Kiki's Delivery Service (2014 film)

Kiki's Delivery Service (2014 film) is a Japanese live-action fantasy film directed by Takashi Shimizu, based on the 1985 novel of the same name by Eiko Kadono. While sharing the same source material as Hayao Miyazaki's acclaimed 1989 animated film Kiki's Delivery Service, the 2014 adaptation presents a distinct interpretation of the story, aiming for a more grounded and realistic portrayal of Kiki's experiences.

The film stars Fuka Koshiba as Kiki, a young witch who leaves home at the age of thirteen to live independently and hone her magical abilities. Following tradition, Kiki chooses a town by the sea and starts a delivery service using her flying ability. The story focuses on Kiki's struggles with self-doubt, homesickness, and the challenges of adapting to a new community while learning to control her powers and run a successful business.

Unlike the animated version, the live-action film delves deeper into Kiki's emotional journey, exploring themes of adolescence, independence, and the importance of community support. It also places greater emphasis on the mundane aspects of running a delivery service and the practical difficulties Kiki faces.

The film was released in Japan on March 1, 2014. While it received mixed reviews, with some criticizing its pacing and deviations from the animated film, others praised its faithful adaptation of the novel's spirit and Koshiba's performance as Kiki.