The Animated Film That Mastered Magic Preceding Harry Potter
Discover the enchanting animated gem, 'Kiki's Delivery Service,' that flawlessly captured the essence of magic long before Harry Potter Join Kiki on her spellbinding journey as she learns the true meaning of magic and delivers heartwarming moments in this timeless classic
The Big Picture
In Kiki's Delivery Service, Kiki's magical training is not a secret society like in Harry Potter, but a cultural tradition of openly practicing witchcraft for independence.
Kiki's emphasis on experiential learning and using magic to assist her community, rather than relying on a predetermined future or academic achievements, is a significant aspect of her education. The movie showcases how Kiki's magical abilities serve as a means of personal expression, aligned with her interests, and a way to find inspiration and take care of oneself.
Harry Potter's Wizarding World has had a significant impact on shaping the perception of magic and sorcery for an entire generation of moviegoers and aspiring sorcerers. The story of young Daniel Radcliffe as "the boy who lived" and his fellow students at Hogwarts aimed to strike a balance between the challenges of growing up and the academic obstacles of witchcraft, all while embarking on epic tales of wizardry warfare. Regardless of their affiliation with Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw, the average Hogwarts student had to navigate the pressures of final exams and the looming threat of expulsion while battling Death Eaters and the life-threatening forces of Voldemort. While the blockbuster films surrounding the boy wizard captivated audiences worldwide by introducing them to the magical realm of education, the most outstanding film centered around learning Wicca predates J.K. Rowling's iconic Hogwarts hero. Released in 1989 in Japan, during an exceptional year for animated films, Studio Ghibli's "Kiki's Delivery Service," directed by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki, tells the tale of Kiki (voiced by Minami Takayama), a young witch-in-training who sets out on her own for the first time at the age of thirteen in a seaside town, accompanied by her talking cat familiar Jiji (voiced by Rei Sakuma). Although Kiki does not attend a luxurious, suspiciously tuition-free private school like Hogwarts or even Hexside from "The Owl House," her quest to learn the art of magic resonates on a more personal and subtle level, reflecting the coming-of-age experiences and intrinsic passions associated with education and personal growth.
Image via ToeiKiki's Delivery Service
A young witch, on her mandatory year of independent life, finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air courier service.
Why Is Kiki Learning Magic in 'Kiki's Delivery Service'?
In contrast to the Harry Potter series, where the world of witches and wizards remains hidden from the general public, Kiki's upbringing as a witch is an open and accepted part of her cultural heritage. Passed down through generations of women, the practice of magic is not a secretive training program leading to a grand destiny, but rather a rite of passage for young witches to gain independence and enter the real world as professionals.
In the movie Kiki's Delivery Service, being a witch in training involves more than just learning magical skills. The tradition requires young witches to leave their homes and live independently for a year, using their magic to serve their community. Unlike the structured education system at Hogwarts, where magic is taught in a traditional academic setting, Kiki's journey focuses on her ability to be self-sufficient and use her magic to support herself. The film emphasizes that Kiki's true test lies not in her magical abilities or flying skills, but in her capacity to use her powers for the benefit of others and establish her own identity as a witch.
The main obstacle Kiki encounters on her journey to becoming a skilled witch isn't formidable dark lords, Death Eaters, or rival wizards. It's rather the real-world challenges of adulthood that are unfamiliar to someone her age. Kiki's year-long trial doesn't pit her against magical threats, but rather tests her ability to find her place in the world as an independent and capable adult. The film's strongest aspect lies in its sincere portrayal of the struggles faced by an ambitious novice navigating a new environment, especially as a young adult. Magic takes a backseat in the film, serving only the purpose of showcasing Kiki's personal growth and her struggle to make a living and support herself. The difficulties Kiki confronts can't be resolved solely through magic; instead, she must rely on her resourcefulness to make ends meet and survive on her own.
