Yes, this is a reupload! Apologies for those who saw it the first time, but to explain the context: The original video was performing REALLY well on UA-cam but then got hit with a takedown notice by Studio Ghibli, meaning it was no longer public. I had to fight a long legal battle to have it reinstated on the grounds of fair use (something Ghibli rejected initially), but it took 15 days for that to happen. In the meantime, UA-cam treated the video as if it was public and getting 0 views, meaning it completely died in the algorithm. So, in the desperate hopes of kicking a video I really believe in back to life, this is now a re-upload with the hopes that it doesn't get flagged again! Appreciate your support and if you guys just wanna watch or leave it running again! ALSO, this is exactly why I rely on/appreciate so much the support of viewers on Patreon, where I know my income will be reliable, as opposed to the whims of UA-cam and copyright issues (www.patreon.com/thesoak )! You can also join my Discord server here to discuss media with likeminded people discord.gg/dEF993S9SA
I had this happen with keiju no 8 on a podcast episode but eventually we won the fair use fight 😂 and we aren't big enough for the video disappearing to hurt us
I always thought Kiki's power loss was like creative burnout, hence the artist lady walking her through it. Like, monetize your passions and it'll often bog you down, right?
There's up and down with creativity. A lot of the greats didn't make their work just for the pleasure. Many were commissioned or died in poverty. The art industry is competitive and brutal. So I wouldn't really call an artist a sellout because their resources and time is not cheap and the effort to have reputability is not an easy one. That's quite the connections to have which many known ones had some pretty powerful ones whether backgrounds of nobilities like Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi, or Da Vinci, a family of wealth or due to the political atmosphere of the time. Dr. Seuss was around during the World War II so had had appeal to many war fatigue people who wanted more color back into the world like many who experienced a massive bloody and destructive war. Passion origin from a word mean pain. So these people find meaning in their creative endeavors in spite of the pain. Creativity like many pursuits requires sacrifice which can evokes thoughts and emotions those who appreciate may explore.
I completely agree, I’ve always viewed the film this way. I know Miyazaki liked to put parts of himself and his personal struggles into his protagonists. I think Kiki represents his artistic spirit and work ethic.
I think another interesting thing is the movie represents womenhood in different stages Kiki who is just coming into womanhood The painter who is a young woman still figuring things out The baker who is older and just beginning the next stage of her life as a soon to be mother and newly wed Kikis mother who is older and more experienced in the role as well as being a witch The grandmother who's children have grown but she still cares for her family It reminds me of an animatic i once saw of a woman walking through the stages of life and walking alongside her own granddaughter guiding her into the future Each woman brings an interesting perspective to kiki with their time and wisdom and all are able to relate to her strife and guide her through these rough beginning years giving her the tools to grow into her best self
Oooohh I never catched that! I can think of two smaller instances now, that also fit in that row. The witch girl Kiki meets right in the beginning, who is one year older than her and nearly at the end of her witch year. And that little girl in the very end, who is dressed like Kiki, placing Kiki, who was throughout the movie at the „lowest“ end of the chain of women helping the younger ones to grow, in the place of being an example for younger girls now as well. This movie makes me tear up so much! To think that in this patriarchal world, an old man created this soft movie about healthy relationships between women who empower each other, is the most improbable and beautiful thing I can imagine.
KiKi's delivery service isn't my favorite film, but this analysis and break down has given me a much greater appreciation of it as a whole. Ghibli films have always had a special place in my heart, particularly in the way that they help us love the mundane parts of life. Daily chores, cooking, and care for one's self and others are built up as things to enjoy and be celebrated, whereas in a lot of western entertainment these things "tie you down" and act as a barrier preventing the main character from achieving their dreams.
If you think about it, " Daily chores, cooking, and care for one's self and others" sounds pretty much like female's responsibilities, at least from a Western (American/European) perspective. Someone could argue that Disney's children's films promote patriarchal values, which is not surprising.
@@evanbarth7173 Meaning common chores and small living are seen as a negative and mundane in most western movies. Compared to hustle life, partying, being famous ect. It's a common trope here.
I think teaching kids a sense of morals while also teaching children that the world is both beautiful and full of good people as well as having hostilities, that there are good people to protect from harm.
@Arbaaltheundefeated No offense, but I've burned bridges I regretted doing so because I assumed the worst in people. Being a cynic didn't make me wiser. It just made me see myself as a waste of space. Not saying that there aren't horrible people out there, but don't judge everyone you meet too quickly.
@@crazy13alex Nevermind... can't even talk about nihilism without UA-cam deleting my comments... Suffice to say I disagree, because I actively avoid meeting people.
26:10 The granddaughter even recognizes Kiki and it is revealed that she talked about her at the party amongst her friends, who compliment and admire her for her independence from afar, which means she had no ill words or thoughts towards Kiki. So Kiki was the only one judging her negatively based on the small interaction that they had.
I watched this movie dozens of times across many years, and never noticed the girl in the car is the granddaughter :o Also I was forever upset that we never again hear Jiji, although it is hinted in the movie that some of his consciousness still remains, he lost part of his self awareness - but the love for Kiki still stayed
@@alexandrachernysh7 well the whole point is her growing past the need for a supporter like Jiji giving her guidance all the time he's still as smart as he always was she just can't hear his voice anymore
And that is fairly realistic isn't it? We as people often judge ourselves and interactions we have harshly when the other people involved don't feel that way at all or don't even think much of it. It's a small thing like that that works so well
This! The first time I saw this scene it had a HUGE impact on me. As an angsty and artsy teenager who felt "left out" by my peers it really got me thinking. People don't always automatically MEAN BAD. Sometimes I am the one judging, not them.
"Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living." I think this quote from Mononoke Hime sums up what all the Ghibli movies are all about. The reasons that keep us going.
It’s kind of interesting that Kiki gets a female role model for each stage of adulthood. Ursula is a young adult working with her passion in life but not yet a full member of society (she lives alone in the woods). Osono has a steady job and is married with her first baby on the way, so she’s pretty settled in her life. Finally the Madam is an elderly woman who’s lived out most of her life, she may no longer be surrounded by her family but she isn’t alone, she has her maid and makes friends easily with Kiki. I love that the movie is about Kiki becoming an adult and she’s shown what that might entail one day, and that it will be alright.
your really making me glad i grew up with ghibli rather than disney. my parents tell me that they were surprised the first time they watched my neighbour totoro as the whole movie they expected the mother to die cause every disney movie ever has the mother dead and the overprotective father. and spoilers she just doesn't die. what i mean to say is i feel ghibli movies tend to portray stories that you don't see in western media, in totoros case being worrying about a loved ones health and in kikis case as you've put it being kind to other people.
I remember the HATRED this film got in the 1990s. It came out the same year as Akira, and was always contrasted with Akira. The two anime clubs I belonged to in the 1990s were extremely sensitive about "We don't watch cartoons, we watch mature animation made for adults like Akira and Sailor Moon". I literally made one of the club presidents foam at the mouth by mentioning Miyazaki - "Miyazaki is a sell out" he ranted, "his movies aren't anime because they are kids movies". At one year's "Anime Hell" event, where they show "bad" anime and club members jeer at the screen, they showed "My Neighbor Totoro" and at least half the clubs members showed up and absolutely hated on that film too! Keep in mind, these clubs also shamed any members who used non-Japanese brand VHS tapes like Basf or Memorex. "Japanese tapes are formulated for anime" they claimed. Fortunately the anime fandom today is nothing like it was in the 1990s, and Miyazaki is now revered as the master he is.
Loving but not always supportive is such a distinction. I’ve always perceived the two as inextricably tied (is not supporting someone truly “loving”?), but highlighting that distinction really does make the difference obvious between Disney and Ghibli films. Echoing everyone else’s comments about the reupload! Im glad i got to see it :)
The video brought tears to my eyes, to have someone recognize a movie that portrays kindness as something good and not something that could be taken for granted.
Yesss I cried too. I love Ghibli movies, and even though I watched Kiki's delivery service multiple times, I didn't fully realize that she actually compares herself and is in the process of finding her inner beauty. I mean, of course I understood what she meant by all her comments but this video made me realize how REAL the Ghibli characters are portrayed. And all this in 1989. I think the best form of art is when you can sense the creators' meaning of life, their wishes and struggles. Unfortunately, Disney lost that. The question is if they ever had it. But same goes for Dreamworks.
I grew up loving Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky, and I was extremely aware of how unique and different they were from everything else I watched even as a little kid. Both of my parents were addicts, my mother was abusive and sadly my sister learned early on that I was a very easy target for all of her anger and sadness. I could have let those experiences turn me uncaring and cruel, and some days it seems like for too many people that is the easy path they follow, but there's just something inside of me that refuses to be that way. I think these movies may have shaped me in ways that my family never tried to. They showed me a world full of kindness and caring people that I only got at my grandma's house. Side note: Don't worry, she raised me for more than half of my childhood and for that I am forever grateful. They also showed me who I could be. I love to create things and I especially wanted to be the artist in the woods from Kiki's Delivery service as a kid. I am thankful for your re-upload since it put the video in front of me tonight. I hope to be an author one day and I want to inject this type of kind storytelling into my books. I also haven't seen Kiki's Delivery Service since before I transitioned (female to male) and honestly I relate to her even more now in a lot of ways. I got my magic back after transitioning :)
i had a similiar experience, alot of my childhood influenced me to not be the person that i wanted to be, even small things like being a furry seemed like a monumental secret i had to keep as a secret from my close family as shaming others was normalised in our household because of my abusive mom who often found a host of hurtful insults for each of us. both of my siblings are fundementally kind people but it did not mean some bad habits bled into all of us back then. When i unlearned those bad habits i felt i got my magic back, kindness for kindness sake feels like it is the only way to be for me and i never intend to return :] ps i am also trans (male to female)
Hey, I just wanted to say, while I'm sorry that you had to struggle with the terrors of copyright, this video being re-uploaded brought it to my recommendations when I probably would have missed it otherwise. This was exactly what I needed to hear when I came across it, and like others have said has helped me to understand and appreciate a film that I hadn't really thought much of before. Thanks for all you do, your writing is fantastic and your views on the human experience are beautiful and for lack of a better word, just feel right. Your content is both inspiring and motivating, and I can't wait to see what you do next!
Thank you so much! You may not realise it but comments like yours are exactly the reason why I make these videos! I wanted to make meaningful content that would be thought provoking but also be inspiring and uplifting so thank you for letting me read this 💙
@@TheSoak We need more UA-camrs like you. Some of them have fallen into the games of the corporate world so even if you’re the only tuber like this, I wish you don’t go anywhere 🤝 You’re making the platform & the world slightly better everyday. Keep it up, gentleman🙇♂️
Same here! Glad to have come across it and it’ll make me schedule some time to rewatch the movie (and probably other studio Ghibli films), so I don’t understand the issues the studio has with videos like these!
@@TheSoak People are fundamentally kind IN JAPAN. USA was built on slavery. Americans are not kind. Vivek and Elon Musk just unmasked themselves to the Republican Party who were anti-immigrant
A kids show I LOVED and I will definitely show my kids is little bear. It was such a quiet and loving show. Also the earlier Winnie the Pooh episodes had a similar feeling.
I didn't watch studio ghibli until I was 18 (aside from seeing a little of princess mononoake at 16) and honestly, had I grown up more with it than primarily disney, I feel I could've been able to step more out of my comfort zone and made more decisions for myself rather than suppress my dreams. I was in a dysfunctional household and only really started being more independent and able to function once I was able to get out of there. Studio Ghibli has touched me in so many ways with every single one of their films. Disney has always been nostalgic but I find it harder to connect to because my parents acted so similar to the ones you compared, as well as the other controversies disney has with their movies making it harder for me to really enjoy them as much (pochahontas, peter pan, the black centaur in fantasia, etc etc; though I also think its super important not to erase these films because that would just erase the history)
Its kinda like Kiki shows, what Tolkien wrote in LOTR. Normal People with small lives, small acts of kindness, no "big powers" involved: “Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? I don't know. Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.” ― Gandalf
For another one in the same spirit, I keep coming back to this quote from Robert Heinlein: "Decency does not make headlines--it is buried in the obituaries--but it is a force stronger than crime."
glad i found this video. the last third of this movie always hits me real hard. up until the point she loses her powers, the vibe is so light, so hopeful, that it always felt much deeper than i had understood. i thought that it was simply a portrayal of burnout and depression, but would never put these pieces together. this is such a delicate take on self doubt and lack of confidence that it kinda pisses me off that i didn't notice it. but im glad you pointed it, i really needed to see this, as I'm struggling with those feelings recently. thank you so much
Oh, it's back! I wish I remembered my old comment. It was something about me really liking the granddaughter for being able to openly reject a gift she never asked for. Sure I felt bad for Kiki's efforts being unappreciated but you don't owe people your gratitude. The old comment was much better articulated but essentially I liked how the rejection wasn't portrayed as evil. It was the first movie I ever saw do that.
0:04 nah, i recently had a child and have told my partner we will be raising our child on anime. Ghibli especially as anime teaches better life lessons than anything disney makes imo
I don't know Steven Universe, but I have no children and absolutely adore Bluey for this reason. I don't know if I'll ever have kids - I still only have a couple of people that I could consider friends - but I look at things like Kiki, Totoro and Bluey (along with live-action films such as Little Forest or Our Little Sister) as movies that are just as important for adults. They show us how to be kind and to love others, and I feel like we are so rarely shown that. Bluey's dad discovering the joy of being a father or the three sisters discovering joy in their lives when they take in the young girl in Our Little Sister are things that parents need to learn as well.
@@ShadowSkyX Great statement there. Care to back it up? I'll make a statement of my own: Movies are not for children. I shall also leave it unsupported.
Seconding the recs for Bluey and Steven Universe. Also, perhaps it's obvious, but classics like Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street are extremely pro-social. And, also obviously, "raising our kid on anime" won't keep them away from antisocial themes, since there is plenty of anime that is just as misogynistic, violent, capitalistic, and individualistic as any Disney thing. Rather than make broad judgments based on country of origin, evaluate the individual works of art.
A small detail about Kiki and her dress is in the end credits when we see a little girl dressed as a witch carrying a little broom passing Kiki. I found that a nice touch. Even if a kind world is unrealistic... “YOU NEED TO BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT AREN'T TRUE. HOW ELSE CAN THEY BECOME” ― Death, Terry Pratchett's Hogfather While the movie 'The Princes' Bride' has a basic western story, it has some very interesting facets. Of the 5 villains an many minions, only 2 villains and 5 minions get killed. Aside from that, there is a lot of politeness and respect between some of them. The apparently 3 main villains in the beginning are all trying to kill the man in black following them after they kidnapped the princess to be, but all 3 and the man in black stay polite the whole time. 2 of the villain later even become allies to the man in black. The prince, who wants to kill his bride and blame a neighbouring kingdom to start a war lives in the end and stays in power soon to succeed his ailing father. Even enemies can be polite with each other and if we are honest, it costs little to be polite.
Thanks for the thought-provoking analysis. One of my Ghibli favorites, along with Kondo Yoshifumi's Mimi o Sumaseba [Whisper of the Heart], another Ghibli film that explores internal emotional and psychological challenges. One aspect that might be missed in an English viewing is just how the opening (Rouge no Dengon | Message in Lip Rouge) and ending (Yasashisa ni Tsutumaretanara | Enveloped in Kindness) songs by Matsutoya Yumi bookend the film perfectly.
This movie was one that really stuck with me, because despite how beautiful the world is, it's still so difficult to exist. What you mentioned also made so much sense; and I think a lot of people forget that despite having everything you need, it's hard to be happy if you're not at peace with yourself and the world around you. Sometimes it's easy to blame your broken homes, your upbringing, your community, etc, but as someone who has a loving, supportive communityaround me, it's so hard to allow myself to feel lost or insecure, because after seeing media with broken homes and broken lives it almost feels undeserving for someone as privileged me to feel so much loss. Most of it stems internally, and circumstances just play into it. Kiki feeling disconnected from herself made me bawl because that has been me for who knows how long, and in real life it goes on for so much longer than the movie that it's difficult to connect with reality or the people around you. The way she reacts to the people around her who lead her to her feeling insecure such as the granddaughter, the way she gets upset after seeing tombo's friends, everything hits home. People misunderstand the concept of having a healthy home and a healthy life and think it's always fine and always happy but god, it's not. Life truly gets everyone. I want to find myself too, the way Kiki does in the end.
Agree with everything except the good vs evil trope. I still believe that children need to be taught that evil exists in their world for them to learn what good is. And the over correction of this led to the overly abundance of "misunderstood villains" in modern entertainment.
This is why I liked Puss in Boots - The Last Wish so much. You had three kinds of antagonists in that: a main antagonist who is not a villain, but a force of nature, an extremely evil full-out villain and a group of secondary antagonists who become allies.
30:51 i dont exactly have a theory, but throughout my life as an artist (and just being a regular human) ive always viewed kiki's loss of powers to reflect a skill "decaying" when you're doing poorly mentally or physically. after struggling with life and returning to make art again, there are times i realise that i just dont have it in me as i have before, as i desperately try to re-learn how to fly (or draw in my case) overnight like kiki does. sometimes the best medicine is just a good break or something fresh and spontaneous to uplift your wellbeing ! ideally without your friends ending up in dangerous situations haha
I watch KiKi every year for my b-day, it lifts my spirits especially since even though I’m younger I’m usually down in the dumps around that time, and there’s so much to this film that gives me hope and helps me find my way again. Ursula is a big reason for that but KiKi as well. I often feel like I’m constantly losing my ability to fly and breaking my brooms time and time again but somehow I find my courage. Ghibli’s films are a huge part of me, I can’t remember a time I lived without them or when they didn’t teach me a lesson I needed or gave me insight into myself.
The best part about most Ghibli films is that when you start watching, and finish, the worlds feel like they are lived in and life carries on for these characters. Before we begin, everyone has connections and fully flushed out lives. As an audience, we are gifted to see a glimpse of that life. At the end, we see the same characters having grown and continue living, even after the film ends! Not many other films can do that, in addition to carrying through a positive message to take away after you finish the film too.
Kishotenketsu: Japanese/ (also chinese / buddist?) 4 act story telling structure without conflict, while western storytelling is obsessed with conflict and "climax" .
People always say it’s a story without conflict, but that’s not quite true. Rather, the story isn’t driven by a conflict. “Kiki’s Delivery Service” has conflicts (plural), but the story isn’t any one of them. It’s about her journey and personal growth.
This is such a wonderful video! Yes, the world CAN be a better place, and marketing a kind world would definitely be a huge step in that direction. Thank you for doing this.
if you have not read “Human Kind” by Rutger Bregman yet and liked this video, I would definitely recommend it to you. it argues against the wide spread belief, that humans are evil. I have not felt this happy after reading a book in ages
this was such a good analysis of the film !! i have a deep appreciation and love for all the ghibli movies but unfortunately rarely anyone to discuss that with, it can be hard to put into words just what makes a film "good" or impactful but i think you did a great job
Perfect video! Phenomenal points! I love Kiki's Delivery Service. However, using this to help us see what life could be like is one of the reasons - I believe - that Studio Ghibli movies are so popular - even with or maybe especially - with adults. SUBSCRIBED!
This analysis was the best take on the uniqueness of Ghibli and Myazaki I have ever seen! Kiki’s delivery service is a film I have loved for a long time, but your profound and precise understanding of it’s underlying themes made me love the film even more. I look forward to seeing more of your content.
I caught myself on the last minute, that the video is already ended…This analysis was something that I was coming to realise. I totally agree with that, and I see the future in these great thoughts. I hope, that kids and even adults see this model of behaviour even if they didn’t had that, just not to destroy their childish beliefs. That the world is not divided by good and bad, but that there’s always a way from any situation. We don’t need to hate someone for life, we can just accept some broken hearts and live our best reality. The quality of the video and your voice are very enjoyable. Thank you for that.
I never thought about it, but you're right about the good & evil thing. Even some western films that I would say go out of their way to not have a evil bad guy, I repeatedly see countless people online talking about which characters were evil or bad in the film. Our culture seems obsessed with "beating the bad guy" as if there's always evil out there to fight. This video reminds me of some of the things in Tara Brach's Radical Acceptance and the book Why Buddishm is True. Though I also can't help but think of Totoro and Bluey. Especially Bluey generally is just showing a happy loving family.
Happy New Year from Norway. I started watching this earlier today and now I must run since midnight is minutes away because of kindness and family and friends and loved ones. Thank you for this essay, Soak- Let us all enjoy across midnight.
Studio Ghibli is a company, but they're not some money obsessed, evil company like Disney. They actually care about the things they make and they always prioritize art over money.
what an insightful analysis!! made me think a lot about my own outlook on the world i hope more films can portray such themes as these and make kikis supportive wonderful world feel more realistic to everyone
I absolutely loved this video! Sent it to my fellow artist friend who's also struggling with recovering a sense of self. Kiki's Delivery Service is now a primary comfort movie for me ❤😂
I highly respect the lack of ads in this video. I didn’t even notice till you brought it up cuz I was(for once) so immersed in the video like an award winning movie with no ads. Huge respect man❤️🔥
I already loved this film, and yet you’ve strengthened my appreciation for it even more through your thoughtful analysis! Please make more videos like this! You have such a lovely perspective and skill for communicating that analysis.
I’m 25, pregnant with my first child, and you’d better believe he’s growing up on Studio Ghibli more than Disney lol. For exactly all the reasons you mentioned, not to mention Ghibli films are generally less overstimulating, loud, and fast paced. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a fair handful of Disney movies, and my kids will grow up with what I consider the actual best Disney movies. The ones worth watching, with morals I really want my child to grow up with. I really think Ghibli films are just far higher quality than most Disney films, and have better lessons, and I want to fill my child’s limited time in front of the TV with truly wholesome, edifying, and _good_ art. I especially have a problem with the extremely common plot in Disney films that goes: “parent gives child a boundary/rule (even if it’s unreasonable or out of the parent’s own fear), child then blatantly disobeyed rule, the whole world is saved, and the parent and everyone else apologizes to the child and tells them that they were right to disobey.” That’s simply not a lesson I want my child to learn! It’s not a good lesson for real life. And Ghibli children really never do that. They are smart, independent, and make a good and bad choices… Without directly disobeying their parents and then being praised for it. That’s a big reason I want to show my children more Ghibli than Disney. I want to present my child with healthy parent child relationships, and they’re just aren’t that many of those in Disney movies. I’m a big believer in inspirational characters, whose character inspires you to be a better, kinder person. There are simply way more of those in Ghibli films than Disney films.
I had this one on the watch list for ages, I saw you uploaded this video yesterday so I sat and watched it. I was crying by the end, what a beautiful movie. I want our world to be a little bit more like Kiki's.
Great video! You explained perfectly why the older I get, the more I come to understand and appreciate Kiki’s delivery service. Maybe going through life is not really about winning over “bad guys” to reach a “happily ever after”. Maybe it’s more about going through the highs and lows in our own pursuit of happiness, finding our place among the diverse people in life, while contributing to building a benevolent world.
I disliked Kiki’s Delivery Service when I watched it, but this new perspective takes the mundane, relaxed vibe of the movie out of the boring context I originally saw it in and into a fresh escape that we should strive to become reality! 🙏 I may need to research some ghibli films now, with a kinder eye. Well done! 💕🙌
I recently rewatched this film for first time in years when I showed it to my 4 year old daughter. She loved the film and watching it again through her eyes I could tell that there was something different and special about it compared to some of the other films we’ve watched. Your analysis made it clearer for me, the idea of kindness begets kindness is a theme that really isn’t as prevalent in western stories. I look forward to pointing out how KiKi being kind improves the world around her the next time we watch it.
At 4:40, and I have to say I disagree, my own parents and many of the parents of my peers were more interested in filling their own desires vicariously through their children and more interested in their own wants and needs than those of their children, and I think that's still very common, and more common than having both loving and supportive parents. I still preferred Ghibli films growing up because they seemed idyllic, as in, they presented an ideal world, where parents and communities cared about the inner lives of children and supported them in their endeavours. Also the animation and stories were & are just better than disney films
I loved watching the Ghibli movies as a child, much more than Disney or other family films. Thank you for this great video, it was recommended to me without knowing your channel and I subscribed 😊
Hey bro you got a new subscriber. You work is fantastic and so insightful. This video made me realize how lucky I was that my mother bought me a VHS tape of Kiki for me when I was a child and was my first anime.
I'm glad i got a chance to see this video, so thanks for the reupload! I don't think i have anything i could add, the video covers do many angles of the story, it's a well crafted piece!
I enjoyed the movie but your perspective has made me realise how important this story is for showing a kind world. Thank you for the shift in my perspective
This film means so much to me. When she lost her powers, she felt like she lost a part of her. It was because she lost her confidence. But then, when she was saving her friend, her confidence came back to her since she was helping Tombo who was special to her. Hayao Miyazaki is a great man. He's this centuries magician❤
The term "happily ever after" in old stories is slightly misleading, in that the meaning of "happiness" is not exactly the same today as it was in the time when classic fairy tales were formulated. In the older context, "happiness" refers to a pleasant, safe and comfortable life situation. Hence references such as the right to a "pursuit of happiness" in America's formative documents, and references to "securing happiness" by marriage or other financial situation in classic romances. In this sense, "living happily ever after" doesn't suggest that the protagonists spent the rest of their lives in bliss and were never sad or disappointed again; instead, it means they lived the rest of their lives in a comfortable and trouble-free situation, without being plagued by whatever external dangers they have fought to overcome during the story.
Thanks for this, it articalates my thoughts on this gem of a movie far better than I ever could. Losing passion about something you used to enjoy because it is now "just a job", self-doubt and comparison to others are just such relatable things to me, and I love how it is not hammered it, but told in a subtle way. Also I've never caught that the girl in the car is the granddaugter, and was always a bit confused about the sudden strong reaction. But now it makes more sense.
I think part of the “world is a hostile place and every kids are running away from their families” syndrome is because of the idea that a story has to have a core conflict. Almost all western writing guides would tell writers to base their stories on conflicts and problems to solve. When it’s all loving and supportive, it’s harder to find that “problem” the guide is telling you to fill in. It’s embedded in the western media, because it’s how the stories are told to be constructed.
Yes, and I also think there is this a fundamental difference based on religion/philosophy. Western civilisation is influenced by abrahamic relgions with conflict good/evil as its core , while buddist/zen emphasizes all-connectedness of the universe.
I Think Kiki's Mom Voiced by Kath Soucie just wanted to swipe that Broom, just to have something Tangible that her Daughter Made and to have a piece of her Near By, because she loves her Daughter so much. In a Sense Kiki is Running away From Home, but it's not because of Disney Reasons but so she can grow and Mature as a Young woman in Society. 11:48 it was Hot Chocolate. The Madam was voiced by Debbie Reynolds the Mother of Carrie Fisher. Osono is Tress MacNeille, The same Person who provided the voices of Babs Bunny and Dot Warner. The Stuck Up Witch says Ciao as she departs the scene and Jiji blows a Raspberry. 21:57 I just Noticed it The Bus behind the Cop reads GHIBLI, I guess it's a type of A113. 31:26 Kiki is Suffering from Burnout and temporarily looses her powers so she can recharge. It's why I don't Post Content During Lent as I need that time to Recharge so I don't Burnout.
The scene where the fashionista doesn’t take advantage of Kiki’s lack of business skills perfectly parallels what literally happened between me & my dad this today🤣 I was helping him wash his car, albeit begrudgingly because yuck chores right? But afterwards he asked me how much I was charging for the car wash. I thought he must be joking so I said “$5 million” but he told be to be serious. Stunned & confused, I eventually blurted out “$5” & he laughed & pointed out my lack of business skills before giving me $20. When I say that I was stunned, I was completely blindsided & stunned before thanking him with a low bow(which is normal in some African cultures). And I still don’t think it was worth $20 so I consider this a tip :D. But this goes to show that the kind world Ghibli presents us isn’t really that fantastical 🥹
As someone who has struggled with depression for as long as they can remember, this movie is like a breath of fresh air. It brings me so much optimism and helps me pick myself up when I need. I love this movie and I wish those vibes for my life.
Probably my favorite movie of all time, I watched it endlessly as a kid. The themes of kindness may be part of why I loved it so much, when people were never very kind to me in my real life.
25:42 Even I try to see everyone's perspective, and still fail even in situations where it should be simple to understand, but your's of the granddaughters makes total sense. I've been in that predicament myself come to think of it
Kiki's Delivery Service was the first film from Studio Ghibli I saw. I loved it for all the reasons you mentioned. It got me to want to see all the other films from Ghibli. Yes, Ghibli is not Disney -- and that is a good thing. Both studios carved out their own niche in the film world, making them unique. Then there is Pixar Studios, that, it seems to me, is somewhere in the middle. The fantasy characters in Pixar's original stories have plenty of real-world problems and emotions to deal with in realistic ways ("Inside Out" for example), yet their films still manage to have fairly happy endings, too. Excellent analysis.
How much of the difference between Kiki and Disney movies comes down to fundamental differences in kishotenketsu and 3-act/heroes journey style stories common in Western media? Heroes journey doesn’t work without an antagonist, while kishotenketsu only requires opposing viewpoints which can come from anywhere.
Although I agree with your main points, I don’t know about the other young witch- it starts to rain so abruptly as soon as she leaves (and the clear weather forecast was Kiki’s deciding factor!) that I always thought she made it happen! Throughout the story, Kiki is much more comfortable around adults. She really has to get used to people her own age. The Party Girl (recipient of the Madam’s pie) is part of Tombow’s crowd, and while she’s not actively antagonistic, neither does she have a big turnaround where she’s more appreciative of her grandmother. She fades into the background as Kiki ceases to worry about interacting with Tombow.
I love the point you made with this video. I think we have a lot of people in our society that not only cannot envision a kinder world but actively fight against and condemn people who believe in one. When you frame it as a lesson taught since they were tiny, it all makes a bit more sense. I want a kinder world.
@littlepinkcactus Or they can, y'know, have good vs evil story that's still fleshed out and fine for what it is. Not every story has nuance in regards to villains, and there's nothing wrong with that. Not everything has to be the same.
I loved watching this. What a lovely video essay. Thank you for using your interests and skills for the spreading of good and kindness. May God bless you and keep you safe from harm.
That line that she can make friends but suddenly can’t bear to be with any of them is how I feel too. That happy feeling goes away but still I love life even through the tears…
I just love the whiplash you get if you watch this one back to back with Nausicaa. Nausicaa was the first Ghibli movie I watched on betamax as 'Warriors of the Wind' in 1992, and I think it's the 'anti-Kiki's delivery service'. You just switch around the optimism vs cynicism ratio and flip wholesome and supportive to brutal and violent
Isn't this a kind of sweet old idealistic view of the world that no longer works (or probably never worked)? It's possible only in the movies. Not possible in the world built on exploitation. I mean, that 'kindness begets kindness' maxim. Being kind does not guarantee kindness in return. It's much harder to stay kind after realizing that. Would you still stay kind regardless? I think that's what distinguish an actual good person - it's the one who doesn't expect anything in return for kindness. Also, for the note, Miyazaki was influenced by Soviet cartoons for kids. Check them out. The majority were teaching kindness and friendship to young folks.
If you're not striving to be idealistic then what are you doing with your life? Who cares if it's real? What's important is working to make it as real as you can.
@illinest You're right, a human being should have an ideal to strive for. Unfortunately, it often stays unreachable due to material concerns of survival.
In most of BH's cartoons almost everyone's is a total jerk! XDD Tho CatDog has the most jerkiest jerks out of Nicktoons. To the point that entire city CatDog live in became a collective antagonist against CatDog trying to find their parents XD. Classky Czupo cartoons are much nicer. There's almost no villains in Rugrats (even Angelica is portrayed nicely), As Told By Ginger also shows that every person is a human. Among other Nicktoons there's Hey Arnold, where many people may be jerks, but everyone has some skeletons in their closet, and it feels amazing when in most episode character is like a bully of the episode, while in other episode you see more of their inner life and how Arnold helps them
Yes, this is a reupload! Apologies for those who saw it the first time, but to explain the context: The original video was performing REALLY well on UA-cam but then got hit with a takedown notice by Studio Ghibli, meaning it was no longer public. I had to fight a long legal battle to have it reinstated on the grounds of fair use (something Ghibli rejected initially), but it took 15 days for that to happen. In the meantime, UA-cam treated the video as if it was public and getting 0 views, meaning it completely died in the algorithm. So, in the desperate hopes of kicking a video I really believe in back to life, this is now a re-upload with the hopes that it doesn't get flagged again! Appreciate your support and if you guys just wanna watch or leave it running again!
ALSO, this is exactly why I rely on/appreciate so much the support of viewers on Patreon, where I know my income will be reliable, as opposed to the whims of UA-cam and copyright issues (www.patreon.com/thesoak )! You can also join my Discord server here to discuss media with likeminded people discord.gg/dEF993S9SA
Oh! The duality of Japanese media: great art, scummy corpo bs 😅
@@Das_Ungeheuer Sums it up pretty darn well!
I had this happen with keiju no 8 on a podcast episode but eventually we won the fair use fight 😂 and we aren't big enough for the video disappearing to hurt us
Risks you take covering this kind of subject unfortunately
I didn't see your original video, so I'm glad you reuploaded it! I'm glad it reached me :)
I always thought Kiki's power loss was like creative burnout, hence the artist lady walking her through it. Like, monetize your passions and it'll often bog you down, right?
There's up and down with creativity. A lot of the greats didn't make their work just for the pleasure. Many were commissioned or died in poverty. The art industry is competitive and brutal. So I wouldn't really call an artist a sellout because their resources and time is not cheap and the effort to have reputability is not an easy one. That's quite the connections to have which many known ones had some pretty powerful ones whether backgrounds of nobilities like Michaelangelo, Brunelleschi, or Da Vinci, a family of wealth or due to the political atmosphere of the time. Dr. Seuss was around during the World War II so had had appeal to many war fatigue people who wanted more color back into the world like many who experienced a massive bloody and destructive war.
Passion origin from a word mean pain. So these people find meaning in their creative endeavors in spite of the pain. Creativity like many pursuits requires sacrifice which can evokes thoughts and emotions those who appreciate may explore.
I completely agree, I’ve always viewed the film this way. I know Miyazaki liked to put parts of himself and his personal struggles into his protagonists. I think Kiki represents his artistic spirit and work ethic.
@@boxcat1755why do people aspire to be great though, who cares?
it's kinda both creative burnout and a burnout related to making what she loves a job.
like when you're dead you're dead it's not like fans are children
I think another interesting thing is the movie represents womenhood in different stages
Kiki who is just coming into womanhood
The painter who is a young woman still figuring things out
The baker who is older and just beginning the next stage of her life as a soon to be mother and newly wed
Kikis mother who is older and more experienced in the role as well as being a witch
The grandmother who's children have grown but she still cares for her family
It reminds me of an animatic i once saw of a woman walking through the stages of life and walking alongside her own granddaughter guiding her into the future
Each woman brings an interesting perspective to kiki with their time and wisdom and all are able to relate to her strife and guide her through these rough beginning years giving her the tools to grow into her best self
Wow this is such a great take!
Oooohh I never catched that! I can think of two smaller instances now, that also fit in that row. The witch girl Kiki meets right in the beginning, who is one year older than her and nearly at the end of her witch year. And that little girl in the very end, who is dressed like Kiki, placing Kiki, who was throughout the movie at the „lowest“ end of the chain of women helping the younger ones to grow, in the place of being an example for younger girls now as well. This movie makes me tear up so much! To think that in this patriarchal world, an old man created this soft movie about healthy relationships between women who empower each other, is the most improbable and beautiful thing I can imagine.
@@juliechen8710 That's straight outta the studio Ghibi movie guidebook.
huh for me i just seen this as coming into just general adulthood but hey interesting lens you see though
KiKi's delivery service isn't my favorite film, but this analysis and break down has given me a much greater appreciation of it as a whole. Ghibli films have always had a special place in my heart, particularly in the way that they help us love the mundane parts of life. Daily chores, cooking, and care for one's self and others are built up as things to enjoy and be celebrated, whereas in a lot of western entertainment these things "tie you down" and act as a barrier preventing the main character from achieving their dreams.
If you think about it, " Daily chores, cooking, and care for one's self and others" sounds pretty much like female's responsibilities, at least from a Western (American/European) perspective. Someone could argue that Disney's children's films promote patriarchal values, which is not surprising.
It's still hilariously ironic that Miyazaki is a miserable and mean man. He doesn't practice what he preaches in his films.
I’m sorry, but I don’t really understand what you mean by Western movies see these behaviors as holding you back?
@@evanbarth7173 Meaning common chores and small living are seen as a negative and mundane in most western movies. Compared to hustle life, partying, being famous ect. It's a common trope here.
@@grimsonforce7504oooooh I see. Also, Happy New Year!!
I think teaching kids a sense of morals while also teaching children that the world is both beautiful and full of good people as well as having hostilities, that there are good people to protect from harm.
Agreed, kids should learn about conflict resolution, caution, hope, and not assuming the worst in people all at the same time.
@@mintkit1064 Whereas growing older has made me realize I should have assumed the worst the whole time.
@Arbaaltheundefeated No offense, but I've burned bridges I regretted doing so because I assumed the worst in people. Being a cynic didn't make me wiser. It just made me see myself as a waste of space. Not saying that there aren't horrible people out there, but don't judge everyone you meet too quickly.
@@crazy13alex Nevermind... can't even talk about nihilism without UA-cam deleting my comments... Suffice to say I disagree, because I actively avoid meeting people.
@@Arbaaltheundefeated Seems kind of sad to me but you do you. Best wishes to you!
26:10 The granddaughter even recognizes Kiki and it is revealed that she talked about her at the party amongst her friends, who compliment and admire her for her independence from afar, which means she had no ill words or thoughts towards Kiki. So Kiki was the only one judging her negatively based on the small interaction that they had.
I watched this movie dozens of times across many years, and never noticed the girl in the car is the granddaughter :o
Also I was forever upset that we never again hear Jiji, although it is hinted in the movie that some of his consciousness still remains, he lost part of his self awareness - but the love for Kiki still stayed
@@alexandrachernysh7 well the whole point is her growing past the need for a supporter like Jiji giving her guidance all the time he's still as smart as he always was she just can't hear his voice anymore
And that is fairly realistic isn't it? We as people often judge ourselves and interactions we have harshly when the other people involved don't feel that way at all or don't even think much of it. It's a small thing like that that works so well
This! The first time I saw this scene it had a HUGE impact on me. As an angsty and artsy teenager who felt "left out" by my peers it really got me thinking. People don't always automatically MEAN BAD. Sometimes I am the one judging, not them.
@@alexandrachernysh7the bit about Jiji really soured the movie for me. Witches have familiars. There were other ways to make this metaphor work
"Life is suffering. It is hard. The world is cursed. But still, you find reasons to keep living." I think this quote from Mononoke Hime sums up what all the Ghibli movies are all about. The reasons that keep us going.
It’s kind of interesting that Kiki gets a female role model for each stage of adulthood. Ursula is a young adult working with her passion in life but not yet a full member of society (she lives alone in the woods). Osono has a steady job and is married with her first baby on the way, so she’s pretty settled in her life. Finally the Madam is an elderly woman who’s lived out most of her life, she may no longer be surrounded by her family but she isn’t alone, she has her maid and makes friends easily with Kiki. I love that the movie is about Kiki becoming an adult and she’s shown what that might entail one day, and that it will be alright.
your really making me glad i grew up with ghibli rather than disney. my parents tell me that they were surprised the first time they watched my neighbour totoro as the whole movie they expected the mother to die cause every disney movie ever has the mother dead and the overprotective father. and spoilers she just doesn't die. what i mean to say is i feel ghibli movies tend to portray stories that you don't see in western media, in totoros case being worrying about a loved ones health and in kikis case as you've put it being kind to other people.
It's still hilariously ironic that Miyazaki is a miserable and mean man. He doesn't practice what he preaches in his films.
I remember the HATRED this film got in the 1990s. It came out the same year as Akira, and was always contrasted with Akira. The two anime clubs I belonged to in the 1990s were extremely sensitive about "We don't watch cartoons, we watch mature animation made for adults like Akira and Sailor Moon". I literally made one of the club presidents foam at the mouth by mentioning Miyazaki - "Miyazaki is a sell out" he ranted, "his movies aren't anime because they are kids movies".
At one year's "Anime Hell" event, where they show "bad" anime and club members jeer at the screen, they showed "My Neighbor Totoro" and at least half the clubs members showed up and absolutely hated on that film too!
Keep in mind, these clubs also shamed any members who used non-Japanese brand VHS tapes like Basf or Memorex. "Japanese tapes are formulated for anime" they claimed.
Fortunately the anime fandom today is nothing like it was in the 1990s, and Miyazaki is now revered as the master he is.
Fuck man that's hilarious 😂
It's good that we as a community have moved on from that weird mindset.
WOW, I'm amazed by what you've written. Sorry you had to put up with such toxic fans
Loving but not always supportive is such a distinction. I’ve always perceived the two as inextricably tied (is not supporting someone truly “loving”?), but highlighting that distinction really does make the difference obvious between Disney and Ghibli films.
Echoing everyone else’s comments about the reupload! Im glad i got to see it :)
The video brought tears to my eyes, to have someone recognize a movie that portrays kindness as something good and not something that could be taken for granted.
Yesss I cried too. I love Ghibli movies, and even though I watched Kiki's delivery service multiple times, I didn't fully realize that she actually compares herself and is in the process of finding her inner beauty. I mean, of course I understood what she meant by all her comments but this video made me realize how REAL the Ghibli characters are portrayed. And all this in 1989. I think the best form of art is when you can sense the creators' meaning of life, their wishes and struggles. Unfortunately, Disney lost that. The question is if they ever had it. But same goes for Dreamworks.
I grew up loving Kiki's Delivery Service, Spirited Away and Castle in the Sky, and I was extremely aware of how unique and different they were from everything else I watched even as a little kid. Both of my parents were addicts, my mother was abusive and sadly my sister learned early on that I was a very easy target for all of her anger and sadness. I could have let those experiences turn me uncaring and cruel, and some days it seems like for too many people that is the easy path they follow, but there's just something inside of me that refuses to be that way. I think these movies may have shaped me in ways that my family never tried to. They showed me a world full of kindness and caring people that I only got at my grandma's house. Side note: Don't worry, she raised me for more than half of my childhood and for that I am forever grateful. They also showed me who I could be. I love to create things and I especially wanted to be the artist in the woods from Kiki's Delivery service as a kid.
I am thankful for your re-upload since it put the video in front of me tonight. I hope to be an author one day and I want to inject this type of kind storytelling into my books. I also haven't seen Kiki's Delivery Service since before I transitioned (female to male) and honestly I relate to her even more now in a lot of ways. I got my magic back after transitioning :)
i had a similiar experience, alot of my childhood influenced me to not be the person that i wanted to be, even small things like being a furry seemed like a monumental secret i had to keep as a secret from my close family as shaming others was normalised in our household because of my abusive mom who often found a host of hurtful insults for each of us. both of my siblings are fundementally kind people but it did not mean some bad habits bled into all of us back then. When i unlearned those bad habits i felt i got my magic back, kindness for kindness sake feels like it is the only way to be for me and i never intend to return :] ps i am also trans (male to female)
Hey, I just wanted to say, while I'm sorry that you had to struggle with the terrors of copyright, this video being re-uploaded brought it to my recommendations when I probably would have missed it otherwise. This was exactly what I needed to hear when I came across it, and like others have said has helped me to understand and appreciate a film that I hadn't really thought much of before. Thanks for all you do, your writing is fantastic and your views on the human experience are beautiful and for lack of a better word, just feel right. Your content is both inspiring and motivating, and I can't wait to see what you do next!
Thank you so much! You may not realise it but comments like yours are exactly the reason why I make these videos! I wanted to make meaningful content that would be thought provoking but also be inspiring and uplifting so thank you for letting me read this 💙
@@TheSoak We need more UA-camrs like you. Some of them have fallen into the games of the corporate world so even if you’re the only tuber like this, I wish you don’t go anywhere 🤝 You’re making the platform & the world slightly better everyday. Keep it up, gentleman🙇♂️
@@TheSoakI’m glad you decided to fight the “matrix” and win. I needed to watch this video a second time anyway.
Same here! Glad to have come across it and it’ll make me schedule some time to rewatch the movie (and probably other studio Ghibli films), so I don’t understand the issues the studio has with videos like these!
@@TheSoak People are fundamentally kind IN JAPAN. USA was built on slavery. Americans are not kind. Vivek and Elon Musk just unmasked themselves to the Republican Party who were anti-immigrant
A kids show I LOVED and I will definitely show my kids is little bear. It was such a quiet and loving show. Also the earlier Winnie the Pooh episodes had a similar feeling.
Oh yeah! I remember watching that as a kid. My family has been showing it to my nephew.
@@PixelaGames2000 it taught a lot of patience, which as someone who works around kids, is not often taught now.
I didn't watch studio ghibli until I was 18 (aside from seeing a little of princess mononoake at 16) and honestly, had I grown up more with it than primarily disney, I feel I could've been able to step more out of my comfort zone and made more decisions for myself rather than suppress my dreams. I was in a dysfunctional household and only really started being more independent and able to function once I was able to get out of there.
Studio Ghibli has touched me in so many ways with every single one of their films. Disney has always been nostalgic but I find it harder to connect to because my parents acted so similar to the ones you compared, as well as the other controversies disney has with their movies making it harder for me to really enjoy them as much (pochahontas, peter pan, the black centaur in fantasia, etc etc; though I also think its super important not to erase these films because that would just erase the history)
Its kinda like Kiki shows, what Tolkien wrote in LOTR. Normal People with small lives, small acts of kindness, no "big powers" involved:
“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay. Small acts of kindness and love. Why Bilbo Baggins? I don't know. Perhaps because I am afraid, and he gives me courage.”
― Gandalf
For another one in the same spirit, I keep coming back to this quote from Robert Heinlein:
"Decency does not make headlines--it is buried in the obituaries--but it is a force stronger than crime."
glad i found this video.
the last third of this movie always hits me real hard. up until the point she loses her powers, the vibe is so light, so hopeful, that it always felt much deeper than i had understood. i thought that it was simply a portrayal of burnout and depression, but would never put these pieces together. this is such a delicate take on self doubt and lack of confidence that it kinda pisses me off that i didn't notice it.
but im glad you pointed it, i really needed to see this, as I'm struggling with those feelings recently.
thank you so much
Oh, it's back! I wish I remembered my old comment. It was something about me really liking the granddaughter for being able to openly reject a gift she never asked for. Sure I felt bad for Kiki's efforts being unappreciated but you don't owe people your gratitude. The old comment was much better articulated but essentially I liked how the rejection wasn't portrayed as evil. It was the first movie I ever saw do that.
0:04 nah, i recently had a child and have told my partner we will be raising our child on anime. Ghibli especially as anime teaches better life lessons than anything disney makes imo
might i recomend bluey for when they are younger and Steven Universe aswell they are shows that also show people as fundementally kind
I don't know Steven Universe, but I have no children and absolutely adore Bluey for this reason. I don't know if I'll ever have kids - I still only have a couple of people that I could consider friends - but I look at things like Kiki, Totoro and Bluey (along with live-action films such as Little Forest or Our Little Sister) as movies that are just as important for adults. They show us how to be kind and to love others, and I feel like we are so rarely shown that. Bluey's dad discovering the joy of being a father or the three sisters discovering joy in their lives when they take in the young girl in Our Little Sister are things that parents need to learn as well.
Anime is not for children
@@ShadowSkyX Great statement there. Care to back it up? I'll make a statement of my own: Movies are not for children. I shall also leave it unsupported.
Seconding the recs for Bluey and Steven Universe. Also, perhaps it's obvious, but classics like Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street are extremely pro-social.
And, also obviously, "raising our kid on anime" won't keep them away from antisocial themes, since there is plenty of anime that is just as misogynistic, violent, capitalistic, and individualistic as any Disney thing. Rather than make broad judgments based on country of origin, evaluate the individual works of art.
A small detail about Kiki and her dress is in the end credits when we see a little girl dressed as a witch carrying a little broom passing Kiki. I found that a nice touch.
Even if a kind world is unrealistic...
“YOU NEED TO BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT AREN'T TRUE. HOW ELSE CAN THEY BECOME”
― Death, Terry Pratchett's Hogfather
While the movie 'The Princes' Bride' has a basic western story, it has some very interesting facets. Of the 5 villains an many minions, only 2 villains and 5 minions get killed. Aside from that, there is a lot of politeness and respect between some of them. The apparently 3 main villains in the beginning are all trying to kill the man in black following them after they kidnapped the princess to be, but all 3 and the man in black stay polite the whole time. 2 of the villain later even become allies to the man in black.
The prince, who wants to kill his bride and blame a neighbouring kingdom to start a war lives in the end and stays in power soon to succeed his ailing father.
Even enemies can be polite with each other and if we are honest, it costs little to be polite.
Thanks for the thought-provoking analysis. One of my Ghibli favorites, along with Kondo Yoshifumi's Mimi o Sumaseba [Whisper of the Heart], another Ghibli film that explores internal emotional and psychological challenges. One aspect that might be missed in an English viewing is just how the opening (Rouge no Dengon | Message in Lip Rouge) and ending (Yasashisa ni Tsutumaretanara | Enveloped in Kindness) songs by Matsutoya Yumi bookend the film perfectly.
This movie was one that really stuck with me, because despite how beautiful the world is, it's still so difficult to exist. What you mentioned also made so much sense; and I think a lot of people forget that despite having everything you need, it's hard to be happy if you're not at peace with yourself and the world around you. Sometimes it's easy to blame your broken homes, your upbringing, your community, etc, but as someone who has a loving, supportive communityaround me, it's so hard to allow myself to feel lost or insecure, because after seeing media with broken homes and broken lives it almost feels undeserving for someone as privileged me to feel so much loss. Most of it stems internally, and circumstances just play into it. Kiki feeling disconnected from herself made me bawl because that has been me for who knows how long, and in real life it goes on for so much longer than the movie that it's difficult to connect with reality or the people around you. The way she reacts to the people around her who lead her to her feeling insecure such as the granddaughter, the way she gets upset after seeing tombo's friends, everything hits home. People misunderstand the concept of having a healthy home and a healthy life and think it's always fine and always happy but god, it's not. Life truly gets everyone. I want to find myself too, the way Kiki does in the end.
Agree with everything except the good vs evil trope. I still believe that children need to be taught that evil exists in their world for them to learn what good is. And the over correction of this led to the overly abundance of "misunderstood villains" in modern entertainment.
This is why I liked Puss in Boots - The Last Wish so much. You had three kinds of antagonists in that: a main antagonist who is not a villain, but a force of nature, an extremely evil full-out villain and a group of secondary antagonists who become allies.
30:51 i dont exactly have a theory, but throughout my life as an artist (and just being a regular human) ive always viewed kiki's loss of powers to reflect a skill "decaying" when you're doing poorly mentally or physically. after struggling with life and returning to make art again, there are times i realise that i just dont have it in me as i have before, as i desperately try to re-learn how to fly (or draw in my case) overnight like kiki does. sometimes the best medicine is just a good break or something fresh and spontaneous to uplift your wellbeing ! ideally without your friends ending up in dangerous situations haha
I watch KiKi every year for my b-day, it lifts my spirits especially since even though I’m younger I’m usually down in the dumps around that time, and there’s so much to this film that gives me hope and helps me find my way again. Ursula is a big reason for that but KiKi as well. I often feel like I’m constantly losing my ability to fly and breaking my brooms time and time again but somehow I find my courage. Ghibli’s films are a huge part of me, I can’t remember a time I lived without them or when they didn’t teach me a lesson I needed or gave me insight into myself.
10:30 at first I thought, well she's pregnant, but another reaction she could have was "I can't look after this kid, I have MY OWN kid to worry about"
Well, thatl positive n hopeful vibes,
The best part about most Ghibli films is that when you start watching, and finish, the worlds feel like they are lived in and life carries on for these characters. Before we begin, everyone has connections and fully flushed out lives. As an audience, we are gifted to see a glimpse of that life. At the end, we see the same characters having grown and continue living, even after the film ends! Not many other films can do that, in addition to carrying through a positive message to take away after you finish the film too.
Kishotenketsu: Japanese/ (also chinese / buddist?) 4 act story telling structure without conflict, while western storytelling is obsessed with conflict and "climax" .
I also noticed it and I like now Kishotenketsu much more over western conflict driven stories.
People always say it’s a story without conflict, but that’s not quite true. Rather, the story isn’t driven by a conflict. “Kiki’s Delivery Service” has conflicts (plural), but the story isn’t any one of them. It’s about her journey and personal growth.
This is such a wonderful video! Yes, the world CAN be a better place, and marketing a kind world would definitely be a huge step in that direction. Thank you for doing this.
if you have not read “Human Kind” by Rutger Bregman yet and liked this video, I would definitely recommend it to you. it argues against the wide spread belief, that humans are evil. I have not felt this happy after reading a book in ages
this was such a good analysis of the film !! i have a deep appreciation and love for all the ghibli movies but unfortunately rarely anyone to discuss that with, it can be hard to put into words just what makes a film "good" or impactful but i think you did a great job
Perfect video!
Phenomenal points!
I love Kiki's Delivery Service.
However, using this to help us see what life could be like is one of the reasons - I believe - that Studio Ghibli movies are so popular - even with or maybe especially - with adults.
SUBSCRIBED!
This analysis was the best take on the uniqueness of Ghibli and Myazaki I have ever seen! Kiki’s delivery service is a film I have loved for a long time, but your profound and precise understanding of it’s underlying themes made me love the film even more. I look forward to seeing more of your content.
I caught myself on the last minute, that the video is already ended…This analysis was something that I was coming to realise. I totally agree with that, and I see the future in these great thoughts. I hope, that kids and even adults see this model of behaviour even if they didn’t had that, just not to destroy their childish beliefs. That the world is not divided by good and bad, but that there’s always a way from any situation. We don’t need to hate someone for life, we can just accept some broken hearts and live our best reality. The quality of the video and your voice are very enjoyable. Thank you for that.
I never thought about it, but you're right about the good & evil thing. Even some western films that I would say go out of their way to not have a evil bad guy, I repeatedly see countless people online talking about which characters were evil or bad in the film. Our culture seems obsessed with "beating the bad guy" as if there's always evil out there to fight. This video reminds me of some of the things in Tara Brach's Radical Acceptance and the book Why Buddishm is True.
Though I also can't help but think of Totoro and Bluey. Especially Bluey generally is just showing a happy loving family.
Sorry to hear about the first upload's takedown... I'm glad this is up for me to see at least.
I pray for your continued success! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year from Norway. I started watching this earlier today and now I must run since midnight is minutes away because of kindness and family and friends and loved ones. Thank you for this essay, Soak- Let us all enjoy across midnight.
This was the perfect video to end the year on. Looking forward to a hopefully kinder world, and at least a kinder me in the new year
When I was a kid I thought when the old woman is giving Kiki the cake, I thought she had developed dementia and didn't recognize her lol
Studio Ghibli is a company, but they're not some money obsessed, evil company like Disney. They actually care about the things they make and they always prioritize art over money.
what an insightful analysis!! made me think a lot about my own outlook on the world
i hope more films can portray such themes as these and make kikis supportive wonderful world feel more realistic to everyone
I absolutely loved this video! Sent it to my fellow artist friend who's also struggling with recovering a sense of self. Kiki's Delivery Service is now a primary comfort movie for me ❤😂
I highly respect the lack of ads in this video. I didn’t even notice till you brought it up cuz I was(for once) so immersed in the video like an award winning movie with no ads. Huge respect man❤️🔥
Thank you, SVB. I've been thinking about many things lately. The topics work as a man, too. And I needed a voice to organize/explain those thoughts.
Wonderful analysis. Kiki is one of my favourite Ghibli films.
I already loved this film, and yet you’ve strengthened my appreciation for it even more through your thoughtful analysis! Please make more videos like this! You have such a lovely perspective and skill for communicating that analysis.
Thank you! I love these films and you express so much of the beauty within!🌼✨
I’m 25, pregnant with my first child, and you’d better believe he’s growing up on Studio Ghibli more than Disney lol. For exactly all the reasons you mentioned, not to mention Ghibli films are generally less overstimulating, loud, and fast paced.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love a fair handful of Disney movies, and my kids will grow up with what I consider the actual best Disney movies. The ones worth watching, with morals I really want my child to grow up with.
I really think Ghibli films are just far higher quality than most Disney films, and have better lessons, and I want to fill my child’s limited time in front of the TV with truly wholesome, edifying, and _good_ art.
I especially have a problem with the extremely common plot in Disney films that goes: “parent gives child a boundary/rule (even if it’s unreasonable or out of the parent’s own fear), child then blatantly disobeyed rule, the whole world is saved, and the parent and everyone else apologizes to the child and tells them that they were right to disobey.”
That’s simply not a lesson I want my child to learn! It’s not a good lesson for real life. And Ghibli children really never do that.
They are smart, independent, and make a good and bad choices… Without directly disobeying their parents and then being praised for it.
That’s a big reason I want to show my children more Ghibli than Disney. I want to present my child with healthy parent child relationships, and they’re just aren’t that many of those in Disney movies.
I’m a big believer in inspirational characters, whose character inspires you to be a better, kinder person. There are simply way more of those in Ghibli films than Disney films.
That was such a great analysis !! omw to rewatch kikis delivery service 🏃♀🏃♀
I’m so glad you made this video, It’s so nice to hear about the underlying theme of kindness and friendship
I had this one on the watch list for ages, I saw you uploaded this video yesterday so I sat and watched it.
I was crying by the end, what a beautiful movie.
I want our world to be a little bit more like Kiki's.
Great video! You explained perfectly why the older I get, the more I come to understand and appreciate Kiki’s delivery service. Maybe going through life is not really about winning over “bad guys” to reach a “happily ever after”. Maybe it’s more about going through the highs and lows in our own pursuit of happiness, finding our place among the diverse people in life, while contributing to building a benevolent world.
I'm glad you reuploaded this, since this is the version that came up on my feed, and is a lovely essay.
I disliked Kiki’s Delivery Service when I watched it, but this new perspective takes the mundane, relaxed vibe of the movie out of the boring context I originally saw it in and into a fresh escape that we should strive to become reality! 🙏
I may need to research some ghibli films now, with a kinder eye. Well done! 💕🙌
Thanks for this eye-opening review!
I recently rewatched this film for first time in years when I showed it to my 4 year old daughter. She loved the film and watching it again through her eyes I could tell that there was something different and special about it compared to some of the other films we’ve watched. Your analysis made it clearer for me, the idea of kindness begets kindness is a theme that really isn’t as prevalent in western stories. I look forward to pointing out how KiKi being kind improves the world around her the next time we watch it.
Oh yes! Compare Kiki with Pinochio. They both wanted to leave their home to work on themselves but how different the story!
Sometimes when I watch a new Disney film ,I could see characters tried to act sincerity; but always fail in the end
Your analysis and comparison was so beautifully done! Really enjoyed and watched all the way through, lots of insightful takes!! have a great night
At 4:40, and I have to say I disagree, my own parents and many of the parents of my peers were more interested in filling their own desires vicariously through their children and more interested in their own wants and needs than those of their children, and I think that's still very common, and more common than having both loving and supportive parents. I still preferred Ghibli films growing up because they seemed idyllic, as in, they presented an ideal world, where parents and communities cared about the inner lives of children and supported them in their endeavours. Also the animation and stories were & are just better than disney films
I loved watching the Ghibli movies as a child, much more than Disney or other family films. Thank you for this great video, it was recommended to me without knowing your channel and I subscribed 😊
Hey bro you got a new subscriber. You work is fantastic and so insightful. This video made me realize how lucky I was that my mother bought me a VHS tape of Kiki for me when I was a child and was my first anime.
I'm glad i got a chance to see this video, so thanks for the reupload! I don't think i have anything i could add, the video covers do many angles of the story, it's a well crafted piece!
I enjoyed the movie but your perspective has made me realise how important this story is for showing a kind world. Thank you for the shift in my perspective
This film means so much to me. When she lost her powers, she felt like she lost a part of her. It was because she lost her confidence. But then, when she was saving her friend, her confidence came back to her since she was helping Tombo who was special to her. Hayao Miyazaki is a great man. He's this centuries magician❤
The term "happily ever after" in old stories is slightly misleading, in that the meaning of "happiness" is not exactly the same today as it was in the time when classic fairy tales were formulated. In the older context, "happiness" refers to a pleasant, safe and comfortable life situation. Hence references such as the right to a "pursuit of happiness" in America's formative documents, and references to "securing happiness" by marriage or other financial situation in classic romances. In this sense, "living happily ever after" doesn't suggest that the protagonists spent the rest of their lives in bliss and were never sad or disappointed again; instead, it means they lived the rest of their lives in a comfortable and trouble-free situation, without being plagued by whatever external dangers they have fought to overcome during the story.
Thanks for this, it articalates my thoughts on this gem of a movie far better than I ever could. Losing passion about something you used to enjoy because it is now "just a job", self-doubt and comparison to others are just such relatable things to me, and I love how it is not hammered it, but told in a subtle way. Also I've never caught that the girl in the car is the granddaugter, and was always a bit confused about the sudden strong reaction. But now it makes more sense.
You did such a wonderful job! Thank you so much for your hard work ^-^
I think part of the “world is a hostile place and every kids are running away from their families” syndrome is because of the idea that a story has to have a core conflict.
Almost all western writing guides would tell writers to base their stories on conflicts and problems to solve. When it’s all loving and supportive, it’s harder to find that “problem” the guide is telling you to fill in. It’s embedded in the western media, because it’s how the stories are told to be constructed.
Yes, and I also think there is this a fundamental difference based on religion/philosophy. Western civilisation is influenced by abrahamic relgions with conflict good/evil as its core , while buddist/zen emphasizes all-connectedness of the universe.
I Think Kiki's Mom Voiced by Kath Soucie just wanted to swipe that Broom, just to have something Tangible that her Daughter Made and to have a piece of her Near By, because she loves her Daughter so much. In a Sense Kiki is Running away From Home, but it's not because of Disney Reasons but so she can grow and Mature as a Young woman in Society. 11:48 it was Hot Chocolate. The Madam was voiced by Debbie Reynolds the Mother of Carrie Fisher. Osono is Tress MacNeille, The same Person who provided the voices of Babs Bunny and Dot Warner. The Stuck Up Witch says Ciao as she departs the scene and Jiji blows a Raspberry. 21:57 I just Noticed it The Bus behind the Cop reads GHIBLI, I guess it's a type of A113. 31:26 Kiki is Suffering from Burnout and temporarily looses her powers so she can recharge. It's why I don't Post Content During Lent as I need that time to Recharge so I don't Burnout.
The scene where the fashionista doesn’t take advantage of Kiki’s lack of business skills perfectly parallels what literally happened between me & my dad this today🤣
I was helping him wash his car, albeit begrudgingly because yuck chores right? But afterwards he asked me how much I was charging for the car wash. I thought he must be joking so I said “$5 million” but he told be to be serious. Stunned & confused, I eventually blurted out “$5” & he laughed & pointed out my lack of business skills before giving me $20.
When I say that I was stunned, I was completely blindsided & stunned before thanking him with a low bow(which is normal in some African cultures). And I still don’t think it was worth $20 so I consider this a tip :D.
But this goes to show that the kind world Ghibli presents us isn’t really that fantastical 🥹
As someone who has struggled with depression for as long as they can remember, this movie is like a breath of fresh air. It brings me so much optimism and helps me pick myself up when I need. I love this movie and I wish those vibes for my life.
Probably my favorite movie of all time, I watched it endlessly as a kid. The themes of kindness may be part of why I loved it so much, when people were never very kind to me in my real life.
25:42 Even I try to see everyone's perspective, and still fail even in situations where it should be simple to understand, but your's of the granddaughters makes total sense.
I've been in that predicament myself come to think of it
Kiki's Delivery Service was the first film from Studio Ghibli I saw. I loved it for all the reasons you mentioned. It got me to want to see all the other films from Ghibli. Yes, Ghibli is not Disney -- and that is a good thing. Both studios carved out their own niche in the film world, making them unique. Then there is Pixar Studios, that, it seems to me, is somewhere in the middle. The fantasy characters in Pixar's original stories have plenty of real-world problems and emotions to deal with in realistic ways ("Inside Out" for example), yet their films still manage to have fairly happy endings, too. Excellent analysis.
Brilliant video, bless you for spreading love and kindess :))
How much of the difference between Kiki and Disney movies comes down to fundamental differences in kishotenketsu and 3-act/heroes journey style stories common in Western media?
Heroes journey doesn’t work without an antagonist, while kishotenketsu only requires opposing viewpoints which can come from anywhere.
Great video definitely deserves more attention! Made me emotional because i loveee this film I watch it whenever I'm sad.
you really captured the essence of Kiki's delivery service - loved watching this❤
Bro I want you to continue making these Ghibli based videos. You are a wonderful narrator. ❤
Although I agree with your main points, I don’t know about the other young witch- it starts to rain so abruptly as soon as she leaves (and the clear weather forecast was Kiki’s deciding factor!) that I always thought she made it happen! Throughout the story, Kiki is much more comfortable around adults. She really has to get used to people her own age. The Party Girl (recipient of the Madam’s pie) is part of Tombow’s crowd, and while she’s not actively antagonistic, neither does she have a big turnaround where she’s more appreciative of her grandmother. She fades into the background as Kiki ceases to worry about interacting with Tombow.
I absolutely love Kiki, and the insights you are providing are brilliant and I haven't thought of any of them.
This video is a part of the world of kindness and courage, thank you for the hard and beautiful work, Soak!
I love the point you made with this video. I think we have a lot of people in our society that not only cannot envision a kinder world but actively fight against and condemn people who believe in one. When you frame it as a lesson taught since they were tiny, it all makes a bit more sense. I want a kinder world.
What a beautiful video essay! Thank you 🙏
now you're making me insurecure abt my good vs bad story :(
Good! It‘s gonna make your story grow into something better and more nuanced! :)
@littlepinkcactus Or they can, y'know, have good vs evil story that's still fleshed out and fine for what it is. Not every story has nuance in regards to villains, and there's nothing wrong with that. Not everything has to be the same.
Wow I love this video. I had never thought about this concept before.
The reupload has reached me for the first time! What a great video
This was a wonderful video essay, thank you for reminding me of why Kiki's Delivery Service is one of the most comfortable films from my childhood
Brilliant ! Thank you for sharing ❤
I have a 2 year old, he loves Kiki. We watch a ton & warms the heart each time.
I loved watching this. What a lovely video essay. Thank you for using your interests and skills for the spreading of good and kindness. May God bless you and keep you safe from harm.
Should be mentioned that Kiki's is set in Sweden. Coincidence? I think not.
That line that she can make friends but suddenly can’t bear to be with any of them is how I feel too. That happy feeling goes away but still I love life even through the tears…
I just love the whiplash you get if you watch this one back to back with Nausicaa. Nausicaa was the first Ghibli movie I watched on betamax as 'Warriors of the Wind' in 1992, and I think it's the 'anti-Kiki's delivery service'. You just switch around the optimism vs cynicism ratio and flip wholesome and supportive to brutal and violent
Isn't this a kind of sweet old idealistic view of the world that no longer works (or probably never worked)? It's possible only in the movies. Not possible in the world built on exploitation. I mean, that 'kindness begets kindness' maxim. Being kind does not guarantee kindness in return. It's much harder to stay kind after realizing that. Would you still stay kind regardless? I think that's what distinguish an actual good person - it's the one who doesn't expect anything in return for kindness.
Also, for the note, Miyazaki was influenced by Soviet cartoons for kids. Check them out. The majority were teaching kindness and friendship to young folks.
If you're not striving to be idealistic then what are you doing with your life? Who cares if it's real? What's important is working to make it as real as you can.
@illinest You're right, a human being should have an ideal to strive for. Unfortunately, it often stays unreachable due to material concerns of survival.
Ya know, this is quite the opposite of Danny phantom, where almost everyone in the show is a total jerk, almost everyone here is sweet and friendly.
In most of BH's cartoons almost everyone's is a total jerk! XDD Tho CatDog has the most jerkiest jerks out of Nicktoons. To the point that entire city CatDog live in became a collective antagonist against CatDog trying to find their parents XD. Classky Czupo cartoons are much nicer. There's almost no villains in Rugrats (even Angelica is portrayed nicely), As Told By Ginger also shows that every person is a human. Among other Nicktoons there's Hey Arnold, where many people may be jerks, but everyone has some skeletons in their closet, and it feels amazing when in most episode character is like a bully of the episode, while in other episode you see more of their inner life and how Arnold helps them
Studio Ghobli has more real emotions and behaviors in their films that people can relate with the characters on than Disney films in general.
Kiki is so cozy. And reminds me of how kindness is close and is passed on if you face the outside with a smile