Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service was released back in 1989, and saw Hayao Miyazaki return to the director's chair.
Kiki's Delivery Service was a terrific coming of age story, and was an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono.
When an apprentice witch turns thirteen, she must leave her home in order to hone her craft.
Although Kiki's sole talent is broom-flying, she sets out for adventure with her cat Jiji. They settle in a charming seaside town, where Kiki establishes her own delivery service.
As Kiki learns to balance independence with responsibility, her kind heart wins her many new friends in this coming-of-age tale.
Kiki's Delivery Service is one of Studio Ghibli's more enchanting and emotional movies, as we follow this young witch as she tries to find her place in world.
Kiki is one of the most wonderful female protagonists, as she is swept away by the wonder of her new world and new life - you really can't help but find yourself on this journey with her.
This is a very simple story, and yet the day-to-day exploits and activities of Kiki really will have you glued to the screen.
It is great to see Miyazaki move away from some of the war and man vs nature themes that feature heavily throughout his work, and focus on a coming of age tale.
Kiki remains one of Studio Ghibli's greatest characters and finest heroines - the more you watch this film, the more you just fall in love with her.
On top of all that, the animation is another visual treat: the scenes where Kiki flies over the city are particularly spectacular.
The movie was released in Japan in 1989, and went on to be the highest grossing film in Japan that year.
Studio Ghibli teamed up with The Walt Disney Company in the late nineties to record an English version: that was released in the U.S. back in 1988.
If you are looking for a way into the world of Studio Ghibli, then Kiki's Delivery Service is a great place to start.
The Wind Rises is released 9th May.
Tagged in Studio Ghibli