Films from Studio Ghibli often evoke certain impressions: imaginative, heartwarming, and unusual are just a few examples. And perhaps no Ghibli film embodies those qualities more than _Kiki's Delivery Service_. At its heart, _Kiki's Delivery Service_ is a story about growing up, focusing on 13-year-old Kiki, a young witch who leaves home with her cat Jiji to complete her training. Upon arriving in a distant European city, she begins a delivery service, transporting goods around town and attracting the attention of Tombo, who’s fascinated by aviation and immediately taken with her ability to fly. A key element that draws people to Ghibli films is their straightforward narratives, which make them easy for anyone to understand. In _Kiki's Delivery Service_, we simply accept that witches exist, and while they aren’t commonly seen, they aren’t objects of fear either. The only anxieties in the film stem from Kiki’s own uncertainties. Considering how much more traditional Japan is compared to Western cultures—particularly when it comes to family values—it's rather strange that a conservative Christian group in America decided to boycott the movie simply because it portrays witches in a positive light. However, Kiki being a witch isn't really central to what the film is about. It could be argued that her magical abilities are just an excuse for director Hayao Miyazaki to showcase another Ghibli world from above, giving his animators the opportunity to create some of the most beautiful scenery in animation. Furthermore, it provides a reason for Kiki to have a talking cat (who, in the English version, is voiced by Phil Hartman, known for roles like Troy McClure on _The Simpsons_). Jiji not only contributes to many of the film’s funniest moments but also reflects Kiki's journey from naivete. Despite all its sweetness and innocence, _Kiki's Delivery Service_ remains peculiar. The story is full of questions that go unanswered—what became of the other witch who was going home?—and the final sequence involving the airship feels a bit too dramatic and doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the grounded plotline. Even so, it’s still an enjoyable film, and while it might not be my top recommendation from Ghibli, it's definitely worth watching.

Source on TMDB