Tonari no Totoro needs no introduction, it is the face of studio Ghilbi, its first release alongside Hotaru no haka, and it is referenced and spoofed in other works constantly.
During the first minute of the movie, the experienced viewer identifies the familiar studio Ghibli animation and the newcomer is left wondering how a movie released in 1988 can still look so beautiful, while Miyazaki introduces us to our two heroines, Satsuki (10) and Mei (4), as their father drives them to their new residence, in a rural village.
After a few minutes more, we are quick to realize the main characteristic of the movie: This is a story being told while looking through the eyes of a kid. If you think you have heard that one before, allow me to make a distinction; Miyazaki managed to capture the way a kid views the world, in such a way, that it doesn't feel like a story written for kids by adults, but it feels like the accidental filming of a kid's dreamy state of mind.
I will take this point even further; I don't think this is a kid's movie. I recognize, of course, that it has all the elements a kid's movie should have, but I'll insist. I can not imagine a kid older than 6 liking this movie. Most kids will find it unexciting, opting instead for a show that triggers are pulled, or princesses are getting crowned.
I cannot imagine myself up until my late teens liking this movie. Instead I can easily imagine myself saying the Greek equivalent of, “well, that was a waste of time” or “nothing fucking happens”. Indeed the movie seems uneventful at first glance, but there is a distinct shadow of death and loss looming throughout the movie; Its existence maybe be lost to the younger audiences, but it appeared to me as a potent a “villain” as any.
But it is high time I get to what makes this movie great. After the Kusakabe family steps out of the car, having reached their new home, we, the audience, realize that we have stepped in a magical world. The interesting part is that this magical world feels familiar and I was quick to be filled with nostalgia; watching the two sisters rush to fetch a bucket of water reminded me the first (or, at least, one of the first) times that I watched running water. Those of you who discard these feelings of nostalgia, I ask you to remember the first time that you came across a small river. And then try to imagine who happy and excited you were.
That brings us to the main point of why Tonari no Totoro is so great; It doesn't coerce nostalgia from us with its imagery, but it reminds us how perfectly happy we were with the simplest of things: The shade of a big tree, a path to the woods, and some folklore.
Continuing, we are introduced to the countryside and its denizens, human and magical, but most of all we experience a sense of harmony between man and nature, so seamlessly interwoven, that it puts preachy environmental-friendly works (including ones from Miyazaki) to shame.
The feelings of euphoria and harmony continue, while the two sisters meet and interact with the spirit world and combat the shadow of loss with their own childlike (I mean that in a good sense) way. The ending is simple but fulfilling.
My new favorite anime movie. 9.0/10. If you like this one, my second and third favorites Hotarubi no Mori e (8.5/10) and Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki (8.0/10) share some traits.
