Kiki’s Delivery Service
(1989, 103 minutes) Rated U, FILMCLUB suggests 5+
Identity & Belonging Inclusion Project theme: Change
What is this film about?
This charming Studio Ghibli animated tale tells the
fantastical story of Kiki, a young witch, who faces a
big challenge: at just thirteen, she must set out to find
a new town and develop her skills as a witch. The
journey is tricky as Kiki’s flying skills could do with
some improvement, but eventually her broom sets
her down in a brand new town that is to become her
home. Not frightened of change, Kiki applies herself
and soon finds all kinds of adventures awaiting her.
This is a hugely enjoyable slice of anime from director
Hayao Miyazaki, creator of such classics as Spirited
Away. This film has been dubbed into English.
Why have we chosen this film?
Issues raised in this film
Identity and belonging: Kiki is a strong and independent young witch, proud of her identity and keen
to develop her skills. However, moving to a new place and feeling like a stranger is tough: Kiki must
work hard to keep a sense of her own identity when others around her make her feel different and
strange. The film offers opportunities for children to talk about these issues through Kiki’s experiences
in a new place, her desire to make friends and to be accepted for who she is.
Change: This rites-of-passage tale shows how Kiki faces changes in her life: moving to a new city,
starting a new job, making new friends and, at thirteen, beginning to grow up. The story offers a
springboard for discussing the changes children go through as they grow older and the
responsibilities that may come to them in future.
Be aware of….
Contains mild peril.
Before the film: Starter activity
In this film, Kiki is a young witch. Witches often appear in stories and films. What other ideas or
stories about witches can you think of? Do you think that these old ideas about witches and the
supernatural have changed much over time?
After the film: Discussion questions & activities
When Kiki first leaves home she moves to a new town where she doesn’t know anyone. What
emotions do you think Kiki felt on arriving there? Who helps Kiki settle in to her new life? What
friends has she made by the end of the film?
Do you think that Kiki changes much over the course of the film? What about Jiji? Are all the
changes permanent or do some happen for just a little while?
At thirteen, Kiki is very young to be leaving home but the film’s story is a fantasy rather than a
real-life documentary. What skills would Kiki need to learn, living by herself, to be safe and
happy?
After the film: Further explorations
1. Kiki sets up her delivery service using her flying skills, with help from Osono at the bakery.
Sometimes she struggles to find customers: maybe some advertising would have helped her.
Design a poster for Kiki that might help persuade new customers to try her service. Can you
think of a catchy slogan or phrase? How about a logo featuring Kiki and Jiji her cat?
2. Thinking about your school and about your film club, what different skills do you have? How
could you use your skills to make a positive change either in your club, your class or your
community? You might want to think about using everyone’s skills together – remember, Kiki
doesn’t do it all by herself.
3. What would happen if you changed part of the film’s story? Below is a table with the basic
parts of the story from Kiki’s Delivery Service. What would the film be like if you changed these?
There is space in the table for your own ideas – free up your imagination and see what new
stories you can come up with.
Get reviewing
Check the FILMCLUB Guide to Writing Effective Film Reviews – Primary for ideas and activities to
help club members write their reviews.
http://www.filmclub.org/resources/details/26/review-writing-guide-primary
KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE
Character's name
Kiki
Character's gender and age Female; thirteen.
Special skills
Flying, being a witch,
delivery
skills.
Companion
Jiji the talking cat.
Helpers and friends
Osono the baker; Ursula the
painter; her friend Tombo
who
loves flying.
Changes faced
Moving away from home to
start life in a new town.
The ending?
Kiki makes a success of her
business and gets her
powers
back.
YOUR IDEAS