(WARNING: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS!)
"Tonari No Totoro" is a studio ghibli movie of the 89s, directed by Hayao Miyazaki. At the time of its release, it didn't was welll-known and neither successful, however some years later, it became a cult of Japan's anime and movies cinematography, loved by people from all the world, also being considered by Empire one of the best movies ever made.
Another thing that must be remembered, is that old studio ghibli movies were all handmade, without the use of any technology.
The plot is pretty simple: A father of two little girls, Satsuki and Mei, will remain for some months in the countryside to be near his wife, who is hospitalized due to a long-term illness, during a summer of the 50s. The movie will show some adorable moments of the family, like eating or taking a bath together, some fights between the two sisters or them playing with the nature. They will also have the fortune to meet some creatures of the forest, like the "susuwatari" spirits, and the kind and super sleepy "Totoro", who is also the protector of the forest. Thanks to an act of kindness of the older sister Satsuki, Totoro will feel grateful and will reward her and help her and Mei through their hard times.
I know that this movie has nothing special and I also understand that it can be boring and why some people do not like it, however, in my opinion is its semplicity that make it so special. To me, is the feeling of watching it during a night of a rainy summer or early in the morning, that makes this movie so unforgettable.
I remember I watched it for the first time in a really depressive period for me, where nothing could calm me down or make me sleep, not even medicines. However, this movie calmed me down almost istantly, it was like it was telling me that everything that afflicted me in that moment would definitely go away, and it made me feel loved and protected, just like a mother's hug. It really suprised me, and I couldn't get enough of it, so much that I re-watched it many times whenever I was depressed or simply when I wanted a bit of calm and warmth. Everytime it worked and I never got bored of it.
I also found a lot of similarities to the place I go every summer. My italian grandparents who llive in Sicily have a really similar house, surrounded by nature and animals of all kinds. I always loved going there but especially when I was a kid, I loved playing with insects who lived there, even though it was full of mosquitoes. I loved going to the vineyard that was there too, eating fresh grapes and pick up natural pine nuts from the road.
Also, there is no internet in there, and I always read and thought a lot in the house's garden. Even though I do not exactly love my grandparents, we always managed to have fun together and I always felt very calm whenever I went there, a really similar feeling I feel whenever I watch Totoro.
I also used to play a lot with my older sister when we were little, especially in that house. We would hide, make improvised stupid performances, go with the bicycle through the nature or doing tests of courage at night. One time our grandfather screamed during one of our courage's tests, and we got so scared that we screamed out loud and then laughed like crazy.
My sister do really resembles Satsuki indeed, a sweet and responsible sister that would do everything for me.
To me this movie is like a hug or a caress, and will always have a special place in my heart. It always make me remember sweet memories and calm me down, that's why I will never grow tired of it, and I will watch it even when I'll grow up.
All the details, like washing the clothes with the feets, the sweet summer rain and the mosquito nets to sleep without being bitten, are all so realistic and relaxing, and made me remember all of my beloved summers.
Thank you Miyazaki for making this movie, and thanks Totoro for all the warmth and love you gave me. Even if you're getting old, I know I would never forget you.
The capacity of studio ghibli movies of making you love the little things, even the most simple without finding them obvious and making you see their beauty, will always remain a good lesson that I'll hold deeply in my heart.
Thanks for reading my review and have a great time on mal! <3
