MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO * (Theatrical Release Japan 1988)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.6|5.0 Starsìììì

My Neighbor Totoro—heart and sweetly simple storyline—defines Hayao Miyasaki’s work. His animation is soft on the eyes and easily watched partially due to the lovely coloration that still has that feel of hand-drawn. The storyline, as usual, crosses international borders due to its ability to catch universal emotions of love of family, concern for others, and mindful compassion. This is an excellent watch for the child/adult share. Another outstanding work for Hayao Miyazaki.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

A mother becomes ill. Her two daughters need help and a beast who lives underground helps them.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Rick Dempsey and Yasuyoshi Tokuma for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Satsuki (voice of Noriko Hidaka), Mei (voice of Chika Sakamoto), Tatsuo Kusakabe (voice of Shigesato Itoi), Totoro (voice of Hitoshi Takagi), Kanta’s Mother (voice of Yûko Maruyama), Sensei (voice of Machiko Washio), Kanta’s Father (voice of Masashi Hirose), Kanta (voice of Toshiyuki Amagasa), Kusakari-Otoko (voice of Shigeru Chiba), Cat Bus/Additional Voice and (voice of Naoki Tatsuta).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. One of the best of Hayao Miyazaki’s works. The film deserves a place in the family home video library. It especially works for fans of Hayao Miyazaki animated films.

* Also known as Tonari no Tortoro

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers