My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

We were both feeling a little bit tired and in need of a comfort watch this evening, and after reading The Guardian article about the RSC putting on a live version of ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ we knew it would be the perfect watch.

Based in 1958 Japan, a family move to the countryside to be nearer the wife/mother who is in hospital with an undisclosed illness and when they get there they discover that their house is haunted with soot sprites and their neighbour is a forest spirit, Totoro.

Ever since discovering this film it became one of our favourite go-to films for when we were tired and with little concentrations span.

Not because it is rubbish but because of the beautiful study of nature that is threading through the film at all times, the sound of the wind, the hollyhocks suddenly appearing alone mid-scene, all adds up to show a vivid love and understanding of nature from the animators.

The way the two main characters, Satsukei and Mei, are treated is wonderful, full of respect and understanding and was further enhanced by having Elle and Dakota Fanning do the English version voices.

A beautiful film all over, with some great touches of warmth and humour, especially love the bit where the two girls discover the soot sprites for the first time, oh and the bus stop scene is brilliant, and I could go on like this highlighting scenes but the whole film is greater than the individual scenes and leaves you feeling warm and content at the end.

Talking about the end, watch the titles.

My Neighbor Totoro | July 13, 1990 (United States)