I'm 27 and I just saw this anime for the first time. In fact, it's the first anime I ever saw and I only watched it because a friend kept telling me how great it was. It had been sitting on my shelf for over two years and last night I figured: what the hell, let's try it.
This movie blew me away. It so perfectly captures the innocence and the exploratory nature of childhood. It enables you to view an ordinary day through the viewpoint of two ordinary young girls. It shows how boring we adults are, and how much fantasy, discovery, emotions and playfulness we have lost since we were kids. There's no macho behaviour, no bad guys, no evil to beat, just two kids growing up in a normal life, but extraordinarily presented.
A perfect coming-of-age movie and one of the most impressive movies I've ever seen. Already one of my all-time favourites. If the rest of Hayao Miyazaki's films are anything close to this, he will have a new lifelong fan.
This movie like so many others from Studio Ghibli shows that Disney, Pixar and DreamWorks Animation are not the only companies that can make top notch animation. My Neighbor Totoro is a wonderful story made by Studio Ghibli and the master Hayao Miyazaki. Some may know him from his other works like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke, but this one should not be forgotten. Does Totoro and the buscat (i have no better word for it) with the many legs actually exist or were their part of the girls fantasy? I guess we'll never know....
A lovely movie, though a bit disappointed that this film—in my opinion—doesn't live up to its hype.
My unpopular opinion : it was boring. Half of the time it was just Satsuki and Mei running around. Totoro should have had more appearance.
Everybody, try laughing. Then whatever scares you will go away!
[8.4/10] (Note: This review is of the Disney dub.) So much of My Neighbor Totoro is slow and deliberate. It is a sumptuous film, largely content to let its audience enjoy the slice of idyllic life it presents in wondrous tones. It takes time to let us see the Kusakabe family unpacking and settling into their new home and for Satsuki and Mei to wait for their father in the rain, without hurrying either. It wants us to feel the time pass, to revel in the quiet and leisurely moments of rural splendor and domesticity. Everything here moves at its own pace.
And then it doesn’t. The power of the film’s final act comes from that contrast. After so much unhurried living and gentle vignettes, writer-director Hayao Miyazaki’s story explodes with urgency in the shadow of a sick parent and a lost child. There are no confrontations here, no villains or fistfights to clinch the climax of the film. Instead, there’s a well of pent up fear and intensity, bubbling under the surface all this time, that be restrained no longer. Those expressions of anxiety and longing soon become more piercing and blood-pumping than any pugilistic showdown.
What unites both parts is not only a unity of emotion, but also utterly gorgeous artwork and animation. Outside of a couple of vaguely unsightly character designs, My Neighbor Totoro is a feast for the eyes. Miyazaki and his design team offer up beautiful landscape after beautiful landscape. There’s a watercolor feel to the invitingly verdant flora surrounding the Kusakabe farm, from the shrubbery that flows in the wind to the towering camphor tree that watches over their family. In sunset and twilight, the animators leave each image awash in color, as soothing hues fade into one another amid a rural paradise.
But as well as the movie does at representing an idealized version of real life sky and soil, it does even better in the imaginative creatures and fantasies it conjures. The titular totoros -- big fluffy feline pudges -- hop and lurch and float with a lumbering grace, with big eyes, toothy grins, and bulbous but huggable forms that welcome our heroes into their wonderland. Puffy soot spirits swarm and cluster and disappear with movements that are half-insect and half-force of nature. A cheshire-like cat bus bounds invisibly over hill and dale, using its too many limbs to leap with balletic grace and fluffy comfort. Rising branches and enchanted spindletops keep the movie’s imaginative corners as vibrant and full of life as its more down-to-earth visuals.
What keeps the fantasy and the reality glued together are Satsuki and Mei. It’s remarkable how much the two of them genuinely feel like little kids in this movie, not just the junior comedians or all-too-perfect children who show up so often in family movies. They run around and scream. They are loud and occasionally obstinate. The turn on a dime from being joyous to being scared to erupting with laughter. There’s a vibrance and truth to each of them, that provides a foundation when the movie turns from imaginative play to more serious worries.
The Disney dub in particular benefits from having real life sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning play the on-screen sisters. It lends an air of lived-in plausibility to their dynamic, at once playful, helpful, and sometimes frustrated. Their experiences, in trying to look after one another, play with one another, and support one another, are the heart of the film. That the connection feels so real is subtly My Neighbor Totoro’s greatest strength.
It’s so much fun to see them summon billowing trees or float above the field with their magical animal companions in tow. It’s so warm to see the two girls interact with their endlessly patient, unfailingly encouraging father or the wise and gentle “granny” next door. It’s so familiar to see them shift from wild horsing around to sisterly annoyance to sibling love. For some time, My Neighbor Totoro looks like it’s just going to be a series of vignettes, a “scenes on the farm” mood piece more than a story. And I’d be hard-pressed to complain if it were just that, given the sweetness and splendor of those sketches.
But their flights of imagination, accepted and fed by the adults around them, mask something darker underneath -- the emotional struggles of being a young child with a sick parent. At times, My Neighbor Totoro calls to mind later works like Pan’s Labyrinth where a young girl processes difficult family circumstances in fantastical tones, or Life Is Beautiful where grown-ups turn a harrowing experience for a little boy into an inventive game that masks the hardship around.
Miyazaki never belabors the struggles that Satsuki and Mei are going through given their hospital-ridden mom, or the extra care and leeway they receive from their dad and other kindly adults who look after them. It just slowly emerges in the girls’ choice to wait dutifully at the bus for their father, to imagine ways they can make time and nature move faster, to conjure a spirit world that will look after them and their family in the midst of something that feels uncontrollable. Whether or not these occurrences are “real” within the world of the film is beside the point -- they represent that effort to cope with such difficulties at an age when they’re barely understood.
That’s what gives the film such power when the news comes that their mother’s received bad news from the doctor and will have to stay at the hospital longer, prompting Mei to declare that it isn’t fair and run away. Suddenly this steady movie kicks into overdrive. Everyone is suddenly more frantic. Satuski races at what seems like an impossible speed. She rumbles through the enchanted pathway and begs Totoro for help as the catbus whisks her through the rolling hills toward her little sister.
So much to this point has been kept at bay. The effort to keep things normal, to not be afraid, to hope for something good to come, to look after your loved ones, causes an unseen strain. When something big comes along to dislodge it, what’s been held inside comes spilling out, and all that energy and emotion comes with it. There is genuine terror in the climax of the film, as we fear what may happen with Mrs. Kusakabe, and whether Satsuki will find Mei, with the unthinkable possibilities that secretly loomed over the movie from the beginning are made manifest.
And yet, it’s also why there’s such catharsis when Satsuki identifies the sandal floating in the pond as belonging to to someone other than her sister, and when she finds Mei, with the help of a leaping catbus and her friendly “troll” of a neighbor, assured that her preteen frustrations did not scare her only sibling off somewhere dangerous. It’s why there is such relief when the movie slows down again, to show Mr. and Mrs. Kusakabe speaking easily with one another about how this is a minor setback and how they’ll all be together at home soon enough.
It is all a reassurance that the winsome old farmhouse and the love that radiates from within it to the flora and fauna that surround it can still be sustained and enjoyed. The movie begins with our unhurried glimpses of that idyllic life. It lets loose the childhood and grown-up anxieties that throw that paradise into jeopardy. And finally, it restores the pastoral wonderland and familial affection that makes My Neighbor Totoro seem so gentle and inviting, with the thought so tragic that it could ever, so suddenly, slip away.
Such a great feel-good movie. And it has points for being around 80 minutes, I love movies of this length.
DISCLAIMER: I did not see this movie in its original language(Japanese), but in a dubbed version(Italian). I may have missed some nuances.
After watching two or three other Studio Ghibli movies, I was very curious to see My Neighbor Totoro, having seen the titular character at the start of those movies, in the studio's logo. I had also heard very good praise about it, which only piqued my curiosity even more!
And I can say it did not disappoint. I loved every second of this movie; I didn't want it to end!
The brilliance with which it captures the innocence and magic nature of childhood is extraordinary. It's such a sweet and fun tale, told in a beautiful and whimsical way. I liked the pace of the plot, it wasn't rushed but yet it wasn't too slow, it was just right, moving exactly at the right speed. The fact that it interlaced some heavy themes (a sick parent) and the fairy tale like adventures of the two sisters made it more enjoyable for me. There's no real villain either, it's just two children exploring like only they can do, seeing the world with innocent eyes. I also enjoyed how the movie is purposely vague on whether Totoro and his friends are real or a product of Mei and Satsuko's imagination.
The animation is, no need to say it, beautiful. The character design is well thought out; the humans are all unique and realistic. But the real stars are Totoro and his little companions. So adorably cute! I even liked the peculiar sound design for Totoro's voice. I just wished it was more present in the movie.
I wish I had a neighbor Totoro; maybe I need to look better!
In the end, this is a wonderful movie that I can recommend without reservation to anyone, of any age. Maybe it doesn't have the depth of other Studio Ghibli's movies, but there is always space for a fairy tale, whether you're a little kid or a grown adult.
8.5/10
Oh my Godz
The movie was amazing. It really warmed my heart.
I just saw this on my anime recommendation and decided to download it even though I'm not sure what kind of anime it is.
And man. It is lovely.
Cute, and probably a good entry point for Ghibli films, but ultimately nothing special and a fairly predictable story. As an adult I don’t get as much out of this as a child probably would. It’s very whimsical and light, cozy and pleasant in the moment but nothing will stick with me for a longer time. The ending is a little more melancholic, but because the direction the story is headed into is so obvious it doesn’t entirely hit the mark. I don’t know if I’d even recommend this if Miyazaki didn’t nail the technical aspects. The animation and music are a lot more atmospheric than his previous Ghibli films, it’s a very vibey, gorgeous movie. Like with many Miyazaki films, it’s a world that’s very easy to get lost in. Thematically it’s nowhere near as ambitious as Nausicaä or Castle in the Sky, it’s a pretty simple film about the imagination of a child. Again, it feels like this is more specifically aimed at children and because of that it plays it safe. It doesn’t have enough structure, the main characters can be annoying (though you’ll grow to like them more by the end) and I generally wish it took more risk. I’d probably like it more if it had included more comedy, fantasy and/or action. All in all, this one’s not for me, but I get why the general audience loves it.
5.5/10
The original title of the film is Tonari no Totoro.
Undoubtedly charming, but given the hype that led up to me watching this, I expected a bit more to happen. Still a wonderful movie! 8.5/10
Most wholesome movie ever!
On a more serious note, the thing I like most about this movie (like most other Studio Ghibli movies) is its amazing world building, you really get the sense that the movie is just a small slice of a large world. There's so much detail in each and every scene. I also liked the story which does a great job at capturing the way kids view the world.
The simple grace of childhood.
A gorgeous, pitch-perfect example of Studio Ghibli's wonderful characteristic style. Bubbling over with awe, wonder, curiosity and optimism, it's downright impossible not to get sucked into viewing and enjoying this through the eyes of its two young protagonists, recognizing forgotten flashes of our own youth at several stops along the way.
The plot isn't particularly deep or elaborate, but in many ways I can see that as a positive - why force drama into a scenario that's working perfectly well as a quiet, leisurely stroll down imagination lane? I was actually relieved when it became clear they weren't even thinking of moving in that direction. Even the more reflective moments don't miss a beat, as Miyazaki and company lovingly flush the screen with life in dozens of cheery, unexpected ways.
Magnificent animation pairs with a breathtaking setting, a playful spirit, a lovable cast of characters, great timing and a moderate dash of real-life tangibility. Authentic and vivid and pleasant, with at least one foot planted firmly in our world... despite the constant presence of an eight-foot Furby.
I introduced my AAR* to the creative genius of Hayao Miyazaki's Ghibli Studio, today, by taking her to see MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO, which was her first Japanese Anime movie. Here is her review (warning, it has some mild spoilers, which I shall note):
I think this movie is a 10 because it is a great movie! I liked all the parts but my favourite part was when the older sister found her younger sister . That was very happy. It had some scary and sad parts but it was all happy at the end . I really liked the two girls, the main characters. I would recommend this movie because it is a very good movie and you would enjoy it very much.
She gives this film a 10 (very great) out of 10 and a thumbs up!
*AAR = Age Appropriate Reviewer - my friend Sophie is nine years old
Can't believe i've skipped this movie for like 8 years considering Spirited Away was my first Ghibli movie..
It's definitely something I would show to my kids later! The music went perfectly with the scenes and that made me really move..
(I never felt like crying over soundtracks but Path of Wind really had this nostalgic / gentle / unexplainable vibe).
Good go Hayao Miyazaki and Joe Hiashi! You guys are an amazing team.
Aggressively cute.
'My Neighbor Totoro' holds an extremely hearty story, one told via impeccably beautiful animation. Noriko Hidaka and Chika Sakamoto standout as Satsuki and Mei, the relationship between those two characters is so sweet. They do get a bit shouty in parts which ever so slightly irritates, but that's definitely one to file under 'nit-picking'.
A simple movie, one which displays the imagination of children perfectly. Big fan of the Catbus. :cat:
I had planned to watch this movie for so long but never looked for it on the web in my language. And There it is on TV, IN ENGLISH! I could not not watch it lol. And I'm so happy I did, been hearing such positive comments from people around me.
It's truely a masterpiece, Studio Ghibli makes such good animated movies. And it got me crying of course!
Totoro IS SO CUTE !!! I noticed so many little things from the other movies, that's lovely. This is a movie you have in your library for your Ghibli moments :stuck_out_tongue:
(Now I need to find my language's version lol)
Theme- 8/10
Rewatchibility- 7/10
Acting- 7/10
Kinematography- 10/10
Time- 8.5/10
Total - 40.5/5 = 8.1
Obviously, this is aimed at kids. As an adult, this is still a very cute story and just a joy to watch. The most impressive thing is that this movie is two years older than me, but doesn’t show it in the slightest. It looks amazing! Don’t expect to get you socks blown off, though.
A lighthearted childish adventure. Never in a hundred years would I ever go for this type of movie, it's really not my cup of tea! It had it's moments but I really don't get the appeal for this one. The movie's at it's best when Totoro is on-screen, it becomes truly magical and his tricks are entertaining to watch. He's hardly in the movie though, needed a lot more of him. The rest of the time it's boring... just watching kids running around the forest and laughing with annoying screaching kid voices. The flying cat bus though, the freakin' flying cat bus... what a cool idea! Whenever it was around I had a huge smile on my face.
Genius, perfectly capturing the play and innocence of childhood
Interesting fairytale
Characters 7
Story 7
Pacing 6
Visuals 8
Rewatchability Factor 6
Enjoyment or Emotional Value 7
Average Score 6.83
I'm literally just 5 minutes into this movie and I'm in awe of how stunning it looks. I can't believe it's 35 years old. Or maybe that's just it. I don't watch a lot of anime but I thought after watching Spirited Away (one of my favourite movies) and Howls Moving Castle I'd give this a try.
I think I've been watching too many Miyazaki films lately, which is why I felt a bit uncomfortable with the scenes of the little girls bathing with their father and because there is always a little girl with the skirt in his movies.
Aside from that, I felt that the girls were trying to hide their sadness throughout the film because their mother was missing from their lives. They had moved to the countryside to be closer to her, but even without her, Mei would still go outside and wait for her in the garden. I thought that Mei created the imaginary character of Totoro to keep herself occupied while waiting for her mother. She needed someone like her mother who she could cuddle with and feel comforted by when she needed it the most. I also noticed that when she didn't want to stay with her grandmother, she needed someone who felt like family, and that's where Totoro came in. He was like a member of the family to her.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie, but I feel like if I were a 30-40-year-old living in Japan, I could relate to it more. Nonetheless, I still interpreted the film through my own cultural lens.
It's great. Two things immediately draw me into this: a) Rural Japan is fascinating. I know nothing about Japan. But everything from the architecture to agriculture, from food to bathrooms, from school to shrines is fascinating. b) I know this graphic style from when I was a kid. Many of my beloved childhood heros in German TV, like Heidi or Mają (a bee), were actually animated in Japan. It was pretty much the same manga-ish style. It brings back many fond memories.
The story is simple. It's told slowly. But it's an adventure like no other. It's magic. Primarily made for kids but adults can have a great time too.
Lovely. Watched with a 4 and 8 year old, and both enjoyed it, and did not find it scary.
Positive messages about bravery, family, respect for nature, etc., with nice relationships between characters.
Some mildly emotional scenes, with an ill family member and separation, but handled lightly and with enough joy to balance.
The music and art are wonderful, and the most enjoyable part for me. Such a pleasant movie to watch, just for the settings, cute critters, and impressive animation.
Cat bus…. Need I say more
would like to personally thank studio ghibli for being comfort in the form of film, giving me a nicer outlook on life and generally just going “well if human kind can make a movie like this then maybe it’s not so bad out here”.
Part of the Japanuary 2021 challenge.
I've seen this one so many times already and I can't wait to show it to my niece. It's so carefree, so beautiful and Totoro is so damn cute. Hayao Miyazaki's work is LEGENDARY.
This movie is just pure delight, wonder, and joy all wrapped into beautiful animation. I love it all to bits.
it is fascinating how this film opens me a gate towards my giant childhood fantasies, and makes me hug my infant version very tightly. This piece is incredible, in every way.
it is fascinating how this film opens me a gate towards my giant childhood fantasies, and makes me hug my infant version very tightly. This piece is incredible, in every way.
for some reason this reminded me of my dog and that made me incredibly happy.
The truth is that I will never understand this movie. There is no introduction, middle and end ...
A cute movie but overrated.
I don't get why this movie is so popular. Mei was very annoying. Totoro was great for the part he was in, but he wasn't in the movie that much. There isn't much plot to the movie and I couldn't believe it just ended when it did. You meet the characters moving into a new house, then the dad leaves and Mei gets lost and is found pretty quickly and that's it. I watched Spirited Away right before this so maybe that made it an unfair comparison but that was a much better movie by far.
Great movie ❤ .. I love it
Best of Anime, period.
What a lovely film!
I guess all of us can relate with this story, no matter the age. Children's minds are full of imagination and like their minds this film is very colourful, magical and charming. The animation is absolutely wonderful it doesn't even look like it was made in 1988.
Totoro a magical creature, becomes the friend of the two girls in the story. They were going through a difficult phase, their mother was on the hospital and they moved with their father to the countryside to be closer to the hospital where the mother is. The discovery of a magical place and magical friends turned everything easier for the little girls.
My Neighbor Totoro definitely puts a smile on your face. I just wanna hug Totoro right now!! haha
Such beautiful animation and heart warming story. I wish I had seen this earlier. Now I'm on the hunt for a big Totoro for my very own.
Quite possibly the best animated movie of all time.
Thanks for the suggestion, I've added it to my watchlist! Having just discovered anime, it's difficult to pick out the best ones.. But as you suggest; first I'll enjoy the Miyazaki movies and will then try out Grave of the Fireflies. I prepare to be amazed :)
You're in for a treat! There's real art in how these stories are told so they appeal to grown-ups as well as kids. If you're through with Miyazaki's works, also check out Grave Of The Fireflies (http://trakt.tv/movie/grave-of-the-fireflies-1988); but beware, this is probably one of the saddest movies ever!
Shout by LainfanBlockedParent2014-10-08T12:52:43Z
Great Miyazaki film with a lovely fairy tale storyline. If only the kids voices weren't so screamish. This made my overal enjoyment of the movie drop :(