When watching films by Japanese animation powerhouse Studio Ghibli a number of adjectives come immediately to mind; imaginative, wholesome, and quirky, to name a few. And there is perhaps no more quirky Ghibli film than _Kiki's Delivery Service_. Fundamentally, _Kiki's Delivery Service_ is a coming of age film, telling the story of 13-year-old trainee witch Kiki who leaves home with her cat Jiji to continue her training. Arriving in a far-off European city, Kiki starts a flying delivery business, couriering goods around the town, which catches the eye of aviation-obsessed Tombo, who is immediately smitten by her flying. One of the big draws of Ghibli is the simplicity of the stories, making them hugely accessible for the audience. In Kiki's Delivery Service we must just accept that there are "some" witches and even though people will possibly never see one, they are not feared. In fact, the only fear in Kiki's Delivery Service comes from Kiki's own self-doubt. Considering, then, that Japan is far more conservative than the West - especially when it comes to family values - it is quite bizarre that one conservative Christian group in America took the decision to boycott the film solely for the purpose of glamorising witches. But really, Kiki being a witch is completely secondary to the film. In some ways it could be argued that Kiki being a witch is simply another excuse for…

With the moon shining brightly and the weather conditions perfect, thirteen year old "Kiki" announces to her family that it is time for her to mount her broom and set off as an independent witch for the first time! Full of trepidation, they all gather as she and her tiny back cat "Jiji" set off into the unknown. Squally weather and some geese are soon her companions as she is blown off course and forced to land in a (very Italianate looking) seaside town where her welcome isn't exactly warm. Indeed, all she gets for her troubles is teased by "Tombo" who espies her antics on her broom. Luckily, she steps in to help a local baker repatriate a baby's dummy and that gets her a roof, a bed and access to a telephone where she can put into action her plan to use her flying skills to deliver goods rapidly about town. What now ensues sees her struggle to master her own broomstick whilst embarking on a series of escapades that broaden her horizons and introduce her to new friends and challenges along the way. The story here is remarkably simple; there are relatively few twists and turns - but what we can enjoy here is the humanity of a delightfully presented story peppered with a little mischief throughout; some herring pies, nasty crows and even a stuffed cat! The persevering "Tombo" serves as an engaging foil for her shyness and airborne activities as his teenage courting takes them on…

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