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What did you think of this episode?
5Loved it!
71.7%
513
4Liked it!
20.3%
145
3It was OK
6.6%
47
2Disliked it
0.7%
5
1Hated it
0.7%
5
Average 4.6
715 votes
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Jul 9, 2008 6:30 AM
#1

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THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
----------------------------------------
Unfortunately I watched the dub. I want to strangle the guy who voiced the cat.

Other than, classic Ghibli as usual. Nothing stands out spectacularly in this anime, it's not trying to be epic or about anything high-brow; just a simple tale about moving out, adjusting to a new life and becoming independant.

Airships are bad. Stay away from them.
KinetaSep 9, 2012 7:11 PM
"I'm starting to think mal is run by Xinil generating electricity on a bicycle." - idklol
Apr 6, 2009 7:56 AM
#2

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Apr 2007
2688
Cihan said:
Unfortunately I watched the dub. I want to strangle the guy who voiced the cat.

Sad the very same person who voiced Jiji in the english dub was murdered before this was released, but that's beside the point.

This is my 2nd favorite anime of all time, and equal with my favorite movie of all time. All together, I've seen the film around a dozen times over the years, the majority of those with the English dub, which is far more memorable than the Japanese track, managing to enhance the experience and add some more lines for Jiji.

This movie is, overall, perfect in every way and has earned it's special place in my heart.
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May 9, 2009 11:56 AM
#3

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Jan 2009
346
Good story, I can't believe it was aired in 1989! This is because I have already seen Ponyo story, which was aired 1 year ago, and wasn't impressed at all.

Jul 17, 2009 11:40 AM
#4

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Jul 2009
48
I can't find it! :( :( :(
Oct 1, 2009 6:56 PM
#5
(Gamer)

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Aug 2009
2792
It's good in Japanese. Kiki looks like that one Shazuki girl ow whatever her name is from My Neighbor Tottoro.






Oct 10, 2009 9:27 PM
#6

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Apr 2008
565
A deceptively great movie and one of Miyazaki's best if you ask me.

Nov 4, 2009 11:25 PM
#7

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Feb 2009
3436
Although not the best Miyazaki work in my opinion, it was a cute and charming story. Jiji, the black cat, was adorable xD and my favorite character was definetely the silent Baker. This anime does have a nice and warming atmosphere, it's a nice break.

BurningEyedShana said:
It's good in Japanese. Kiki looks like that one Shazuki girl ow whatever her name is from My Neighbor Tottoro.


Miyazaki art is fantastic, although it is true that almost all his girls from the 80's look the same, from Nausica (82) to Kiki (89), that's a fact, not that it bothers me.
VeethornNov 4, 2009 11:31 PM
Dec 22, 2009 11:17 AM
#8

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Nov 2008
2645
That was a very sweet movie :)
The story wasn't really extraordinary but the old settings and sweet and childish made this movie very enjoyable.

8/10 for me.
Feb 16, 2010 6:18 PM
#9

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Jul 2009
312
I thought it was cute. My two kids absolutely loved it!
“It’s not so much that I care about what you’re doing, but the idiotic way you’re doing it.”
Vincent Valentine

Aug 3, 2010 5:46 PM

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Apr 2009
1028
I listened to both the Japanese and English versions, and although I consider myself closer to a purist than not, I really loved Phil Hartman's Jiji. Yes his voice is radically different from his Japanese counterpart (who is female by the way) so I could see why extreme purists would hate it, but I can't help it since I just love Phil Hartman's snarky sarcastic tone of voice and superb comedic timing.

One of the things that I hate most about dubs is when they either change major dialogue by taking it out, or adding it where it wasn't before. But again I liked most of Hartman's improvised lines. So yeah, he must have really done something right if he can make an exception to my rule.

It's a real tragedy that Phil is no longer with us, as Im sure he would have done a fantastic job on other dubs and improved the quality of English dubs in general.

Mar 26, 2011 8:27 AM
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Aug 2009
735
This movie wasn't boring but though not exciting either but its sweet cute nature makes in enjoyable to watch.
Jun 25, 2011 3:04 AM
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Jan 2010
1559
I'm pleasantly surprised that they showed this on the TV in finland. Anime on the TV here isn't an everyday occurrence. I would've preferred the japanese version though, but this is good enough.
Jun 25, 2011 3:07 AM

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Dec 2010
5711
Cliff_Racer said:
I'm pleasantly surprised that they showed this on the TV in finland. Anime on the TV here isn't an everyday occurrence. I would've preferred the japanese version though, but this is good enough.


Check the japanese dub's theme song at least. The english dub changes it.
Oct 22, 2011 7:45 AM

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Aug 2009
1364
I love Jiji~! XD
Anyway, I love the movie~
Truly a creation of Hayao Miyazaki.
I think I'm loving Ghibli films now. ♥


"Perhaps the distant part of the sky always seems clearest, so that we will always strive to reach it."




chiquit

Dec 25, 2011 5:59 AM

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Dec 2009
3262
This is probably the best Miyazaki movie I've seen this far (And yes I have seen Princess Mononoke).

8/10 from me.
Dec 25, 2011 8:06 AM

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Aug 2009
306
notsureifsrs said:
Cliff_Racer said:
I'm pleasantly surprised that they showed this on the TV in finland. Anime on the TV here isn't an everyday occurrence. I would've preferred the japanese version though, but this is good enough.


Check the japanese dub's theme song at least. The english dub changes it.


Actually the finnish dub keeps the theme song with its original language.

Watched it again today. Still good.
Jun 4, 2012 12:00 AM

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Jun 2011
44
Absolutely loved this movie. The world is so interesting and felt so refreshing. I found every aspect of it enjoyable and remember thinking the whole time watching the film "too bad this isn't a 24 episode series". You can't help but like Kiki and root for her as she tries to gain independence and establish herself as a witch. I even liked all the minor characters - even the girl at the party, I guess I didn't like her character per se but I still felt she was needed. I would've loved to see the world expanded on. Definitely a masterpiece. I gave it a 10/10.
Jun 10, 2012 10:24 AM

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Jun 2012
6493
I love all studio ghibli films, and this is one of their best. I have watched this multiple and it never gets old.
Jun 28, 2012 5:24 PM

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Jun 2009
15302
Pretty solid film. I had no idea that Phil Hartman did voice work in this, having watched the Japanese version, so it was a surprise to come in here and see discussion about him. Anyway, it was a simple message about growing up, moving out, and coming into your own.

My favorite thing is how Kiki losing her magic was a metaphor for things like Writer's Block and the like. Sometimes you just have trouble doing activities that are usually second nature, just take a break, do something else for a change of pace, and come back. You may appreciate it more.

8/10.
"Yes, I have been deprived of emotion. But not completely. Whoever did it, botched the job."

- Geralt of Rivia
Oct 5, 2012 12:12 AM

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Feb 2011
894
and Kiki found her future husband the end ~
Nov 15, 2012 9:59 AM

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Mar 2011
463
I actually really love this movie (despite the fact it is probably mostly aimed at young girls and I am a guy in my 20s). It is just a really happy, enjoyable film all around, and is probably one of if not my favourite Studio Ghibli film.

I have watched both the dub and sub and liked them both. I actually liked Jiji's voice for some odd reason xD.

I know there is some controversy over some early dub edits, namely Jiji speaking at the end when Miyazaki never intended it to be that way, but I actually preferred the way the dub ended, if for no other reason than it was happier. I think the whole message of her becoming mature that Miyazaki was trying to get across with making Kiki lose the ability to speak with Jiji was clear enough without it.

In fact I enjoyed this movie enough to research the original book, which I found had been translated several years back. Turns out istis rather rare and expensive but I was lucky and found a 2nd hand library copy for £5-£10.

The book is for those interested a far more basic story (not that the movie was complex, the simplicity is part of why I like it :P). The book starts off in the same way as the movie, and many of her adventures are the same or similar, but whereas the movie goes off into the story of her losing her powers, the book merely follows her adventures from start to end. She never loses her powers and always has the ability to speak to Jiji (The book says a witch and her cat stay together until she finds a partner, at which time they go off to live their own lives separably). Although the end message is more or less the same in just showing how Kiki has grown up and matured over the time of her journey.

The movie shows how she has grown through her regaining her powers etc and losing her ability to talk to Jiji is suppose to symbolize it too. The book simply ends with her visiting her mother, who Kiki realizes she eagerly wants to here her praise and she tells her she has matured a lot. She then, satisfied that she had matured and choosing to become a witch was the right choice, despite being home only a few days is eager to return, and the book finishes as she makes her way back to 'her town'.

The movie takes the general idea and puts more emphasis on the characters and specific elements of Kiki's journey, whereas the book had far less focus on any single characters other than Kiki or Jiji (Tombo had far less importance in the book for example). Only a few of the adventures in the book were used in the movie, but they were expanded and given more impact to the overall story.

I think the movie was overall very good and I would choose it over the original book. However when people debate about the dub edits, keep in mind that Miyazaki changed the story from the book far more than those changes in the dub.
"When everyone else is about to give up, the fighter who becomes the role model, is the true Leader."

Apr 2, 2013 9:54 AM

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Dec 2012
1897
This was my first ghibli movi that i watched and totally loved it. unfortunatley i had to watch the english dub version. Planning to watch it again in the future in english subbed or only japanese dub with no subtitles ;)
Jul 6, 2013 6:27 AM

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Oct 2012
765
8/10 since it well animated even though at that time



Aug 5, 2013 4:16 PM

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Oct 2010
2442
The Eng dub is great, don't see what everyone's problem is.

Brilliant story of self discovery, dragged in parts but overall a lot better than what I expected.

8/10
Sep 23, 2013 7:30 AM

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Mar 2012
5238
First (And probably one of very few) Ghibli movies I watched in Japanese. I love it so much. It's legit one of my favourite movies of all time
Nov 20, 2013 7:04 PM

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Feb 2013
21
good movie :D
Dec 29, 2013 11:58 AM

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Mar 2013
522
lovely movie , but my favorite yet is totoro
EL PSY KONGROO!!!
Mar 8, 2014 8:16 PM

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Aug 2012
4166
One of Studio Ghibli's best movies. I highly enjoyed it from beginning to end!

10/10
Apr 19, 2014 5:59 PM
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Aug 2007
468
First time watching this, I really enjoyed it. The world that it built is very interesting.. I liked how people are aware of the existence of witches, and also liked how everyone was in awe to see Kiki when she was flying around the city.

I really REALLY wish it was longer though, even though you can probably make up a decent "happily ever after" story in your mind, I'd have loved to have seen more of her adventures.

Also. God, I adore the way Ghibli draws its girls. There's something about them that just so lovely...

9/10
May 5, 2014 10:42 AM

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Apr 2014
105
such a wonderful story I really enjoyed watching this :3
Jul 27, 2014 11:26 AM

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Jul 2009
21077
This one was fun! Loved Kiki and of course the animation and music were great as always. Really liked the world ... it would be so awesome to be a witch I think :P Good thing she managed to save her friend at the end ... yeah, the characters were all pretty great and it was cool to see how she grew and learned. I mean losing your magic must be really tough! :S Ah, man I love this kind of fantasy ... I'm sure I'd make a great witch LOL ;P 9/10 for me :D
Aug 5, 2014 11:19 PM

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Aug 2012
1641
Ok. I am VERY confused at the ending.
So the part where Kiki lost her witch powers for a bit, was because she was losing confidence in herself?
And what about Jiji? Can he still talk at the end? Or is he never going to talk again?

PLEASE REPLY. I NEED TO KNOW.
LiaevesAug 13, 2014 8:56 PM
Aug 7, 2014 11:26 AM
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Jul 2014
13
First anime I was exposed to back in the mid 90's as a kid. We got a black cat shortly after seeing this and named him Jiji of course.

I still watch this about every year. Never gets old in my opinion.

10/10
Aug 10, 2014 4:53 PM

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Jan 2014
4581
Siing said:
Cihan said:
Unfortunately I watched the dub. I want to strangle the guy who voiced the cat.
Sad the very same person who voiced Jiji in the english dub was murdered before this was released, but that's beside the point.
OMG. Did not know that :O Very interesting fact.

And the movie was really beautiful. Loved it ♥♥♥
It's been a long time since I watched something as soothing as this.
Aug 11, 2014 10:00 AM

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Aug 2013
1929
Now that was a nice feel-good movie.

Disney did a great job with the dub. Kristen Dunst as Kiki and Jiji's voice by Phil Hartman were both very enjoyable.
Sep 26, 2014 1:52 PM

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Oct 2012
5844
Nice fairytale from fifties (or was it the time between the wars?). I love the presentation of this movie, a visuals of the city were breathtaking and its backgrounds too. They managed to deliver great atmosphere of that time.

Yes, there wasn't more to it, it felt bit undeveloped and I liked Laputa, Totoro, Arrietty or Kokuriko Zaka Kara better but it was still well worth of my time and I still enjoyed it so much. Wish there was more of those heartwarming movies showing joy of life today.

7/10 Another of Ghibli's classic and excellent example how slice-of-life should be done.
Sep 26, 2014 2:11 PM

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Oct 2012
5844
M00nRise said:
Ok. I am VERY confused at the ending.
So the part where Kiki lost her witch powers for a bit, was because she was losing confidence in herself?
And what about Jiji? Can he still talk at the end? Or is he never going to talk again?
PLEASE REPLY. I NEED TO KNOW.

There you go, clear answer:
http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/kiki/faq.html
(tl;dr: It has to do with her growing up and getting independent. Her (childhood) powers were lost due to losing her ideals (e.g. with her first disillusion she lost her trust in herself) and her (adult) powers were regained as she was working towards the goal she believed in (saving someone important to her). Jiji will never talk to her again as she doesn't need his guidance anymore.
Oct 19, 2014 12:04 AM

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Aug 2012
1641
Mich666 said:
M00nRise said:
Ok. I am VERY confused at the ending.
So the part where Kiki lost her witch powers for a bit, was because she was losing confidence in herself?
And what about Jiji? Can he still talk at the end? Or is he never going to talk again?
PLEASE REPLY. I NEED TO KNOW.

There you go, clear answer:
http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/kiki/faq.html
(tl;dr: It has to do with her growing up and getting independent. Her (childhood) powers were lost due to losing her ideals (e.g. with her first disillusion she lost her trust in herself) and her (adult) powers were regained as she was working towards the goal she believed in (saving someone important to her). Jiji will never talk to her again as she doesn't need his guidance anymore.


Thanks for the link and info. It answered all of my questions! =)

But damn. It's sad that Jiji can't talk anymore. =(
Dec 15, 2014 5:12 PM

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Dec 2012
324
Loved it. I normally go for subs, but Phil Hartman's Jiji is just too good.
Jan 3, 2015 11:34 AM
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Dec 2013
217
And he never got his broom back.
Jan 25, 2015 10:03 PM

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Jun 2013
1763
Kiki's Delivery Service, what a nostalgic series. A heartwarming film, the art is very Ghibli and the animation is fluid as expected.

aha, Kiki continues using the old man's broom o.O
Mar 22, 2015 8:33 PM

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Aug 2012
3305
Well, I put this movie off for quite some time. My Miyazaki month is definitely a failure now as it no longer seems likely that I'll complete all his directorial work this month, nor do I want to. Nothing to do with the quality of the movies, just not a movie fan myself but that's irrelevant, Kiki's Delivery Service is another good Ghibli movie. I think the movie would've been stronger without the third act blimp drama climax but outside of that, the movie didn't really have any faults, at least anyone's that left a sour taste inside my mouth. I will say the score here was completely forgettable, a shame coming from My Neighbor Totoro which had some brilliant pieces within it. I don't really have much to say about this, it's a simple, enjoyable film. 7/10.
May 29, 2015 8:57 PM

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Feb 2015
1076
Tempted to give a 1/10 because Osono used water for the hot chocolate.
Jun 10, 2015 2:05 PM

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Jul 2009
3911
Not the best Ghibli film but entertaining to watch. The story was the only lacking element really because I thought the animation and characters were really good.
Jun 23, 2015 7:10 PM

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Sep 2014
1042
Sad that she still can't talk to her cat
Aug 9, 2015 8:23 AM

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Sep 2014
174
Great film! Loved it.

park425 said:
First anime I was exposed to back in the mid 90's as a kid. We got a black cat shortly after seeing this and named him Jiji of course.

I still watch this about every year. Never gets old in my opinion.

10/10

That is such a lovely story!
Mirai, zura~!
Aug 28, 2015 6:41 PM

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Aug 2015
16
I find that tonbo's human powered aircraft is cool. I think we should get more scene of this... such as they flying home to Kiki's hometown together with that formation, aircraft + broom. It'll be epic...
"I have a vision, where aviation and endurance sport integrate one another." ~ Adventure Aviator
Jan 22, 2016 5:08 AM

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Apr 2013
2282
By miles better than the Totoro movie. The characters are more dynamic and instead of clinging to her parents Kiki goes out into the world alone. If only they could dedicate a bit more time to flesh out Kiki's character ... but all in all it's good family oriented material.
Feb 16, 2016 11:42 AM

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Feb 2014
3785
A Miyazaki movie with characters that have actual personalities and speak like normal human beings? What sorcery is this (pun intended)? This is probably the only Miyazaki directed movie I enjoyed from beginning to end.
Mar 3, 2016 3:40 AM

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Jul 2008
10984
Very simple movie. Wasn't much to the plot like other movies but I guess that is the movie's charm.

I give it a 6/10 still good but I wanted just a little more to the story. That and the cat will never talk again.
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