My Neighbor Totoro

My Neighbor Totoro, in my opinion, is Hayao Miyazaki's greatest film. Considering his enormous and amazing body of work, that's saying something. My Neighbor Totoro isn't as well-known in the U.S. as some of Miyazaki's other works, such as Spirited Away, for which he won an Oscar. The movie was made almost twenty years ago and it is set in rural Japan, with few of the plot elements that American audiences are used to. But from the very beginning, this film is absolutely magic.

The movie begins with two little girls moving into an old house with their father. Their mother has been in the hospital for some time, and they are hoping she will be released soon. In the meantime, the girls meet their new neighbors, who are friendly people. Then one day the youngest girl discovers a furry little creatures and follows him home to his den. These forest animals are called "totoros," and they have magical powers and can't be seen by adults. The girls have several adventures with the totoros, and the big Totoro helps save the day at the end.

Part of the reason I loved this film is how it shows a different lifestyle. Despite the fantastical title characters, most of the movie takes place in a normal, real-life setting. To an American viewer it was interesting to see the differences in housing, schooling, transportation, and culture. I also love how realistic the characters are. The little sister is just as uninhibited, childish, stubborn, and temperamental as a real four year old. The girls' father is gentle and supportive, and believes them when they tell him of their adventures with Totoro. Of course, as always, the animation is gorgeous and articulate, capturing the natural movements of real children.

At its heart, My Neighbor Totoro is about human relationships and struggles, and about being happy. I heartily recommend this film to all ages.
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