My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

 

7/10

Starring

Chika Sakamoto

Noriko Hidaka

Hitoshi Takagi

 

 

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki

Nothing has impacted my childhood quite like this beautiful, heartwarming animation. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve watched it over the years. The innocence and grace of childhood, captured so perfectly in this film, is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. You can even see where many other animations have drawn inspiration from it. The emotional depth isn’t the only reason this animation was a critical success—the adventurous plot and imaginative fantasy are more than enough to hold your attention.

My Neighbor Totoro takes you on an emotional rollercoaster, following two children as they navigate life without their mother around. The story laser-focuses on the two girls and their new life in the home their father has purchased. Right from the start, you sense that the house holds more than meets the eye, and soon enough, you’re introduced to the wood spirits.

As with many of Hayao Miyazaki’s works, the leads in this Japanese animation are two strong-willed and independent girls. Even four-year-old Mei displays remarkable determination to do her own thing and assert her individuality.

Set in 1958 Japan, the story begins with a university professor moving with his daughters, Satsuki and Mei, to a new house so they can be closer to the hospital where their sick mother is being treated.

The girls, full of energy, run around the house playing and exploring in a way only children can. It’s so well-written and authentic that it immediately takes you back to your own childhood.

One day, while Satsuki is at school, Mei encounters two small wood spirits. Following them leads her to a large, slumbering creature, which she innocently climbs onto and names Totoro.

When she tells her family about her discovery, nobody believes her. But later, on a rainy day while the girls wait at the bus stop for their father, Totoro appears again. Mei, asleep on Satsuki’s back, misses part of the encounter, but Satsuki gets to see Totoro and some of the magical elements of his life. When their father arrives, the girls can’t contain their excitement.

From this point onward, the movie takes an emotional turn that you have to see to fully appreciate Miyazaki’s powerful direction.

Over the years, My Neighbor Totoro has clearly influenced many of Studio Ghibli’s subsequent films, with Totoro himself becoming the studio’s mascot. He’s even made cameo appearances in other Ghibli movies and games.

I’m not sure which streaming platforms currently offer this masterpiece, but I strongly recommend introducing your children to the joy of watching it.