Ranked #46

My Neighbor Totoro

Synopsis

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Characters & Voice Actors

Totoro Main

Takagi, Hitoshi Japanese Welker, Frank English

Nekobasu Main

Welker, Frank English Takagi, Hitoshi Japanese

Kusakabe, Satsuki Main

Hidaka, Noriko Japanese Fanning, Dakota English

Kusakabe, Mei Main

Sakamoto, Chika Japanese Fanning, Elle English

More staff

Staff

	Miyazaki, Hayao Director
	Hisaishi, Joe Music

More recommendations

Recommendations

Howl's Moving Castle add This one is also from Ghiblis Studio same with Spirited away. Lovely story :) reportRecommended by Pearl Read recommendations by 1 more user both are great movies by Hayao Miyazaki :3 with a touch of magic and peculiar creatures :] reportRecommended by melie-marionette

Mushishi add Both animes have Mushis and have no violence, but a deep history. reportRecommended by saosin

Write a review | More reviews (2)Reviews

bluebadger Overall 10 Story 9 Animation 10 Sound 9 Character 10 Enjoyment 10

May 1, 20081 of 1 episodes seen 16 of 20 people found this review helpful My Neighbor Totoro is a perfect anime film for the entire family to watch. This was the first anime title I ever saw, and I still like it to this day. The story is mystical and fun at the same time. The spirits in Totoro are really fun and their interactions with the children are even more pleasing to the viewer. The story is one of not just fun and exploring but of finding help in times of need. Totoro helps the kids in the story in many ways such as: teaching and discovering. Th...e deep story focuses on the kids mother, and that arch is done masterfully in whihc Totoro plays a main role. What really makes this title fun is its sense of imagination it creates which is seen in all of Miyazaki's films. The art is done very well and it compares well to other Miyazaki titles with its lush forests and farming landscapes that accurately portray 1950s era Japan. The characters are all likable and fun, and they really make you feel like a kid again when you watch them. The movie has good music which is classical and lite and never gets overbearing thus sticking to the movies lite/fun tone. Totoro is a very enjoyable title that just puts smiles on itd viewers faces. Innocent titles are not just for kids, and Totoro is no exception. Its a great family film that will evoke in you a sense of wonder and fun. If you have been looking for a peaceful and fun title that still has a very good story to it, then here it is. My Neighbor Totoro is a classic in anime. Its fun cast, wonderful design, and good natured story make this a must see for any fan. Highly recommended. read more I found this review Helpful  Not Helpful  report

NeonToppaTotoro Overall 8 Story 8 Animation 9 Sound 7 Character 8 Enjoyment 9

Feb 6, 20081 of 1 episodes seen 9 of 12 people found this review helpful STORY: My Neighbor Totoro is simple and whimsical. Although the story is a children's fable, the heart of the tale can draw out the child in everyone. The movie begins in a period of transition for a family, and the movie concludes alongside the end of the transition. The finished product is like a meaningful photograph. The events occurring in the story or picture are not life changing. It's the memory and feeling you take away that holds the worth of the story in Totoro. However, the story is ...not ground-breaking or awe-inspiring. But the it is delightful and unforgettable. ART: Consistent, good quality in animation can do wonders for the experience, and this work is another fantastic example of Studio Ghibli's dedication to their art. The scenery in the film is immersive, and the world painted before our eyes is just out of reach, detached pleasantly from reality. The animation is not on par with the works Ghibli produces today, but the animation is still fantastic. SOUND: The voice acting is good, and the sisters' actors are pleasantly convincing. However, their father always sounds less happy than he appears. Also, the acting for the different Totoro sounds too human for their completely non-human appearances. Although there won't be many musical moments that will stick with you after the viewing, the music is charming and fits perfectly with the events taking place. The show's audio succeeds in making this already joyous world more delightful. CHARACTER: The characters of Totoro are relentlessly likable. Even though there is little character development, the everyday life appeal of these characters is so genuine and endearing. Yet as fun as these characters are, the lack of character progression leaves a longing for more. The glimpse into their lives is all too brief, which can be good and bad, showing just how attached you can become to this little family. Yet this element is a slight detriment to the power and draw of each character. ENJOYMENT: Totoro is utterly delightful. The show is meant to put the viewer into the best mood possible, and it succeeds on many levels. The scenes are creative and curious and the characters make you laugh and smile. As endearing and involving as the show can be, the plots avoid hitting on the heart strings and emotions. Thus, at no point does the show place the viewer in suspense and tension, allowing the show to be pleasantly blissful. OVERALL: My Neighbor Totoro is a movie brimming to the rim with fun and games. What really makes Totoro work is how openly the film acknowledges its simple, child-like style. Sometimes overly optimistic titles can overwhelm viewers with unrealistic and unnecessary happiness. With Totoro the film is happy but not overly so. There is realism within the fantastical here, and that realism makes the joy and laughter genuine, grounded, and accessible. My Neighbor Totoro is a story for all ages within the vessel of a children's fable. read more I found this review Helpful  Not Helpful  report

jet2r0cks Overall 8 Story 9 Animation 8 Sound 7 Character 8 Enjoyment 8

Jul 3, 20071 of 1 episodes seen 22 of 34 people found this review helpful Another win for Miyazaki! The story was just unique. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it – and originality is always a good thing. It had me watching closely the whole time. It’s a story for kids and kids at heart alike. It was like watching a Dr. Seuss story come to life, except it has a Miyazaki spice to it. Another good thing about it is that it’s easy to understand, but not so easy that it’s dumb. The chara...cters were all very likable. I like adorable Mei, and her doting older sister Satsuki. I also love how their father is so child like – he’s definitely not one of those stern looking dads. Finally, Totoro and is companions were fun to watch. I kinda want to meet him myself. And because it’s a Miyazaki movie, you’d expect that it’s another well animated movie. Animation – wise, I wouldn’t say it’s his best work I’ve seen, but the animation is still noteworthy. The movement was very fluid and the illustrations were all very detailed. It was like watching a Children’s water colored story book in motion. The music is also very nice. I like both the opening and ending themes, as well as the BGM. Everything was very upbeat and cheerful, definitely something kids would like to hear, but all tracks were very nicely done. It’s definitely one timeless story that rivals Disney’s greatest works. Another must see from the genius known as Hayao Miyazaki. read more I found this review Helpful  Not Helpful  report

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