Ghiblapalooza Episode 7- Kiki's Delivery Service

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RIP Phil Hartman.

This is a kids' movie. Kids enjoy it immensely. Adults... eh.

I think Kiki's and Totoro are Hayao Miyazaki's best pure kids films. There are no villains and I believe everyone the kids meet is nice. Yet there is still suspense, action, and adventure. They're also gorgeous and timeless and at least as good as any classic Walt Disney movie.

You are all dead to me.

As a parent, Kiki always hits me hard. The first 15 minutes of the film, where she leaves home, always bring tears to my eye.

Yes, it's a simple story, but the characters are deep, the emotions relatable, and the situations familiar. In fact, I think the only misstep is the move towards 'move action sequence' at the end, where Kiki needs to save the day.

Yah as a parent you can relate to the heart break of letting your grown children go. I get that. But they seem so blase about it. Dad is like "What about our fishing trip?" She says "Sorry" and he's like "Oh ok." I think we, as adults, project those emotions rather than them being inherent in the story. Being aimed at kids, the emotions of the parents aren't really explored.

In the Japanese version, Jiji doesn't get his voice back. I think that gives the film just a little more weight somehow - there's been some growing up done, and certain things need to be let go to do that. I really like the exploration of depression too. That's a big thing to tackle in a kids movie - and again, coming out of it wounded (if you want to read Jiji that way) is not your typical kids fare. Still obviously largely positive - she's back on her feet at the end - but not perfect.

I don't know. I have a great deal of time for movies where nothing happens. The setting is beautiful to look at as well. This is up there for me.