Kiki's Delivery Service

Distributor: Walt Disney, Buena Vista Enteratinment, Studio Ghibli
Original Story: Hayao Miyazaki
Volumes: N/A
Rating: G (perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday)
Anime Code: B

A young witch (yes, witches exist here, but only in Europe apparently) named Kiki sets out on her birthday to live away from home and develop a trade. Taking up shop in the back room of a bakery, she starts up her own flying delivery service. Throughout the movie, Kiki struggles with the perks and perils of the most dangerous adventure of all: growing up.

Review: While not as exciting as Castle in the Sky or as impacting as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service is a heartwarming coming-of-age story. The backgrounds are beautiful and very detailed (even though I have no idea what city they're showing, it's like a cross between London, Paris, Venice, Milan, and San Francisco all rolled into one). The plot is next to nothing but the personality of the characters, especially Jiji the talking cat, more than makes up for it. A perfect anime movie for younger children or those who are curious about getting into anime.

Action Level: 2/5
At the end, where Kiki tries to rescue Tombo from the blimp, is the only action shown in the film.

Romance Level: 1/5
Friendships are made, nothing more.

Comedy Level: 3/5
Anything with Phil Hartman in it, even doing a voice, makes for hilarious antics.

Adult Level: 1/5
"Jiji, guess what, Ursula said she would paint a picture of me." "Naked?" "Jiji!" That's pretty much it.

Drama Level: 3/5
Kiki's trials and tribulations makes up most of the drama in the movie.

Overall Level: 3/5
Breathtaking visuals but little plot. Rent it first, then decide if you want to buy it or not.