My Neighbor Totoro

The good: the totoros, of course
The bad: feels kinda scary in some parts
The idea of a perfect movie exists in my mind. My Neighbor Totoro is a realization of that idea.

Two sisters and their father move into a quiet, little town to be near their sick mother. Satsuki, the elder sister, and Mei, in their curious adventures in the backyard forest, discovers and befriends magical creatures called totoros. They look like fluffier combinations of bears, pandas, and cats.

There’s a realism to this anime, a beautiful irony considering its animated form. Set in a traditional farming community in rural Japan (not unlike Grave of the Fireflies), the film provides moments of elation during the totoro parts, senses of grief when the hospital sends a letter to the family. Coupling with the beautiful art depicting its setting, the simple but actually serious overtone of an ideal family finds and takes hold of my attention. Not once in the whole film does it loosen its grip.

What makes the film so incredible is its quiet, reserved, and serene atmosphere. There is no bad guy here, no world destructing conflict, the story is simple and true, unwashed by insignificant elements. Satsuki and Mei find themselves fascinated by their new friends and so was I. The totoros, while cute, are attractive and charming not only for their physical pleasantry, but also for their child-luring nature. The totoros are the creatures which when we were little kids were the best friends we always imagined, but never had.

I am fascinated more and more with Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies, Princess Mononoke). Their works transcend the limits of their medium and while most of the cynical world dismisses the animated medium as child’s fare, Miyazaki-san and company manage to strike at the very core of our hearts time and time again.

It couldn’t be the animation, or the music, or any other factor. There’s a distinct quality to these animes which makes them stand out, makes them unforgettable. I hope to identify that quality one day, but for now, I’m just happy to imagine the cute critters called totoros. (5/5)