date: 2025-1-02 19:15:29 +1100 categories: Joe's Post

Key Words: "Movie Review"

Vocabularies: exceptionally , salient

I was motivated to watch My Neighbour Totoro after reading a Muse article about Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki. The film's clean yet spellbinding 2D animation style felt exceptionally relaxing compared to the flashy, rapid, and often unrealistic 3D American movies like Disney's.

This wonderfully heartwarming masterpiece follows a family moving to a rural countryside to be closer to their recovering, hospitalized mother. The narrative revolves around two sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who discover a fluffy, giant forest spirit named Totoro while exploring their new habitat. The spirit and its companion, a magical ten-legged catbus, envelop the girls in a surreal environment full of wonder.

The most compelling and salient aspect of this 1988 timeless classic is its simplicity. It creates a kind and gentle atmosphere that lacks villains or conflict. At the same time, the film is built around small, meaningful, and treasured moments that resonate with audiences of all ages.

Moreover, the Studio Ghibli film teaches young siblings the significance of maturity, how to face stubbornness, and how to manage emotions. Satsuki embodies a shadow of grown-ups with his unselfishness, care, and kindness.

Nature plays an equally crucial role in the film. Not only through the family’s respect for the tree but also in every single outdoor scene, reflecting Miyazaki's fascination and love for the natural world. It remains one of the film's deepest morals.

My favorite character is Totoro, a whimsical and unforgettable creation. He symbolizes the imagination and playfulness of childhood. I found his actions—like his delighted reaction to the umbrella and his cute, loud, and excitable roars—quite soothing and lovable. Surely, everyone would want to pounce on his squishable, fluffy, soft belly or enjoy a magical catbus ride.

Ultimately, My Neighbour Totoro is not just an ordinary movie with basic morals. It is an experience you will never forget. From touching your heart with the loss of childhood imagination to leaving you with happy tears through Totoro’s world, it will leave an implacable smile on your face and a lasting sense of nostalgia.

My personal rating: 9/10.