A couple days ago I asked a question on here about a good Anime for beginners. A lot of Gagers suggested Studio Ghibli films such as Spirited Away, Princess Monoke, Secret World of Arriety, or the movie which is subject of my Take today Kiki's Delivery Service.
From the perspective of a Western animation junkie, I knew this film was released under Disney with partnership of Studio Ghibli in the US in the late 90s. So I was expecting quite a bit of Disney like charm to it. I wasn't wrong but it kinda exceeded my expectations.
First of all I wanna talk about the Animation. It is so colorful and crisp. It's just really vivid. It just jumps out. The visual of the buildings and the scenery is really pretty and easy going.
The setting is in 1950s Europe in which in a alternative universe WW2 never happened and fascism nor communism was never a threat. A lot of architecture in the setting is also based off San Francisco, London, Amsterdam, and other Western cities. The Zeppelin in the film was from the 1930s whereas the cars were mostly 1940s. So a Mid 20th century setting is what they are trying to set out despite the anime came out in 1989.
The voice cast was also very superb. Kirsten Dunst does a great job as the English version of Kiki. Phil Hartman as Jiji the cat is also surprising as he was more of a comedian despite doing the voice of Troy McClure in The Simpsons. Ultimately this was Phil Hartman's last work as he was murdered mere months before the Disney version was released. Matthew Lawrence also plays as Tombo, Kiki's friend. Debbie Reynolds, Tress Macnielle (Charlotte Pickles, Arnold's grandma, and Dot Warner), and Brad Garrett also lend their voices to the English dub.
I was very impressed and enjoyed the easy going and not overly sweet and sappy story. The main theme is one of a witch in training who moves to a city and tries to make it on her own. She suffers burnout from the day to day living to being a delivery person and ultimately does lose her powers. However after she sees Tombo in peril she believes in herself and her powers come back to save Tombo.
I give this movie 4 out of 5 stars. It's a great beginner anime and also a good watch for Non anime fans. The voice cast is incredible, the animation and cinematography is very colorful and enjoyable. My only minor gripe is the pacing. It was kind of slow. However it is meant to be a slow and easy paced film which would be suitable for young kids to enjoy. I actually would probably show this to my niece and nephew.
If you have your own opinions or recommendations of another Studio Ghibli film I should write on feel free to drop a comment!
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I love the my take! It is sad to think back on Phil Hartman, like thinking about robin Williams... But I love this series "stephen reviews"! Please continue it!!
And spirited away would be my recommendation :)
Good review. I don't know if I've ever said this before but.. watch Spirited Away!
I have attempted to and fell asleep so I will give it another go
YOU FELL ASLEEP? LOL! Disrepesct to Miyazaki!! xD
Also, look at this Princess ononoke MyTake: MyReview: Princess Mononoke ↗ just to see how the pics are spread throughout, and how their is the addition of one of the soundtracks. Your review was really wonderful, but I wish I got to see more of the beautiful animation, and listen to the wonderful Ghibli music while reading it. Just my opinion!! :)
Nausicaa
Is that a anime
Yes it's a studio Ghibli Anime. It is called Nausicaa the valley of the wind. It's the first studio ghibli ever made, its success is what created studio ghibli. It has beautiful animation and themes. It is tragic and beautiful and has you on the edge of your seat for the whole film after 5 minutes. the music is just impeccable.
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