Tonari no Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro is probably the most inoffensive thing I've seen in anime. It's the definition of the phrase "really good" and nothing beyond or less than. For Ghibli films, it sits comfortably between the meh stuff and the spectacular stuff, as this movie has its realistic and endearing characters embracing their childhood wonder. If there's one thing that really stands out about this Ghibli movie, its the characters' very realistic movement. On paper it sounds odd to point out, but seeing a scene of the children running, playing, or chasing, you could spot out how realistic they made it. Sporadic, giddy, and pure energy ... glows from the characters making them feel much more real. Solid Ghibli film for any age, as a child you can relate to it and see yourself in the characters. As someone older, you can look fondly back on your childhood spent with your siblings with mind's filled with joyous imagination.

A while ago, I promised myself I’d watch all the Ghibli movies, or at least all the popular ones, and My Neighbor Totoro was next on my list. Αnyway, I finally watched it, and I've got to say, it was a pretty magical experience.
To be fully honest, it's been more than two years since I watched a Ghibli movie, so my excitement going in was pretty high. However, I can assure you that my hype is only a tiny part of it. The rest of it comes from the movie's great quality.
Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, this 1988 classic is one of those ... movies that just makes you feel good. It's a sweet, simple story that’s perfect for anyone who loves a good, heartwarming tale, without caring too much about all the details or being too critical.

Plot:
The plot of My Neighbor Totoro is really straightforward but charming. It’s about two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their dad to be closer to their hospitalized mom. The house they move into is old, but they quickly make it their home. The real adventure begins when Mei, the younger sister, discovers a magical creature named Totoro in the nearby forest. Totoro is a big, fluffy, and friendly forest spirit. Satsuki eventually meets Totoro too, and together, the girls have all sorts of whimsical adventures.

Characters:
The characters in this movie are loveable and distinctive. Satsuk is responsible and caring, while Mei is curious and full of energy. Their mom is a warm and hopeful person, and as for their dad, he is very loving and supportive. Totoro, even though he doesn’t speak, has so much personality. He’s gentle, playful, and a bit mysterious. The way he interacts with the girls is so heartwarming, it makes you wish you had a Totoro in your backyard.

Visuals:
The animation is absolutely beautiful. Studio Ghibli really outdid themselves with the lush, detailed backgrounds and the fluid, expressive character animations. The countryside setting is so vibrant and alive, it almost feels like a character in itself. The scenes with Totoro and the magical creatures are especially enchanting, filled with a sense of wonder and magic. The attention to detail in every frame makes the world of Totoro feel real and inviting.

Sound and Music:
The music is light, cheerful, and full of fantasy, just like the story. The soundtrack really enhances the magical atmosphere of the movie. The sound design is also great, with little touches like the rustling of leaves and the sounds of the countryside adding to the immersive experience.

Pacing and themes:
One of the things I love about this movie is its focus on childhood innocence, memories, and the magic of nature. It’s all about the simple joys of life, like exploring new places, making new friends, the great memories you have from your childhood, and just being in "the moment". There’s also a strong theme of family and support, especially in how the girls handle their mom’s illness. The movie doesn’t have a big, dramatic conflict, which, in my opinion, is refreshing. Instead, it’s more about the small, everyday moments that make life special.
The relaxed and leisurely pace, which might feel slow to some people, works perfectly for the story. It gives you time to really delve into the world and the characters. It's simple and direct, which makes it accessible to viewers of all ages. Even though there isn’t a traditional antagonist or high-stakes plot, the movie keeps you engaged with its charm and heart.

So, I've been praising this movie for a while now, and you might think that it's the best anime movie ever made. But, unfortunately, that's far from the truth.
The movie isn't perfect. In fact, I really wish there was more to the ending, as it felt a bit "too sudden" for me. Even an extra minute or an extended scene would have been great. The only reason I can't give it a higher rating is that, even though it's super charming, I just can't quite push it any further. That slight lack of closure holds it back from being "perfect". But still, this is just a tiny complaint, and it doesn't diminish its overall amazing quality. And don't get me wrong, the story has a proper ending. Maybe I'm just being a nitpicker because I enjoyed the movie so much and wanted to see a bit more.

Conclusion:
My Neighbor Totoro is a delightful, feel-good movie that’s perfect for when you need a bit of magic in your life. It’s got lovable characters, stunning animation, and a gentle, heartwarming story that’s all about the joy of childhood memories and the beauty of nature. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Studio Ghibli or a newbie, you don't want to miss this one. It’s a timeless classic that you can watch over and over again, and it always leaves you with a smile on your face. Also, Totoro himself has become an incredibly popular and iconic figure, to the point where he’s the logo of Studio Ghibli. And I think that says a lot.

Thank you for reading!

As a young adult watching this movie for the first time, I would say this movie is the definition of a perfectly fine movie. Nothing bad about it, but nothing really amazing. It's as slice of life as a movie can get with a few fantasy moments thrown in. The music is good and the art is great as to be expected, but nothing really stood out to me besides Totoro's cute design. If you are learning Japanese, I would recommend this film since it uses basic Japanese for most of the film thanks to it being a slice of life kids film. Otherwise, you ... can honestly skip the film or just watch a compilation of the Totoro scenes online to get a similar experience.