“Without even thinking about it, I used to be able to fly. Now I'm trying to look inside myself and find out how I did it. ” That is one of my favorite quotes from one of my favorite Studio Ghibli movie, "Kiki's Delivery Service". This movie is more than just a beautifully animated piece; it is a masterclass in storytelling that subtly discusses mature themes such as burnout, making it relatable to both younger audiences and adults alike. Kiki's Delivery Service is a charming tale that follows the journey of a young witch named Kiki. One of the most prominent rights of passage for a young witch in training is to travel away from home alone for a couple of years. Kiki sets out to make her way in the world for the first time and ends up using her witch powers, flying in particular, to help a local baker in the town she has chosen to settle in. She starts with delivering bread for the owner and branches off to delivering other items for people in the city, hence the name “Kiki’s Delivery Service”. This movie stands out because it weaves an entertaining and enlightening narrative. It is open to exploring the pressures of independence and burnout, especially when turning your passions into a commodity or service, a theme not often explored in movies targeted at younger audiences. As a Theatre major with a special interest in film, I appreciate the film's nuanced approach to storytelling. The movie does not spoon-feed its audience but allows them to interpret and understand the story at their own pace. I also appreciate that this movie has something for everyone, regardless of age. This has been a favorite movie of mine ever since I was a little girl. I loved the magic of everything, how Kiki used her powers for good, and how she grew to love her differences and not let being different bring her down. As an adult, I now relate to Kiki on a deeper level. As an artist, I know firsthand how important it is to find a balance when making money from your passions and your art. Kiki loses her ability to fly her broom at one point in the story after literally working herself sick, a metaphor for the loss of motivation and energy many of us experience when we are burnt out. She got it back when she took a break and rediscovered herself and her passion. This stood out to me as an adult because this burnout happens, and you need to rediscover your love for your craft. This subtlety makes the movie an excellent tool for introducing more mature topics to younger viewers, even if they don’t fully realize it. This relatability and subtlety in storytelling is what makes Kiki's Delivery Service a favorite of mine. In conclusion, Kiki's Delivery Service is a movie that has left a profound impact on me. I find myself watching it over and over, especially when I feel stuck with where I am in life. Its subtle approach to discussing more mature topics like burnout is a testament to the power of storytelling. It is a movie that transcends age and culture, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. As a Theatre major, I aspire to create art that is as impactful and subtly profound as Kiki's Delivery Service.