Kiki, a 13-year-old witch-in-training, must spend a year living on her own in a distant town in order to become a full-fledged witch. Leaving her family and friends, Kiki undertakes this tradition when she flies out into the open world atop her broomstick with her black cat Jiji.
As she settles down in the coastal town of Koriko, Kiki struggles to adapt and ends up wandering the streets with no place to stay—until she encounters Osono, who offers Kiki boarding in exchange for making deliveries for her small bakery. Before long, Kiki decides to open her own courier service by broomstick, beginning her journey to independence. In attempting to find her place among the townsfolk, Kiki brings with her exciting new experiences and comes to understand the true meaning of responsibility.
Synopsis of Majo no Takkyuubin
Majo no Takkyuubin, also known as Kiki’s Delivery Service, is a 1989 animated film produced by Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli. The story follows the journey of a young witch named Kiki who, as per age-old witch tradition, leaves home at thirteen to establish herself in a new town, and explore her independence. She has her talking black cat, Jiji, as her only companion. Kiki settles in a city where, after some initial struggles, she sets up an airborne delivery service, flying on her broom to drop parcels across the city.
The story delves into themes of self-discovery, confidence, freedom, loneliness, and the challenges that come with growing up. With its blend of magic realism, it envelops the viewer in a world that’s remarkably earth-based, yet sprinkled with all the enchantment of the witching world.
Review of Majo no Takkyuubin
Let’s talk about the absolutely delightful journey that is Majo no Takkyuubin. To start with, the animation quality is truly exemplary. This holds true especially considering the movie dates back to the late ’80s. From Kiki’s soaring flights across the ocean, over rolling hills, and amidst diverse cityscapes, each frame is meticulously detailed and gloriously vibrant, making it a visual feast unlike any other. The prowess of Studio Ghibli shines in every scene, making you feel truly immersed in Kiki’s world.
What really sets Majo no Takkyuubin apart though is its captivating storytelling. The plot might be simple, but in its simplicity lies its charm. The narrative is mostly slice-of-life, barring the magical elements. We see Kiki navigate through life’s struggles and joys just like any 13-year-old would, adding a level of relatability that resonates with audiences across ages.
The character development in Majo no Takkyuubin is another high point. Kiki, the protagonist, is a delightful blend of naivety and maturity. Her struggles with self-esteem issues are heartrendingly relatable and her journey to gain confidence is nothing short of inspirational. Her talking black cat Jiji provides the perfect foil with his wry, sarcastic humor.
If you are a fan of heartwarming stories, breathtaking animation, and captivating characters, you should definitely consider streaming Majo no Takkyuubin. However, if you hold a special affection for the coming-of-age genre, and find a comfort in the dilemmas of growing up, you might even consider buying it for your collection. As it stands, Majo no Takkyuubin isn’t just an animated film, it’s an enriching experience that touches the heart and leaves the viewer with memories to treasure.
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