Book Review Summary: The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service

Introduction

"The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" is a beautiful and lavishly illustrated hard-bound book that delves into the creative process of Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Based on the beloved movie of the same name, this prestige format book offers fans a rare glimpse into the artistic and storytelling journey behind the film. With its stunning visuals and insightful commentary, "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" is a must-read for anyone who loves Studio Ghibli and the magic of Hayao Miyazaki's films.

About Hayao Miyazaki

Hayao Miyazaki, born on January 5, 1941, is a renowned Japanese animator, film director, and screenwriter. He started his career in 1963 as an animator at Toei Douga and went on to work on many early classics of Japanese animation. Miyazaki's incredible ability to draw and his seemingly endless stream of movie ideas quickly caught the attention of audiences. In 1971, he moved to A Pro with Isao Takahata, and later to Nippon Animation in 1973. He was heavily involved in the World Masterpiece Theater TV animation series for the next five years. In 1978, he directed his first TV series, "Conan, The Boy in Future," and in 1979, he directed his first movie, "Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro."

Analysis of Views

1. Stunning Visuals: Readers rave about the book's visual appeal, praising the stunning artwork and concept designs. The detailed illustrations showcase the painstaking process of creating an anime like "Kiki's Delivery Service," capturing the beauty and imagination of the film.
2. Insightful Commentary: The book provides valuable insights into the creative process behind the film. Readers appreciate the behind-the-scenes information, including the original book, cinematography, color schemes, and the use of magic in the film. They also enjoy reading about the narrative and the film's origins.
3. Feminist Message: "Kiki's Delivery Service" is known for its strong feminist message, and this book delves into that aspect as well. Readers appreciate the exploration of the film's themes and the representation of female characters. They find it inspiring to learn about the women who wrote and illustrated the original book.
4. Character Designs: The character designs in "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" are particularly praised by readers. They appreciate the detailed variations of Kiki's hairstyle, flying poses, expressions, and mannerisms captured in the artwork. The background paintings for Corico are also highlighted as marvelous, with their idyllic settings evoking a holiday mood.
5. Background Art: The background paintings and cel art from the film are another highlight for readers. They enjoy seeing the different stages of design and concept art that went into creating the world of "Kiki's Delivery Service." The book contains numerous illustrations from every stage of the design process, including rough sketches and concept art from Miyazaki himself.

Reasons for Recommendation

1. Visual Treat: The stunning visuals in "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" make it a must-have for fans of Studio Ghibli and Hayao Miyazaki's films. The detailed illustrations showcase the artistic process behind the movie, offering a unique perspective on the creative journey.
2. Insightful Commentary: Readers appreciate the insightful commentary provided in the book, which offers valuable insights into the making of the movie. They enjoy learning about the narrative and origins of "Kiki's Delivery Service" as well as the background information on cinematography and color schemes.
3. Feminist Message: For those who appreciate strong female characters and feminist themes in their media, "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" offers a deeper exploration of these aspects. The book delves into the feminist message of the film and highlights the women who contributed to its creation, making it a meaningful read for fans who value representation and empowerment.
4. Character Designs: Fans of character design will find plenty to admire in this book. The detailed character designs, including variations of Kiki's hairstyle and expressions, are praised for their appeal and simplicity. The background paintings for Corico also offer a charming setting that evokes a holiday mood.
5. Background Art: For those interested in background art and cel art from animated films, "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" is a treasure trove. The book contains numerous illustrations from every stage of design, including rough sketches and concept art from Miyazaki himself. It offers a glimpse into the meticulous process behind creating a world filled with magic and wonder.

Conclusion

"The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" is a beautifully illustrated book that provides fans with an in-depth look into the creative process behind one of Studio Ghibli's most beloved films. With its stunning visuals, insightful commentary, feminist message, character designs, and background art, this book offers a unique perspective on Hayao Miyazaki's artistic journey. Whether you are a die-hard Studio Ghibli fan or simply appreciate beautiful illustrations, "The Art of Kiki's Delivery Service" is a must-read that will transport you into the magical world of Kiki and leave you inspired by its artistry and storytelling.