How Kiki's Delivery Service Portrays Modernity PERFECTLY

[@sollywhirl]

Sorry for the audio! This was my first video so I was finding my footing. I appreciate all the likes and the views! Thanks everyone :)

[@hisrijan]

Beautifully captures the anxieties I felt when I left my hometown to pursue a career.

[@sollywhirl]

Yeah, that was something I didn't even think of since I never moved for a job. I moved from my hometown however to find myself and can relate in that way. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment! I really appreciate it.

[@zach.hanford]

As someone who has struggled with depression my entire life, this movie is held near and dear to my heart. It has a melancholic somberness to it that my wife has never experienced, and even when watching the movie can't fully relate to. I remember watching this when I was a teenager and having a moment of "oh, someone else gets it" when I had never felt that way before. I think one of the most important aspects of this movie was originally changed in the English release(and thankfully later reverted). At the end of the movie, Kiki still isn't able to speak to Jiji(but in the original english release, Jiji speaks again at the end). She never speaks to Jiji again. Although she might be doing better at the end of the movie, she is still forever changed by her experiences. She can't ever go back to the youthful innocence that let her talk to Jiji in the first place. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed with life, I think back to a moment from my childhood. It was a cozy autumn day, the type of day where it still feels like summer but looks like fall and the cold hasn't really set in yet. I had always been a bit of a loner, but I enjoyed being people-adjacent. I remember sitting outside under a tree on that day, playing Pokemon Gold on my gameboy while my brother and his friends were playing wiffle-ball near our house. I was so peaceful, and so happy in that moment. I didn't know about war, or starvation, or homelessness, or worrying about whether I'd be able to pay my mortgage. Things were simple, and I was happy. But as an adult, I can never go back to that youthful innocence. I could take my Nintendo switch outside under a tree right now, but the experience wouldn't be the same. I have changed. Kiki has changed. I'll never be able to go back to that Autumn day, and Kiki will never be able to speak to Jiji again.

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and deep reply. I really resonated with it. Jiji being a representation of the lose of childhood innocence is so sad and by the end of the movie I'm a blubbering mess as well. I know all to well the emotions and feelings you convey in your story about being underneath the trees or in the leaves playing your favorite game on the gameboy. I was the same way with Pokemon Pinball on early summer mornings. Laying in my hammock in the backyard as the sun rose up over the fence. Not a worry or care in the world. I wish you nothing but the best in life and thanks again for watching.

[@tonymartinez5798]

You can’t go back, but those autumn days are still out there in a different form

[@braydenfuller3511]

In a college english class about the american dream i wrote my final essay on Spider-man 2, talking about hoe the american dream can sometimes be bad instead of good, leading to depression, burnout, and the hsrd decisions between wants and needs. I watched Kiki's for the first time last night and i wish i couldve written about it as well in that essay. The movie really does portray the difficulties of becoming your owj person in the world, and struggling to keep up while the world moves so fast

[@JU4NJO5UE]

As an adult watching this again after years, you now fully understand the movie for what it is because since you have the years and experience in life now you can fully relate. Watching this as a kid (I'd watch this many times as a kid) didn't let you fully understand and feel the deepeness of the movie, you just laughed and enjoyed the film not really understanding the deeper meanings in it. Makes me cry especially on the outro song "I'm Gonna Fly" that's in the original English version.

[@ZorimePati]

Thank you for explaining what the ending truly means. I hate it whenever the reviewers believe her problems were solved because she became the town hero.

[@Phoca_Vitulina]

Wow this was a really great analysis! I struggle with anxiety and depression, and still finding my way in this world as someone who started down one career path but had to change due to burnout, so Kiki's Delivery Service also felt a bit more real to me in that sense of having your identity of idealized version of yourself kind of stripped from you, leaving you lost. Am in a really cool big city right now (grew up in the countryside) and hoping I can stay there and continue to try to find my own version of success and happiness

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@PUSH_PULL_sc]

Thank you for making this video. I've been struggling. Kiki's delivery service was my favourite movie since I was a child and I have always resonated with it. I've had many dreams of losing my powers and feel a constant worry of fearing of losing what I might have. Many dreams of flying and losing that ability. Recently I've realised that understanding the movie more may unlock my personal struggles. And this video has helped me a lot. Thank you, again truly.

[@spikedpsycho2383]

The film portrays Working class individuals who strive to make their own and excellent metaphor for burnout. Just like SpiderMan 2, when powers are needed the most, they vanish at height of stress as their resolve crumbles.

[@sollywhirl]

It might be time for another rewatch of the original Spiderman trilogy. Thanks for watching!

[@-k7228]

Just watched this film on Netflix it was so good I cried at the end I was so happy for Kiki. What a an amazing film, the animation and the story 10/10

[@benjinaraa]

I completely agree with what you said! I must also bring up 'Whisper of the Heart' (another lovely Ghibli movie for those who don't know!) Because for me - it was the one movie which teared me up. Much like how you mentioned that you get emotional when watching Kiki's Delivery Service, for me it was Whisper of the Heart. [Spoiler warning!] I believe it was due to how much I related to the main character Shizuku. Somewhat like Kiki - Shizuku goes through a period in her life where she is uncertain of her path and considers herself plain and useless. She is dissatisfied with herself and considers herself to have no special abilities of her own, unlike her friends. Everyone else is pursuing their own goals, her sister moves out to her own apartment, her friend Seiji travels to Italy to study violin-making. Yet Shizuku feels stuck in life, wondering if she has no specialty that makes her unique. To test herself, she decides to write a novel within just two months, as a promise to Seiji's Grandfather Nishi. She stays up late, puts her studies aside, and begins writing. At the end of the two months, she's exhausted, her work is done. Nishi reads her story, while Shizuku anxiously awaits his reaction and review. And it was this one part which had me all choked up. Once he's read it, Shizuku asks Nishi if he liked the story, to which he says yes. But Shizuku again asks for him to give his honest opinion, to which Nishi says that the story was raw, rough, unfinished and unpolished. But he still valued it so much because he could see just how much effort Shizuku had put into creating it. And that he saw true potential within her. And upon hearing this, Shizuku bursts into tears. I remember I was watching this movie with a family member of mine, and I remember they asking me "Why is she crying?" - but I couldn't really answer that because I was crying too. I used to be a very good student, great at school, very social, did extra-curriculars. But around 2022 I had a phase where I started going downhill, my energy went down, skills went down, grades went down, social life went down. I saw others around me pursue greatness - my friends were getting high grades for their tests, some were really popular, some were winning top places in competitions. Yet there I was, stuck in life. Feeling like I no longer had any specialty. And so I started to push myself. Just like Shizuku did, harder and harder. But, the results I wanted were never obtained. No matter how hard I worked, the results weren't perfect. And I hated myself for that. In Whisper of the Heart, I could see this same state in Shizuku. I saw myself within her. And so when Grandpa Nishi appreciated all her effort, even when her novel wasn't perfect - I broke down. Because I realized, his words were exactly what I had been so longing to hear. A lot of people really appreciate us only when we win, when we become famous, when we create something successful - and so when we don't get the perfect results we hoped for, there's no one to praise us, and we feel like our effort was all in vain. That was what I felt like, all I wanted was for someone to tell me that all my efforts were valid, that my effort has as much value as my success. That was what Grandpa Nishi said. "You Should be very proud for all your hard work." This was why Shizuku teared up, because she was relieved, and glad, that someone finally understood her and valued her skill. I just watched that scene again to quote Nishi's words correctly, and now I'm tearing up again. Damn, such an amazing movie. Surely give it a watch! 😊❤✨

[@sollywhirl]

Wow, thank you so much for your comment. It was an amazing read and I have never heard of Whisper of the Heart before! I will for sure give it a watch after your phenomenal comment. Thanks again and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day. :)

[@benjinaraa]

@@sollywhirl I'm glad to hear that! I'm sure you will enjoy Whisper of the Heart a lot! Enjoy the movie! And have a great day to you too! :D

[@soumyareema]

@benjinaara @sollywhirl I LOVE Whisper Of The Heart.....it always made me nostalgic about teenage experiences I had and experiences I would have wanted to have. It's perfect the way she simultaneously finds her true love in both career and life partner.....I only found my true love in career but I would have loved to find a true love life partner at that age just the way she discovered him, it's just perfect, and following a cat to discover a hidden pretty place is perfect too, I used to observe my neighborhood cats too when I was a kid and had always wanted to follow them loll but Shizuku actually does it ❤

[@benjinaraa]

@@soumyareema That's so true! Honestly, Shizuku and Seiji's story is such a heartwarming tale :'3 The idea of meeting your future partner with both of you as innocent children is so nice

[@Malivolent]

Same for me! I loved both films too because I relate to them a lot! imo they're similar in a lot of ways!

[@traxstaromega3467]

I remember really liking this movie as a kid, but I did not see it's real message. Now as an adult, I really gotta go rewatch it! It fits right now too well. Thank you, for your video

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for watching! You really need to watch it again, so much to appreciate through the eyes of an adult.

[@spfilmviewers5629]

Very good video analysis on one of our favourite Ghibli movies - keep up the good work! This anime means a lot to us as it was our first ever episode we covered on our podcast

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for the kind words! It means a lot to me as well.

[@Leafygreenie]

I struggle hard with a personality disorder and agoraphobia watching this reminds me why I need to fight harder even with my all obstacles.

[@sollywhirl]

You and me both. Keep on fighting the good fight!

[@JLikesStarWars]

Props to you for adding subtitles that aren’t ai generated.

[@spicytunapod]

Never have I ever related to a character so much. We just watched it on our podcast, and loved it so much.

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks so much for the comment! She's my icon.

[@scottfitzpatrick1939]

Very thoughtful video and its comforting to not feel alone. A lot of themes in this movie hit hard. Especially if you are a survivor of childhood truama. The feeling of needing to be useful to have the right to exist and not being confident in one's self. I am not honest with myself enough to grab the box if klinex but my sleeves end up wet whenever i watch.

[@masudashizue777]

Good, but volume is a bit low. This was my first Studio Ghibli film. Not just entertainment but a film with a message.

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for watching! I'll work on my audio for my next video. I appreciate you pointing it out to me.

[@vuitui2121]

Thanks for the video,just about I actually finished on reading the book of "Kiki's Delivery Service".It's a nice book despite the smooth yet boring journey compare the challege that Kiki faced in the movie,I would say the book was fitted for 1950s than today. The film is suited for modern time,we must overcome the difficulty and relax sometime instead of burn down constantly.The harsh route never end,still the determination will make us getting through.

[@mon.not.online]

i first watched this movie a month ago and my first thought was “i would’ve loved to watch this movie as a kid”

[@readyforclarity]

Lovely video about one of my favorite stories of all time. Cheers - Hannah

[@sollywhirl]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@starxiii9116]

I also cry everytime I watch Kiki, & I used to watch her every Friday, Saturday & Sunday as a kid. Kiki’s story is relatable in so many ways. She absolutely is an inspiration & Im glad I found this video. 🫶🏼

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you so much for the kind words and watching my video! It means a lot. 🥰

[@sonicfan9144]

What I love about Kiki’s Delivery Service is the fact that like a lot of Pixar movies, it’s a story that both kids and adults can enjoy. Kids can enjoy it because of a witch flying around doing delivery service. But adults can enjoy it because they can relate to the struggles Kiki faces.

[@sollywhirl]

Very true. The adult themes really shine. Thanks for watching!

[@lukeroberts2925]

Great analysis… Kiki is my favorite and I can’t help it

[@owen2886]

Love the video man, keep up the good work!

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the comemnt and you taking the time to watch it. :)

[@starmaker9804]

This is truly an underrated well developed channel, for I had subbed to your great efforts sir! 🎩 👏

[@sollywhirl]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching.

[@horologyproject]

Excellent video! I wish you all the success

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement. It's much appreciated!

[@anonymousanon3055]

Nice vid, thanks for making and sharing

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for watching!

[@sea_triscuit7980]

This was actually the first anime i ever watched. I was probably 10, and was at my neighbor's house.. it's funny, I never thought about it until now

[@sollywhirl]

The first anime movie I ever watched was My Neighbor Totoro! Thanks for watching.

[@annatheawesome1]

I have never cried over Kiki. It's just a charming coming of age story.

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for the comment! It resonated with me so yeah. I sob like a baby.

[@scottrastyles2592]

Thanks for the video lad, hope you are doing well

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks for the comment! I'm doing well, and the same goes to you. All the best!

[@jonr3671]

Great take on the movie. 🙂

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@offguy9939]

You could really do good making more of these documentaries

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you! I might make a little something.

[@fluffycat679]

Sweet, your channel icon is a Poliwhirl, and I respect that.

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you!

[@nfbvacsbtn]

i get sad when i watch this movie because phil hartman voiced the cat, and i think the movie was released after his death

[@sollywhirl]

Phil Hartman was a legend.

[@nfbvacsbtn]

@@sollywhirl yeah but in later releases of this movie, they removed his adlibbed lines. it feels so empty without jiji’s sass

[@matthewdancz9152]

It doesn't matter what we achieve, we will all be dust in the end of all things.

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks, Gandalf. The existentialism is hitting.

[@markellison2152]

I know this going to sound strange, especially with your analytical comparative to modernity... which is described as anti-work and anti-consumeristic in perspective... but movie has probably the best pro-work ethic and pro-entrepreneurial message I have seen on screen. Don't get me wrong, burnout and the mental health issues of going full 100% non-stop are taken into account. But we see Kiki development as person not only through the work itself, but ties to her customer along the way. It is not hard to fathom that even in a post-scarcity society, whenever THAT comes around, that values like zeal and productiveness are still cherished is some form or another.

[@sollywhirl]

That's a very interesting way to look at it and I appreciate your point of view. I can see how it could be perceived either way, which is why it's probably one of my favorite moves. Thanks so much for your comment! I really appreciate it.

[@georgeliveris8517]

Wonderful.

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you so much for the comment and watching! I appreciate it.

[@theoneandonlykyle9800]

I loved this movie I have similar traits like her.

[@mercyveritas1125]

The audio is great but please don't use all caps for the subtitles lol. They are hard to watch

[@sollywhirl]

Thank you for your feedback I really appreciate it! This was my first video so I'm trying to get my footing lol.

[@Ianto-tv3fg]

Wonderful video. Subbed. Thank you xxx

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks so much!

[@mercyveritas1125]

Another thing I feel like u are speaking in a rush or sth, if u can slow down the pacing a little bit it would make the message much more powerful

[@danparker8254]

Commercialism promotes perfection.

[@sollywhirl]

Yes it does!

[@cotar_]

thanks for this video

[@sollywhirl]

Most welcome! Thanks for watching.

[@thrillhouse_vanhouten]

Cool video, just leaving a note to let you know your audio is mixed a bit low

[@sollywhirl]

Thanks I appreciate it.

[@PoppyGaming0925]

I love it

[@bioches]

It's not modernity. It's human nature

[@MatthewOliphant]

Don't give up.