By Michelle Leung

Beloved Studio Ghibli films return to the big screen in Brookline, MA for a week, with the event aptly named Ghibliotheque. The series celebrating the timeless animations runs from May 1st to May 7th, although additional screenings of Kiki’s Delivery Service are already confirmed to run until May 14th. 

Kiki’s 4K restoration is the talk of the town, and it’s Ghibliotheque’s main focus this year. The 1989 film was created in the pre-digital era, where each and every frame was hand-drawn. With the restoration, a new scan of the original 35mm film elements emphasize and highlight the art’s details. 

Other movies being shown during Ghibliotheque include Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl’s Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, and Spirited Away. While Kiki’s is only being shown in Japanese with English subtitles, all other movies will be dubbed in English at Coolidge Corner Theatre.

Student tickets are $14 and adult tickets will run you $17. Senior and child tickets are $15.

But first, let’s start off with Kiki’s Delivery Service on opening night!

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The theater is buzzing — 6:56PM

Coolidge’s Moviehouse 1 fills up quickly, featuring a gently excited stream of chatter revolving Studio Ghibli films and the upcoming movie’s plot line. A mixed crowd, mostly college-age people and a few families with younger kids.

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Lights down, eyes up! — 7:08PM

With nearly every seat filled, the lights dim and instead of anticipatory tension, there’s a comforting atmosphere permeating the room.

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Jiji speaks! — 7:16PM

Jiji’s first lines invite a soft, rippling laughter throughout the audience. Smiles adorn most faces.

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Kiki’s off on her own — 7:22PM

As Kiki gears up to leave her hometown, little sighs are audible when Kiki and her father share a heartwarming moment and embrace.

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Kiki and Jiji settle in for the night — 7:30PM

Viewers chuckle as Kiki is awoken by cows licking her, having fallen asleep in a soft bed of hay. The audience is met with a slight surprise.

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Run-ins with danger — 7:35PM

The crowd collectively gasps as Kiki experiences a close call, almost flying smack into a bus and consequently derailing traffic. The air holds an attentive focus as the audience waits for a resolution.

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A kind audience — 7:42PM

Instead of laughing at Kiki’s misfortunes or ways of thinking, the crowd laughs with her, seemingly in appreciation for her pure perspective. A sort of protectiveness emanates.

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Finally, an accepting soul — 7:50PM

Kiki is taken into the bakery, where warmth, solace, and contentment reflect in the animation’s yellow tones. A few people readjust in their seats, leaning back as the bakery’s comfortable bustling atmosphere takes over.

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Kiki begins her deliveries! — 7:58PM

As the film nears its halfway point, Kiki’s delivery service begins to pick up in pace, and the delivery montage plays to a room filled with silent engagement.