Studio Ghibli Fest 2022: Miyazaki’s ‘Kiki’ flies again

Above : “Kiki’s Deliver Service” will screen as part of Studio Ghibli Fest 2022. (Photo/Fathom Events)

More than a decade before J.K. Rowling debuted her sorcerer hero Harry Potter , another broom-flying character was attracting attention in Japan.

Her name was Kiki, and she was the protagonist of a 1985 novel titled “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” Written by Eiko Kadono, it was adapted for the screen four years later by the great Hayao Miyazaki .

His film, also titled “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” is part of the Studio Ghibli fest 2022 and will screen Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at four area locations: Regal Cinemas theaters at NorthTown Mall, Spokane Valley and Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone Stadium; and at AMC River Park Square.

The Regal theaters screening times will be 3 p.m. Sunday (dubbed version), 7 p.m. Monday (in Japanese with subtitles) and 7 p.m. Wednesday (dubbed). AMC’s screening will be 3 and 3:15 p.m. Sunday (dubbed), 7 p.m. Monday (with subtitles) and 7 p.m. Wednesday (dubbed).

Miyazaki’s film follows the exploits of Kiki, who along with her pet black cat Jiji move to a port city and – because of her broom-flying abilities – opens a delivery service. She meets a boy, has various adventures and even endures a crisis of confidence before everything is resolved.

Tom Huddleston of Time Out London wrote, “As a story about how hard it is to make your own way in the world, ‘Kiki’s Delivery Service’ is truthful and scalpel-sharp. That it manages all this while remaining consistently funny, optimistic and exciting – even for little ones – is a mark of Miyazaki’s genius.”

That about says it all. So go, see a movie (preferably subtitled). And enjoy.