Kiki's Delivery Service
A heartwarming, whimsical coming-of-age story that captures the magical yet challenging transition into independence, painted with the vibrant hues of a young witch's journey.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Kiki's Delivery Service

魔女の宅急便

"I was feeling blue, but I'm better now."

29 July 1989 Japan 103 min ⭐ 7.8 (4,362)
Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Cast: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Kappei Yamaguchi, Keiko Toda, Mieko Nobusawa
Animation Family Fantasy
Coming-of-Age and Independence Creativity, Burnout, and Self-Doubt The Tension Between Tradition and Modernity Friendship and Community
Budget: $6,900,000
Box Office: $4,493,017

Kiki's Delivery Service - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

We each need to find our own inspiration, Kiki. Sometimes it's not easy.

— Ursula

Context:

Ursula says this to Kiki when Kiki visits her cabin, feeling depressed about losing her powers. Ursula is working on a painting and explains that she too goes through periods where she can't paint, likening Kiki's 'witch's block' to her 'artist's block.'

Meaning:

This quote is the philosophical core of the film. Ursula articulates the nature of Kiki's struggle, framing it not as a failure but as a necessary part of a creative and passionate life. It universalizes Kiki's magical problem, making it relatable to anyone who has faced a block in their work, art, or life's purpose.

Flying used to be fun until I started doing it for a living.

— Kiki

Context:

Kiki says this to Ursula in her cabin, explaining how the pressure of her delivery service has drained the magic and fun out of flying for her, which is a precursor to her losing her powers entirely.

Meaning:

This line perfectly captures the theme of burnout and the danger of a passion turning into a joyless obligation. It marks the lowest point of Kiki's disillusionment, where the very thing that defined her and brought her joy has become a source of stress and anxiety.

Just follow your heart, and keep smiling.

— Kokiri (Kiki's Mother)

Context:

Kiki's mother says this to her just before Kiki leaves home on her journey. It's a poignant moment of parental support and letting go.

Meaning:

This is the parting advice Kiki's mother gives her. It's a simple, loving piece of guidance that becomes a recurring idea for Kiki. It emphasizes that the most important compass in her journey of independence is her own intuition and a positive spirit, rather than a strict set of rules.

If I lose my magic, that means I've lost absolutely everything.

— Kiki

Context:

Kiki expresses this fear to Jiji after she first realizes her powers are beginning to fade, highlighting the depth of her identity crisis.

Meaning:

This quote reveals how deeply Kiki's identity is tied to her abilities. Her fear is not just about losing a skill, but about losing her entire sense of self. The film's resolution teaches her that this isn't true; her worth comes from her character, courage, and connections, not just her magic.