I don't know how Miyazaki does it. He creates these visual masterpieces, where pretty much every shot is beautiful - one right after another. He manages to have a film in yet another wonderful setting. And once again, the characters and relationships are all just perfect. I think it's just safe to expect that from Miyazaki.

However, what I didn't expect was the song playing during the titles, as Kiki was flying through the night. That's quite possibly one of the most beautiful moments I've ever seen in film and I haven't forgotten it since.

Oh, and how could I forget that ending? I feel I'm overusing the words beautiful and/or perfect, but this film deserves them. Especially the ending, how everything is wrapped up so neatly ... and yet again, we get even more wonderful shots.

A slight, but gorgeously animated, story set in a vaguely European, alternative world where witches co-mingle with the rest of the population. 13 year old Kiki and her cat Jiji try to make their way in the big city with both success and set-back. She makes friends and is given the cold shoulder in equal measure, which helps her define the idea of what she wants to do with her life.

Too bad Disney didn't have Tobey Maguire voicing Kiki's suitor, Tombo, in their adequate (but not great) English dub. If that were so, then the big climax would have the rescuer and rescued (Kiki is voiced by Kirsten Dunst) the reverse of 2002's Spiderman.

Kiki is a witch whose only witch skill is flying her broomstick, so she sets up a delivery service. Nice film for all the family.

As with all of Miyazaki's films, there is a seal of quality on 'Kiki's Delivery Service', guaranteeing beautiful animation from the Ghibli team and a wonderful complementary soundtrack from Hisiashi, one of my favourite modern composers.

Apart from those positives, 'Kiki' is very much standard fare, with a simple and not particularly inspired plot and a strong female lead, as is almost always found in Miyazaki's films. The biggest issue with this film was a distinct lack of drama, with no real sense of danger being felt. Although this is probably due to the young target audience, it does mean that the film isn't very emotionally involving.

'Kiki's Delivery Service' isn't the greatest work that Miyazaki has created, but it is a welcome if forgettable inclusion into his body of work. With delightful animation and an equally charming score, this film will pass the time well, but not linger in the memory long.

Miyazaki's early work is small, sweet and just hinting at the charm he'll display in later work. It's no TOTORO, but still a colorful delight.

Charming animated fantasy, which had plenty of funny and heart-warming moments.

I realized just how much I loved this movie when I found myself thinking that if I had a daughter I would make sure to make this a part of her upbringing. That thought freaked me out a little, but such a dream-like film can lead to bizarre thoughts. Miyazaki's work before the intrusion of computers is out of this world gorgeous.

An adorable coming of age tale from Studio Ghibli, about friendship, identity and acceptance. Kiki and Tombo are so effing cute it's not funny.

An energetic animated vision of the idealism of young people.

I grew up with this movie so it's hard to review it. Kiki is one of those movies I can watch anytime. A feel good movie.

Made me really want to be a witch when I was little, not sure if the parents approved.

A young witch leaves home to make her way in the world, and starts a business delivering things.

Really super anime from Studio Ghibli. Heart-warming and wonderful; I suppose not quite up there with Spirited Away, or Ponyo; both of which are excellent, but fantastic one-the less. Go see it!