I first watched My Neighbour Totoro back in my high school years at a school camp. Back then even though my Japanese was not that great and I hardly understood what I was watching (the only thing I remembered was ねこのバス which is Cat Bus - literally a bus inside a cat) I loved the whole aesthetic of it.
Just recently I watched it again ( English version this time) as I wanted to watch more Studio Ghibli productions, and I adored it even more!
The story follows the life of Satsuke Kusakabe and her adventure-seeking, little sister Mei as they move to a new house in the countryside with their father to be closer to their ailing mother in hospital. No sooner are they there, when magical events start to happen - falling acorns and dust gremlins appear - not to mention that the woodland surrounding them seems to be full of magic spirits, a gigantic tree and a huge creature called Totoro.
This movie does a great job in mixing the fantastical and magical whilst still keeping in believable. It covers so many aspects from moving into a new house, dealing with a sick parent, starting a new school, making new friends etc - all very real life situation.
The sibling relationship between Satsuke and Mei is very well done, with Satsuke taking on a parental role of looking after Mei whilst trying to cope with their ailing mother. The whole family dynamic is very cute and portrays a very safe protective environment.
I would LOVE this kind of childhood, which is what is so enchanting about this story - innocence, adventure, and imagination.
The animation and visuals are simple overall yet colourful and vibrant which suits the tone of the movie perfectly. Not overly done or exaggerated but still alive and cool.
I can totally see why this movie has become its own massive phenomenon (Totoro is one of the most recognizable of Studio Ghibli’s characters - he even made a cameo on Toy Story 3) and has also been named one of the best anime movies. A truly wonderful movie for the child in all of us.
Rating: 5/5
Next to watch: Spirited Away
Have you seen any other Studio Ghibli movies? Which ones do you recommend?
Anna :-)
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