Kiki's Delivery Service

In the charming and whimsical animated film Kiki's Delivery Service, directed by Hayao Miyazaki, the 13-year-old protagonist Kiki sets out on a courageous adventure of self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance. As a young witch, Kiki embarks on her mandatory year of independent life, a crucial rite of passage for witches in her world. According to tradition, at this age, witches must leave home and find their own way, relying solely on their own abilities, skills, and determination. With a throng of emotions and mixed feelings, Kiki says goodbye to her understanding family and close friends, who have been her pillars of support. As they bid each other farewell, Kiki's parents, wise and compassionate in their decision to let their daughter grow, know that their child must learn to soar on her own, spreading her wings to become a confident and capable young witch. Kiki sets out in search of a new home, a place to call her own, and an opportunity to hone her magical skills, particularly her flying powers and the art of making witches' broomsticks. As she soars above the sea, the wind beneath her wings and the rush of excitement in her heart, Kiki spots a charming seaside town in the distance. Drawn to the picturesque and quaint village, Kiki decides that this will be her new home, and she quickly finds a cozy and simple abode – a small beachside cottage. As she settles into her new life, Kiki faces a daunting task: to earn enough money to support herself. Knowing that, as a witch, she must be self-sufficient, Kiki decides to start an air courier service, specializing in delivering messages, packages, and goods between the village and surrounding towns. Her trusty wire-mesh broomstick, Jiji as her feline companion, and her unwavering enthusiasm propel her into this new venture. Unfortunately, Kiki's determination to succeed is not met with ease. Her broomstick struggles to take her higher, forcing Kiki to make multiple attempts before she conquers the challenging terrain. As she navigates the rural landscape, her services often get rejected by the locals due to her inexperience, as well as her age and the uncertainties associated with her witchcraft. Undeterred by setbacks, Kiki perseveres, demonstrating her unyielding spirit and determination. At night, back in her little cottage, she takes the time to meditate and reflect, engaging in essential witchcraft exercises such as spell-casting, wand-making, and soul-gazing. Her broomstick also plays a vital role in her life, responding unpredictably to subtle cues, teaching Kiki the delicate balance between control and surrender. Kiki gradually forms bonds with her community, learning about their stories, struggles, and dreams. Her neighbors – mostly older, widowed women and quiet shopkeepers – become her closest friends, providing crucial support and encouragement throughout her journey. The village itself comes alive with the bustling aromas, delightful sounds, and warm touches of a thriving and close-knit community, illuminating the beauty of forming genuine relationships and settling into a new place. However, not all townsfolk welcome Kiki with open arms. The presence of Ursula, a busy, renowned, and highly admired wind-witch, evokes fear and skepticism, worrying that Kiki's emerging abilities might conflict with or overshadow the more established figure of Ursula. Some folks imagine Kiki as a potential problem or threat to the traditions held in esteem by the community. One afternoon, a critically injured hound, Torgeir, brings Osono's life into trouble when Torgeir leads stray a pack of very vicious unknown town dog into Ursula's household and store, Torgeir then collapses from exhaustion and an infected wound. Osono nurses the hound back to health, and in time, an unexpected gift bestows on both Kiki and the embattled owner of the broken and weary animal an unforgettable bond. Through her journeys, Kiki's emotional journey begins to resemble her brother's words as the summer months have come - "Kiki knows that having time to wander and, sometimes, run away will build an even stronger confidence in Kiki over time. And time may teach her what kind of mother she would like to be eventually."