Posters - Kiki's Delivery Service

Here is the second of two movie posters for Kiki's Delivery Service in Japan. I posted the first Kiki poster way back in 2006 (it was only the second installment of the "Ghibli Poster" series).

I really enjoy both of the Kiki posters. If I was forced to choose, I'd cop out and declare it a tie. Each poster speaks to a main theme in the movie; the poster of Kiki sitting pensively at the counter of the bakery speaks to the onset of adolescence, of anticipation and uncertainty. This second poster of Kiki flying in the sky speaks to her freedom, her creativity, and soaring energy of youth. It's a compelling balance, and reveals that this movie is deeper, more nuanced, than simple escapist fantasy.

I love the sense of flight in this poster. I love the height and sense of motion. This speaks to a romanticized idea of flight, of soaring with the birds. The panoramic view of the earth below is especially impressive. Note the intricate details below - the trees, the buildings, the harbor. The city is modeled after Stockholm, Sweeden (some of the landmarks in the movie are actual locations), and dates back to Miyazaki and Takahata's abortive Pipi Longstockings project.

It's remarkable the great influence Europe has had on Miyazaki, and I think that's one of the key elements that make his work stand out from contemporary anime. His stories are very worldly; little surprise that series like Heidi, Marco, and Anne are so warmly received throughout the world. It was really only a matter of time before Studio Ghibli followed suit.

So let this be a lesson to all of you - get yourself a passport and see the world. It's one of the most important investments you can make in your own future. Oh, and score me some movie posters while you're travelling, okay?