Anime
Kiki's Delivery Service
"Majo no Takkyuubin"
Aired: July 29th, 1989
Duration: 1 hr 43 min
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Coming-of-age
Rating:
Review: Kiki's Delivery Service ws my first introduction to anime without my even knowing it. Gifted on my 5th birthday, and gradually becoming obssessed with it until it became my nightly ritual by age 10. Kiki helped me discover my passion for what I love. One of the most intimate scenes is when Kiki visits Ursula's cabin in the woods during a rough patch in her training. Ursula encourages Kiki to take a break from flying, and "doze off at noon, look at the scenery." Taking breaks from what we love can help us refresh our minds and come back with a new force. I think that's a powerful message when we're surrounded by such an intense work culture.
Manga
Full Moon
"Full Moon Wo Sagashite"
Published: December 1st, 2001
Volumes: 7
Genre: Fantasy, Drama, Romance
Rating:
Review: Full Moon wasn't my first introduction to manga, but it was my first obsession with Shoujo. I had watched plenty of TV and read books with the main characters being girls my own age at the time (12), but none were quite portrayed the way Mitsuki was. She didn't act her age, feeling forced to grow up due to her illness and her parents passing away, while living under the strict, watchful eye of her grandmother. While I didn't relate to losing my parents or having a harsh grandparent, I longed for freedom like Mitsuki did. Her kind, fearless, passionate view of the world and of everyone around her made me want to do the same. Believing in herself and having faith in those around her allowed her to succeed.