Review: My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor Totoro, The Studio Ghilbi film released in 1988, directed. by of course, Hayao Miyazaki. This film is a heart-warming, children's tale of their furry friend, Totoro (as seen in the picture). Mei and Satsuki move into the open country, so they can be closer to their sick mother, who is in a nearby hospital. Their are strange creatures living in the house, but they are driven away by their new pal, Totoro. But when their mother's condition gets even worse, and little Mei runs off, who is going to come to the rescue? Totoro of course!
The animation in this movie is very standard, especially for a Miyazaki film. Of course at the time, the movie was considered a big investment risk, so it was shown along with the other Ghilbi classic, Grave of the Fireflies. The rebudded English version (By Fox) is actually well done, with only a few mistakes. There was nothing cut out of this movie for the English release (including a bathing scene involving the dad and the daughters, which is, of course, a normal nonsexual parent-child bonding ritual done in Japan {It doesn't even show anything) The Plot is nothing special, basically a romp through the woods until the mother gets worse. The is some extent to the character development, but it depends on your POV. Don't get me wrong but this is a great movie, but more suitable for the younger ones, but the more complicated issues will keep older fans enthralled, while may even turn away some of the little ones. This movie is Rated G by the MPAA. As stated there is that one bathing scene, but you shouldn't be worried. Only see it unless you're a Miyazaki fan or a parent.
| Animation | 2.75 Stars |
| Plot | 3 Stars |
| Character | 3 Stars |
| Overall | 2.75 Stars |
| Genre | Drama/Children's |
| Rating | G |
