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Reviewer: Tom (Webmaster)
Based
on: Whole film
UK Distributor: Buena Vista Home Entertainment
(DVD & VHS)
Another film which displays the genius of Miyazaki,
Kiki’s
Delivery Service is one of his most heart-warming films and possibly even his
best.
Kiki is a thirteen year-old witch who has now reached the stage in her life in
which she must leave home and find a town in which to settle and become totally
independent. Only her black cat Jiji accompanies her.
Full of enthusiasm and always smiling, Kiki is one of the most likeable
characters Miyazaki has ever created. Even when she does not fit in well with
the town and the delivery service – this involves flying the packages to it’s
destination on her broomstick – starts to lose business, she remains
enthusiastic. This eventually wears off when she discovers how ungrateful people
can really be (this is shown in the pie delivery scene) and unfortunately starts
losing her witch powers. This of course represents the problems adolescence
incurs.
This is film is more slow-moving then most of Miyazaki’s other work, but this
suits the style of the film. It contains less action then Laputa and Princess
Mononoke but contains plenty of scenes which will have you smiling and cheering
Kiki on. The bike ride in particular is a scene which will leave you feeling
good.
Some Miyazaki may be initially disappointed to hear that there is significantly
less fantasy in Kiki’s Delivery Service then his other work. Other then the fact
Kiki can fly, this is is very much about normal everyday life and does not
feature fantasy creatures and futuristic machinery. Do not let that put you off
though as Kiki’s Delivery Service is undoubtedly one of Miyazaki’s best films
and certainly one of the most heart-warming films ever and the ending will leave
with a huge feel-good feeling.
The soundtrack is once again provided by Joe Hisaishi who once again does a
fantastic job of it. I urge you to purchase the DVD as the English dub is poor
as it cuts the soundtrack out in places in favour of dialogue. Also, although
there is nothing wrong with Kirsten Dunst as Kiki in the English dub, the other
characters have been given the wrong voices and this ruins everything. Phil
Hartman as Jiji is not a good as he uses the same voice as he does for Lionel
Hutz on The Simpsons and this, as you probably realise, sounds too sarcastic and
just not right. Tombo also sounds too old in the English dub.
Overall this film is pretty much faultless but I seriously recommend spending
that little more and purchasing the DVD and leaving
the VHS well alone.
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