likes politics (and aware that they are not the demographic for this video only after) sitting at their computer at the 3AM 13 minutes into a 16 min video, confused. How about we all be nicer? Anyway, this video is excellent! It caused me to find a new trailhead through which I can rewatch and reconsider the movie: perhaps the diminishing returns of being magical (from generation to generation) has something to say about nostalgia and how it can be useful to navigating challenges introduced or incidental to modernity. If this theme does turn up, I imagine that could have more to do with the director's vision than what was in the text (but this idea is about 24 minutes old so that is just conjecture lol).
It's a bummer that Miyazaki's self criticism of the story is actually what I find to be its strength. Kiki is a wonderful study in the mixtures of navigating the world with limited support mixed with the mundane aspects of day to day life it self. Like when she runs in the door with the 2 bags and trips and almost falls. So few movies make small details like that especially anime where every frame is $$. It's a masterpiece that does not try to tackle enormous philosophical themes while at the same time exploring things equally as important.
This is very interesting. As someone who has never read the book but watched the film a million times, it’s interesting to hear how they were different in a lot of ways but both had the same themes, morals, and lessons.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is not only my favorite Ghibli movie, but also my favorite movie of all time. It’s gorgeous animation, relatable characters, and especially heartbreakingly but also beautiful message, the movie adaptation to me scratch’s something that no other Ghibli movie or movie in general has ever done for me.
On the surface, it’s a nice slice of life story with charming characters and beautiful locations. The deeper you go though, the more you realize how sad but also how amazing it’s message and themes are.
If I want to feel better, I watch Whisper of the Heart first and Kiki's Delivery Service second. My two favorites. I was a creative child who wanted to become an actress and unfortunately, illness took that away from me as an adult. These two movies inspired me so much. To this day, I'll still turn them on. I even shared them with my fiance.
Kiki gave me a lot of strength to dream and believe that I'd make my way out of creative burn out and sing again or do something else again because that's who I was. I had gifts and many of them. But I never got that chance. The movie also taught me that I would be happy again.
It's a movie that sticks to the landing, something Miyazaki doesn't do with all of his movies (sorry not sorry). I respect and love SOME of Miyazaki's films but he's not my favorite Ghibli creative. Kiki can stick to the landing and give you a clear message of you'll be fine. Honestly, if I did not have so many movies to watch telling me I'd be fine, I'd have gone crazy from all the people telling me my life was over.
My life was over. I just needed a new plan. Surprisingly, not a big deal. The words in Ursula's cabin should be taken to heart not just about being an artist, but about life. Go take a break. It'll come to you again. You'll create something amazing.
ThankYou. You’ve no idea how much that just helped me~
Kiki is one of my favourite films of all time and my favourite ghibli film
This was a pleasant and thoughtful essay. Thanks for posting.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for your comment and for watching!
Found this great channel now it's gone. What happened? Where is dearest dimple? it was beautiful that i could come here for the serenity it brings. 😭
Thank you kindly for this deeply personal take on this beautiful work. I really appreciate your narrative and storytelling. 💛
I actually rewatched the film last night, after watching Cinema Therapy’s take on it. I didn’t appreciate this film at all when I first saw it (recorded it off the Disney Channel in the early 00s), but it’s easier to appreciate now.
At least the movie being made led to the first book coming overseas (please whoever's listening, translate the others 😭)
I do like both of them and honestly wish that more of the story would get adapted by someone, but what we have is decent. The scene where she rescues Tombo has me on the edge every time... I also love the scene where she helps that old lady with the fish pie (side note: 🤬 that ungrateful granddaughter), it's just so... I dunno, cozy?
As I am a filthy dub watcher, I'm gonna take this moment to pour one out for Phil Hartman (English voice for Jiji)😔
Nice video 🤗
That rescue scene always makes me cry, lol.
I'm also preferential to the dub. Mostly because it's what I grew up with watching it so many times. But I also love Phil Hartman (and I believe this was his last role?). His death was so tragic. We lost him way too soon 😢
This video was very interesting, since the time I’m writing this I haven’t actually read the original book yet. It’s very fascinating how Miyazaki adapted the book, and the changes and similarities he put into how the story is played out, it’s mood and tone, events that occur, and his overall message. Kiki’s Delivery Service in both film and book is a masterpiece, this story at first glance can be seen to just be a story about a young witch in training, that ventures off to stay somewhere new. But it is more than that, it’s about the question on why this story is being told. Kiki’s Delivery Service is a symbolic metaphor for independence, confidence, motivation, strength and acceptance. And how the youth must gradually learn to adapt in the new world they live in.
As a writer myself I have to say that having any of my works be made into a film (by Studio Ghibli no less!) is the dream! I actually haven't seen the film so I might click off and come back once I've seen it, but I really like your delivery style and I subscribed!
It's probably my top Ghibli movie because it's just pure "comfort food" to me. Along with Tonari no Totoro
In my view, Miyazaki's disappointments in Kiki are fully redeemed in the adaptation of Ronja the Robber's Daughter.
@@Jennilynne same for me, but adding Arrietty as well
I have seen a lot of analysis vidoes about kiki's delivery surface but yours is so good. I really like how you included so many interesting details about Eiko Kanodo and her daughter.
This was such a beautifully presented, thought provoking video essay, thank you ❤
This was a great video! I was working on a script to make a video on this movie myself. I'm a new studio ghibli fan and kiki's delivery service is one I really loved. Its so relaxing and comforting to me. I love how your video gives more clarification on things that confused me in the movie. I think the context around the film makes the movie more interesting to me to watch. I'm also kind of interested in reading the books for more lore. Either way I'm happy you made this video. Kiki's delivery service is an easily enjoyable movie for me and I'm glad so many people love it too.
This was wonderful. Thank you so much for making it!
Great video! I liked the book-to-film comparison.
Please make a video on Castle in the sky. I absolutely love that movie.
I never understood where my interest for Swedish came From, but I loveeeed Kiki's delivery service and went to learn some basic words from duolingo. I know this isn't all of Swedens culture but I like the quiet social culture where it isn't too heavily on extraversion.
I love the way you compare book and film
The relationship changes between Kiki and Gigi in the book wasn’t very well portrayed in the movie. When I watched on Kiki’s Delivery Service for the first time, having Gigi suddenly ignore Kiki and stop being able to communicate to her felt abrupt. In the movie it seems like Kiki lost her powers and that was the reason for this change in their dynamic. I believe this is the actual reason but it made it feel disconnected to their prior relationship. The two seemed to have a dynamic that even without speech should have kept them close but the movie portrayal makes it seem like it’s her magic that holds their body together at all. I find the books depth and connection to the growing up relationship between the two much more interesting.
I have that agree on your judgment that each generation are also introduced to the world younger and younger. With the Internet, kids have to learn to navigate the world at their fingertips which wasn’t even something I had full access to as a kid. I think it adds to the confusing nature of learning how to socialize and grow.
I also have to agree with the author’s comments about the difference between the book and movie. I adore the movie but I believe a lot of the lessons you spoke of that may be portrayed clearer and in more depth in the book fall short in the movie. The movie feels less touching or deep to me in comparison to many of the other Studio Ghibli films I have seen. It truly felt lackluster and it’s not one I would necessarily rewatch often.
Miyazaki is even harsher on Porco Rosso ironically my favourite film(probably because I'm older man with cynicism seeping in)
In documentary Kingdom of Dreams and Madness he calls it stupid since it's story of an older man which again is why it appeals to me more.
Nice video, very thoughtful and clearly presented! Waiting for Nausicaa!)
Fab Analysis ....Love Kiki.
this is a really nice video *^_^*
This was a great video! I love studio ghibli films and their music, hopefully I will post a cover of town with an ocean view in the future.
I'm so surprise your channel has so little subscribers, you have a new sub :)
Please do! Thank you so much for your lovely comment!
❤
Where are you girl
Many of Miyazaki’s movies are about big subjects like war or environmentalism. Those are interesting subjects that Miyazaki does very well, but Kiki’s is kind of unique for the realism between characters and their relationships that Miyazaki usually seems give a back seat to in favor of atmosphere and themes.
Kiki was a disappointing watch for me. It started off strong and just started to lost momentum at around the end of the first act. I've never read the book I should add.
Kiki is a difficult movie for me to watch because it's so sickeningly sweet, if that makes sense. Not even Ponyo and Totorro have such a lack of stakes as to feel like pure fantasy fulfillment. Technically Kiki has a conflict, but to me there's never any real stake to the conflict.
So I watch this movie about a cute little girl moving to a perfect Italian-style town with no problems, where she lives above an old-style bakery and gets to fly on her broom wherever and whenever she wants (perfectly free and independent mode of transportation) and feel the cool and refreshingly misty ocean breeze in her face.
And then I go back to my life: I'm not a cute little girl and never will be. I don't live in a beautiful Italian village. I live in the midwest, flat and gray and void of even trees. The only ocean we have is that of Walmart parking lots. The only breeze we have is the anti-bug hot air that blasts your face when you enter a supermarket. I don't fly on a broom but wait in line for 15 minutes to buy gasoline at Sam's Club for my car which is required to get anywhere at all. I don't live above a bakery, I pay rent each month to live above a parking lot.
I've heard it said that Miyazaki wants his movies to encourage kids to get outside and enjoy what life has to offer. If it is true that this is his intent, then I think with Kiki he failed so badly in that mission because he made a world that is so perfect that real life couldn't possibly compete. At least with Totorro the mother is sick, which grounds the movie, and with Ponyo it's never hidden from you that all the magical moments are temporary because Ponyo will eventually return to the sea.
And I didn't have independence as a kid, like Kiki is given. I had a set societal path planned before I was even born. I'll go to school, then college, then work 40 hour weeks somewhere. I won't be an artist because I'll end up homeless if I try that. I can be passionate about something but it had better stop at being a hobby and nothing more. I had better keep my emotions in check and never unload on people because that'll scare them away, or make me lose respect in their eyes--a currency which is required in the standard career-driven, job-networking world.
There is beauty in the world, but realistically, it's a very different type of beauty than that in Kiki. I think it's disingenuous and probably unhealthy to kids and largely disrespectful to adults.
I kinda disagree. I feel like watching Kiki encouraged me to romanticize my life. I don’t live in a beautiful ocean town, but I watched it after graduating college and moving away from my family and it struck something emotional in me as as at the time I was leaving from the place I’ve always known to somewhere completely different, feeling like a foreigner in a new place, and having to mature more than ever. It’s a coming of age story.
@@nctzen3to3 to each their own, I won't knock how it might've affected you. For me it failed as a coming of age because of the pacing being pretty poor. Poor pacing is pretty typical of Miyazaki's movies though, so I guess I'm just complaining that the sky is blue
I first watched this movie when I was a teenager. Being bullied pretty much every day, no friends, struggling with anxiety, depression and puberty. To me this movie was escapism and comfort food. I get what you are saying but I absolutely love this movie and always will. I get where you're coming from. But, I loved this movie then and still do now. In part because I related to some of the things in it. I also felt like people didn't want to accept me or had preconceived notions about me. I wasn't a witch, lol. But people sometimes misjudge the quiet, loner type as something is wrong with them or that they think they are too good to talk to them.
I think I liked the idea of a simpler world with less "high-stakes". Lord knows there's a million other books, movies, or TV shows with plenty if that I could watch instead of that was what I was looking for. I needed some peace.
@@Jennilynne i get what you're saying. I personally believe that pure escapism is a dangerous thing to give to people because it could end up being some people prefer the fantasy to real life. Like they see a mountain range in real life and think to themselves "I've seen better in this movie". It basically sets people up for dissapointment.
But I also see exactly how a bit of escapism can be very good in the short term. Maybe I'm little more than one of those old people who say "a little smacking will do the kid good".
I am probably just jaded from growing up on video games and in the US. I worry that the end goal of capitalism is to sell people escapism from a world which large companies make worse day by day. Creating the problem and selling the solution.
Idk why this was in my recommendation. I am a 260lb Veteran who still runs 3 miles in the morning before work and I watch a ton of history, politics, and racecars.
Screenshotting this to post on r/iamverybadass. Imagine having so little to contribute that you manage to make a film analysis of a young girl all about your own toxic masculinity.
Lol ok
okay overlord277
Lol, the quirks of the algorithm. I've ended up *deep* niche places randomly as well.
Note to everyone else responding to OP: this person is not your high school bully; find a therapist. (Legit advice, I'm not poking fun at you) Also there is a lot of comedy in the post: use your imagination and make a mental picture of someone who is big, watches nascar, and likes politics (and aware that they are not the demographic for this video only after) sitting at their computer at the 3AM 13 minutes into a 16 min video, confused.
How about we all be nicer?
Anyway, this video is excellent! It caused me to find a new trailhead through which I can rewatch and reconsider the movie: perhaps the diminishing returns of being magical (from generation to generation) has something to say about nostalgia and how it can be useful to navigating challenges introduced or incidental to modernity. If this theme does turn up, I imagine that could have more to do with the director's vision than what was in the text (but this idea is about 24 minutes old so that is just conjecture lol).
@@hgfjyrdetryu I was showing that the CZcams algorithm is crazy weird.