Nicky, la aprendiz de bruja

On the one hand, this live-action film based on Eiko Kadono’s children’s book of the same name is put at an extreme disadvantage by the enormous shadow cast by Hayao Miyazaki’s phenomenal adaptation of the same book. Thanks to the qualities of the older anime version, it’s impossible to not make comparisons, which immediately reveal the brilliance of Miyazaki and his collaborators. Whereas they focused on the book’s atmosphere and highlighted only a few motifs from it, the live-action adaptation attempts a more literal and more complete transfer of the book’s various peripeteias to the screen. And whereas the animated Kiki comes across as concise and consistent, the live-action version is ultimately rather a series of unrelated episodes. Mainly, however, the live-action version suffers from the typical ills of the Japanese mainstream, which is characterised by irritating affectedness and forcedness (and let’s not forget the requirement for the physical appearance of actresses, thanks to which the jolly baker has the physical form of a slender lady), which again reminds us of the exceptional nature of the films produced by Studio Ghibli with its emphasis on a carefully paced narrative and subtle style. (12.02.2014)

I didn't compare it to Miyazaki's version at all while watching it, nothing forced me to at all. Kiki (Koshiba Fūka) was awfully cute, I liked her portrayal of the little witch in training. Another thing I could look at forever was the setting, whether it was the beautiful mountain village at the beginning, the little town by the sea, or the look of the bakery and its surroundings. It really was very pretty. If it wasn't a movie, but an exhibition with photos, I believe I would have enjoyed it much more. I can't complain about the acting or directing, I just maybe found the music a bit bland here and there. Unfortunately, though, the film didn't leave a deep impression on me apart from the pretty scenery (did there really have to be a hippo?!). It's a kind of a slow fairy tale that doesn't offend, but doesn't particularly excite either. A film more for children than adults. (28.11.2014)