I have an amazing Totoro hoodie and a badge but I had never seen the movie before. Of course, I had seen images and gifs about it, so I thought Totoro was adorable. However, my curiosity ultimately won, and I got comfy and finally watched My Neighbor Totoro. So without further delay, let’s get down to it.
- Genre: Drama, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Type: Movie
- Length: +/- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Release Date: April, 1988
- Japanese Title: Tonarinototoro となりのトトロ
- English Dub: Yes
- Average Rating: 8.45/10
- Stream My Neighbor Totoro on Netflix, Max and iTunes
About:
My Neighbor Totoro follows Satsuki and her younger sister Mei, who move to the countryside with their father while their mother is in the hospital recovering from a long-term illness. It is said that their house is haunted after the sisters see some Soot Sprites (susuwatari). One day, Mei sees two bunny-like creatures in her garden and follows them into a briar patch and into the hollow of a large camphor tree, where she meets Totoro. Wanting to show Totoro to her sister and father, Mei tries to lead them to the tree’s entrance. Her father explains that Totoro is probably a spirit guarding the forest, and he will reveal himself again when he wishes. This leads the girls on some fun adventures.
My Thoughts on My Neighbor Totoro:
As I mentioned earlier I have never before seen Totoro so I had no idea what to expect since I did not know what this was about either. The opening song is really cute and catchy; I have it stuck on my brain now. The sisters were loud and Mei kinda bugged me but overall they were sweet. I love their father and how he is with them. Although there are times where I watched and flinched as I thought about the reckless things the girls did and their father was either part of the recklessness or not aware of it at all.
The end let me down a little as there are so many unanswered questions. I even asked ‘What was the point of this?’ I like it when a movie has a point or an aim that is clearly defined and not just a brief look into their lives. Why did they meet Totoro? Does their mother get better? Will Satsuki end up with Kanta? Will Mei ever learn restraint and what no means? Uhg, so many unanswered questions, but then I watched Totoro under the umbrella a few times and I no longer cared so much about the answers, although I would still like to get them in the form of a sequal.
I generally prefer watching anime with subtitles because it preserves the original voice acting and cultural nuances. However, the English dub of “My Neighbor Totoro” was well-executed, with voice actors who captured the characters’ personalities effectively. This made the viewing experience enjoyable and accessible, especially for those who might find reading subtitles distracting.
While the film offers limited character development, it does provide deeper insights into the girls’ personalities. Satsuki, the older sister, is shown to be responsible and caring, taking on a maternal role in the absence of their mother. Mei, the younger sister, is curious and adventurous, embodying the innocence and spontaneity of childhood. The interactions between the sisters are heartwarming and realistic, reflecting a genuine sibling bond.
Favourite Moment and Final Thoughts
I particularly enjoyed Kanta’s chivalrous nature. His attempts to help Satsuki, like when he offered her his umbrella, were endearing and highlighted his awkward, yet sincere affection. This small act of kindness resonated with me, as it showcased a moment of pure, innocent goodwill. I couldn’t help but smile.
The umbrella scene with Totoro is my favourite of the entire movie.
The simple, yet expressive character designs and the beautifully rendered rural landscapes evoke a sense of timelessness. The animation style complements the story’s gentle, whimsical nature, adding to its overall appeal.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this movie. It offers a tranquil, slice-of-life narrative that contrasts sharply with the high-energy, action-packed stories prevalent in many other anime. The film’s leisurely pace allows for a more immersive exploration of the characters’ everyday lives and their interactions with the magical elements of their world.
I would recommend “My Neighbor Totoro” to those who appreciate slice-of-life anime. The film’s focus on the small, yet significant moments of life, combined with its gentle fantasy elements, makes it a perfect watch for those who enjoy a slower, more contemplative story. he film’s charm lies in its simplicity and the way it captures the wonder of childhood, making it a unique and memorable viewing experience.
Have you watched My Neighbor Totoro? If so, what did you think of it? If not, will you watch it? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!
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