My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Stars: Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
Runtime: 86 minutes
Synopsis: When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby.
Animation: 10/10
Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 9/10
Editing: 10/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Verdict: Miyazaki followed "Castle in the Sky" with not only one of his best work, but one of the best animated films ever made. The movie is so good that the fictional character of Totoro became Studio Ghibli's official mascot and part of its logo, and hence its identity.
The film follows a father and his two daughters' move to a new house full of surprises in rural Japan, where they'll find themselves closer to the hospital treating the ill mother of the family. This is a situation Miyazaki himself experienced as a child with his brothers, and the memories of that time served as the inspiration of a story that he describes as being autobiographical. And you can immediately tell that his emotional imprint is all over the movie because while the fantastical elements, for which the director is most known for, play a pivotal role in its final act, it's the bond that Satsuki and Mei - the two leading sisters - share that makes it such an uplifting and warming journey. From wonder to fear to heartbreak, you experience everything through what in my opinion is one of the most genuine sibling relationships in Cinema history (alongside another Studio Ghibli production, which I can't wait to talk about). Their connection to every supporting character, whether fictional or real, that takes part in their adventure was also handled flawlessly, adding even more layers to that relationship. Being a Studio Ghibli film, it's impossible not to mention the breathtaking hand-drawn animation, detailed world building, and stunning score that all helped shaped what easily is one ride I'll never get tired of.
"My Neighbor Totoro" deserves to be on the same level of recognition as family-friendly animated classics such as Lion King (1994) or Aladdin (1992). It truly is an immersive, emotional roller coaster backed with themes that will please both children and adults alike. In other words, it's a must if there ever was one.
The film follows a father and his two daughters' move to a new house full of surprises in rural Japan, where they'll find themselves closer to the hospital treating the ill mother of the family. This is a situation Miyazaki himself experienced as a child with his brothers, and the memories of that time served as the inspiration of a story that he describes as being autobiographical. And you can immediately tell that his emotional imprint is all over the movie because while the fantastical elements, for which the director is most known for, play a pivotal role in its final act, it's the bond that Satsuki and Mei - the two leading sisters - share that makes it such an uplifting and warming journey. From wonder to fear to heartbreak, you experience everything through what in my opinion is one of the most genuine sibling relationships in Cinema history (alongside another Studio Ghibli production, which I can't wait to talk about). Their connection to every supporting character, whether fictional or real, that takes part in their adventure was also handled flawlessly, adding even more layers to that relationship. Being a Studio Ghibli film, it's impossible not to mention the breathtaking hand-drawn animation, detailed world building, and stunning score that all helped shaped what easily is one ride I'll never get tired of.
"My Neighbor Totoro" deserves to be on the same level of recognition as family-friendly animated classics such as Lion King (1994) or Aladdin (1992). It truly is an immersive, emotional roller coaster backed with themes that will please both children and adults alike. In other words, it's a must if there ever was one.
FINAL GRADE: 9/10
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