Run time: 104 mins
Grab your broom and fly back to one of Studio Ghibli’s most enduring coming-of-age stories.
When 13-year-old witch Kiki leaves home to complete her training, she settles in a charming seaside town with her sarcastic black cat, Jiji. With flying as her only real skill, she starts a delivery service, embracing the freedom and uncertainty of life on her own. But when self-doubt causes her to lose the ability to fly, Kiki must find a new sense of confidence and purpose.
First released in 1989, Hayao Miyazaki’s film has lost none of its warmth or imagination. Its world, where witches and non-magical humans happily coexist, feels wonderfully lived-in, while Kiki herself remains an instantly likeable heroine, navigating all the awkwardness and uncertainty of growing up.
As with so much of Ghibli’s work, the animation is a major attraction. Originally hand-drawn using traditional techniques, every frame is packed with rich colour, intricate detail and a sense of movement that rewards the big screen. Now beautifully restored in 4K resolution, its visual charm is given a fresh lease of life, making this the perfect excuse to revisit a timeless favourite.