My Neighbor Totoro Movie/Film Review
Their father and Meis (Elle Fanning) four years of age, moved to the countryside to hospitalize their mothers with a long-standing illness in MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO in 1958, with Satuki (she is 10 years old) (who talked to Dakota Fanning for English-language version). The girls discover magical animals as they settle down in their new home, like dust sprites, that inhabit their house and neighborhood. Satuki encounters Totoro, who also introduces the girls to magical, floating cats. Once, Mei sees two tiny ranadi-like creatures in the woods, where she meets the much larger version of this creature, who she call "Totoro." As Mei chooses to walk to the hospital alone to present her mother with a fresh ear of corn, Totoro, who is "keeper of the forest," assists Satsuki and her father.
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This is a great movie to start for fans of Miyazaki's later work who have not had the opportunity to check out his classics. My Neighbor Totoro is considered a breakthrough film by Miyazaki. Re-released and dubbed in English by Disney for a wider audience, the film introduced Miyazaki's signature themes to Americans unfamiliar with anime: strong, independent girls as protagonists; whimsical creatures; an inventive story; and an emphasis on how families communicate with each other and their surrounding world.
This is not a spellbinding all-out adventure such as Spirited Away or even Ponyo's gentler journey, but it is part of the appeal with its leisurely paced narrative and lushly detailed visuals. Unlike other animated films, this is not full of pop-culture or consumerist references that can also bog down animated films or zap them of their childlike fantasy, though amusing when done correctly. Totoro is needed by Satsuki and Mei to support them through a stressful time in their lives—new home, sick mother—and it's pretty good to see the sweet little moments that strengthen their friendship. It's a shame that more family movies, like My Neighbor Totoro, aren't as easy and beautiful.
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Families will chat about why Mei and Satsuki in My Neighbor Totoro have no fear of Totoro. Why do you think they're so easily able to befriend him? How is he going to support them and their relatives?
How do the characters show bravery, curiosity, and kindness in My Neighbor Totoro? Why are these major strengths of character?
How are girls dealing with their mother's illness? Does her hospitalization differently affect the sisters?
What is the animation style of the movie like? How are these humans portrayed? Scary-looking are the Totoros and the Catbus? What makes it clear that they're gentle?
Why do you think this film is considered a classic anime? How is it different from Hollywood's majority?