Skip to content
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.

Explore More About This Movie

Dive deeper into specific aspects of the movie with our detailed analysis pages

Similar Movies