Fly Me to the Moon...

Flying, European setting, young female protagonist. These all too familiar elements. That's Miyazaki-sensei!

Kiki's Delivery Services (Majo No Takyoubin) is another masterpiece created by the celebrated storyteller in 1989. This movie is the first Disney/Studio Ghibli deal. The movie was dubbed in 1997 and it was premiered in the United State in year 1998.

The story is about Kiki a witch-in-training. She lives in a small rural village where her mother is the resident herbalist. Traditionally, Kiki has to leave her home to spend a year alone in a new town to establish herself as a bonafide witch. Kiki therefore flies on her mother's broom with her closest companion, Jiji, an eloquent black cat. Seconds after she leaves, Kiki and Jiji are caught in a thunderstorm, from which they take overnight refuge in a freight train. On the next morning, Kiki and Jiji wake up to discover that they have fallen asleep in a cow herd's feed-bag. They leave the trin and continue their search for a place to live.

Kiki settles in the beautiful seaside city, Koriko. Initially, she finds it hard to adjust to the new surrounding and the city's pace. However, due to an accidental incident she starts a delivery service that takes advantage of her ability to fly. In addition, in the story she experiences several difficulties such as slow business, misplaced merchandise, rude customers, and illness. She also must contend with her loneliness, worries, and homesickness.

In the new city, Kiki managed to make some new friends and she has met a boy named Tombo Kopori. At the beginning, she rebuffs Tombo who is the same age with her and is interested in aviation. However, she gradually befriends him.

Another problem she encounters is insecurity. Because of thet, Kiki's powers begins to diminish. Kiki learns about overcoming such obstacles with the help of a newfound friend, a young artist named Ursula, who gives advice regarding inspiration that Kiki needs in order to regain her magic.

In this movie, Tombo is accidentally lifted into the air in a blimp accident. When she is his only hope of rescue, Kiki finds the inspiration to regain her flying ability. Improvising with a street-sweeper's deck brush, Kiki manages to rescue Tombo with some difficulty.

After the incident, she has become the local hero and celebrity. Later, she is on the street of her town and notices a little girl walking past, because the little girl has her hair and clothing styled like Kiki's and is even carrying a small deck broom like the one Kiki flew to save Tombo.

If you had chance to watch Disney's version, you will notice one apparent difference: the background music. The background music is embellished and the opening and ending theme are also replaced.

The movie exudes the theme of coming of age and self-discovery. The protagonist has to be independent and discovers her own strength and drive. This can be seen when she embarks on the journey on her own without any adult companionship. She also works as a 'messenger' for a living. This definitely summarizes the whole sentiment of the movie.