Anime Movie Review: Happy Anniversary, Kiki's Delivery Service!

Studio Ghibli's Iconic Witchling Film Turns 30 Years Old

By Ghia Vitale

​Today is the 30th anniversary of Kiki’s Delivery Service's release. Happy anniversary, Studio Ghibli! After all these years, this classic is still giving viewers a taste of its magic.

Studio Ghibli released this anime movie in Japan on July 29, 1989. That means today is the 30th anniversary of the movie’s release. So if Kiki were human, she'd be at least 30 years old now. Happy birthday, Kiki! This day calls for cuddling up with your familiar (a witch’s animal sidekick) and watching this movie with them. It’ll be a bonding experience. Then you can fly on your broomstick to all the way to the Studio Ghibli headquarters in Koganei, Tokyo, Japan and thank Hayao Miyazaki personally.

Better yet, you can go to one of the many theaters that’s showing Kiki’s Delivery Service to honor the film’s 30th birthday. Plus, it’s a good way to support Studio Ghibli with your dollars.

If you haven’t seen Kiki’s Delivery Service, you’re missing out on a magical and heartwarming experience. This anime movie is based on a children’s fantasy novel with the same title that’s written by Eiko Kadono and illustrated by Akiko Hayashi. The story takes you on a journey through a world of witchery, cats, imagination, and cuteness. Now that I’ve finally seen this movie, it’s one of my favorite Ghibli films. It almost feels like this movie was made for quirky witchlings like myself.

The protagonist of Kiki’s Delivery Service is Kiki, a young witch who moves to a new town. At first, her only friend is Jiji, a black cat who could be considered her familiar. But soon enough, she meets Osono, a pregnant baker who decides to take Kiki in. In turn, Kiki starts using her ability to fly on her broomstick as a way to do deliveries in exchange for a fee.

Kiki’s deliveries aren’t always smooth. In fact, her deliveries going awry account for a decent amount of the adventure and conflict in this anime film. Look out for chaotic broomstick rides and fussy weather with a chance of witchcraft.

My favorite character in this movie is Jiji. First of all, I love cats, especially black cats. I support anime that features cats as key characters. Second of all, I adore Jiji’s attitude It only makes him seem more realistic and cute. After all, cats have personalities and they, too, can be sarcastic. Weirdly enough, the fact that Jiji talks only serves to make his character more relatable.

Lastly, Jiji sounds like Ghi Ghi which is my nickname. In other words, we’re totally #twinning and I couldn’t be more thrilled.

If you’re into old school anime, definitely check out Kiki’s Delivery Service. This movie has a substantial amount of wholesome retro charm. It has an art style that’s straight out of the late 80’s. Some people hate on old anime visuals, but I personally enjoy them, sometimes even more than modern anime art styles.