Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
Synopsis:
Kiki's Delivery Service follows the adventures of a young witch named Kiki who, at the age of 13, sets out on a traditional year-long journey to live independently. Accompanied by her talking black cat, Jiji, Kiki settles in a charming seaside town. To support herself, she starts a delivery service using her flying broomstick. As she navigates her new life, Kiki meets a variety of characters, including a friendly baker who offers her a place to stay and a curious boy named Tombo who is fascinated by her flying abilities. The movie captures Kiki's experiences as she balances her responsibilities and discovers her place in the world.
Where To Watch: Kiki's Delivery Service
Parental Feedback
Kiki's Delivery Service, released in 1989, is a charming animated fantasy film for kids. It is widely praised for its enchanting storytelling and beautiful animation, capturing the hearts of both children and parents alike. The movie is generally well-received, with most parents appreciating its positive messages and gentle tone.
Why Kids Should Watch Kiki's Delivery Service
The movie is celebrated for its uplifting themes and delightful animation.
- Promotes independence and self-discovery as Kiki learns to navigate her new life.
- Kiki's friendship with Tombo highlights the importance of kindness and understanding.
- The whimsical animation and magical elements captivate young audiences.
- Encourages perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Kiki's Delivery Service
Some parents note minor concerns about the film's emotional depth and themes of loneliness.
- Kiki's initial struggles with loneliness and self-doubt may be emotionally challenging for sensitive viewers.
- The scene where Kiki loses her ability to fly might be unsettling for younger children.
- Some magical elements might be confusing without parental guidance.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive messages of independence, friendship, and resilience.
What Parents Should Know About Kiki's Delivery Service
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Kiki demonstrates independence and responsibility as she starts her delivery service. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Kiki's feelings of loneliness and self-doubt may require parental discussion. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Kiki learns from her mistakes and grows more confident, showing clear cause-and-effect. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Kiki's interactions with her friends and customers highlight the importance of kindness and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about finding one's place in the world and the value of perseverance. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Kiki's Delivery Service is praised for its positive messages and enchanting animation, making it a delightful choice for children. While some emotional themes may require parental guidance, the film's strengths in promoting independence and kindness are clear. Parents can enhance the viewing experience by discussing Kiki's journey and the lessons she learns. For those who enjoy this film, other Studio Ghibli movies like "My Neighbor Totoro" are also recommended.
Official Kiki's Delivery Service Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service's most common core values include Independence, Courage, and Self-discovery. Throughout the movie, Kiki's journey to live on her own in a new town showcases her independence as she learns to manage her responsibilities and make decisions without relying on others. Her courage is evident when she faces challenges and fears, such as flying in difficult conditions, demonstrating Bravery and Determination.
Self-discovery is a key theme as Kiki navigates her new environment, meeting diverse characters who help her understand her strengths and weaknesses. For example, her interactions with a friendly baker and a curious boy named Tombo help her realize her unique abilities and build confidence in herself. These experiences teach kids the importance of being self-reliant, facing fears head-on, and understanding one's own identity.
Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Perseverance | Responsibility. | Kindness | Helping others | Creativity | Building confidence. | Problem-solving | Resilience | Self-expression | Being yourself | Making friends | Trying new things | Emotional growth | Empathy | Respect | Trust | Standing up for what's right | Valuing hard work.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Kiki's Delivery Service
Believing in Yourself: Kiki's journey is a testament to the power of self-belief. As she starts her delivery service, she faces challenges and doubts about her abilities. However, through perseverance and determination, she learns to trust in her own skills and instincts, showing kids the importance of believing in themselves even when things get tough.
Finding Courage: Throughout her adventures, Kiki encounters situations that require bravery, such as flying in difficult weather or standing up for herself. These moments teach children that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the ability to face it head-on and keep moving forward.
Following Your Passion: Kiki's love for flying is central to her identity and her delivery service. By pursuing what she loves, she not only finds a way to support herself but also discovers a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This encourages kids to explore their own passions and see where they might lead.
Supporting Your Friends: The friendships Kiki forms, especially with Tombo and the baker, highlight the importance of being there for others. Whether it's helping a friend in need or simply being a good listener, Kiki's interactions show children the value of supporting and caring for their friends.
Learning from Mistakes: Kiki makes several mistakes along her journey, but each one becomes a learning opportunity. Instead of giving up, she reflects on what went wrong and finds ways to improve. This teaches kids that making mistakes is a natural part of life and an important step in personal growth.
Other Lessons Learned: Growing Through Discomfort | Making a Difference | Valuing Imagination | Using Talents Responsibly | Building Friendships | Practicing Empathy | Enjoying the Journey | Asking for Help | Embracing Differences | Overcoming Failure | Solving Problems Creatively | Trusting Intuition | Staying Curious
Why Kids Love Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service is a magical adventure that sweeps kids into a world where flying on broomsticks is just the beginning. With her trusty black cat, Jiji, by her side, Kiki's journey is filled with enchanting flying scenes that spark the imagination. Kids will be captivated by the colorful seaside town where Kiki makes new friends, like the curious Tombo, who shares her love for the skies. The movie is a delightful mix of magic and friendship, as Kiki's unique abilities help her stand out and make a difference.
The charming animal friends and the vibrant, bright world she explores add a touch of wonder and excitement. As Kiki navigates her new life, kids will enjoy the fun of solving problems and the thrill of being the hero in her own story. With its blend of adventure, humor, and heart, Kiki's Delivery Service is a whimsical ride that keeps kids entertained and dreaming of their own magical journeys.