Ah, Totoro. It seems weird that only this year Totoro comes to my country, almost 30 years after its release even though it has become he mascot of Studio Ghibli for many years. Watching it alone at night in the day where I also watched A Silent Voice with my friends seems very disorienting. Taking us back to the time where imagination is the reality, Totoro has been dubbed to be one of the greatest animations ever. Even if it's the second time I'm watching, Totoro once again swept my expectations and brought my imagination to a whole new level.

Synopsis

From MyAnimeList.net:

In 1950s Japan, Tatsuo Kusakabe relocates himself and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, to the countryside to be closer to their mother, who is hospitalized due to long-term illness. As the girls grow acquainted with rural life, Mei encounters a small, bunny-like creature in the yard one day. Chasing it into the forest, she finds "Totoro"—a giant, mystical forest spirit whom she soon befriends. Before long, Satsuki too meets Totoro, and the two girls suddenly find their lives filled with magical adventures in nature and fantastical creatures of the woods.

Details

• Japanese: となりのトトロ
• Hepburn: Tonari no Totoro
• Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Produced by: Toru Hara
• Written by: Hayao Miyazaki
• Music by: Joe Hisaishi
• Cinematography: Hisao Shirai
• Edited by: Takeshi Seyama
• Production company: Studio Ghibli
• Distributed by: Toho
• Release date: April 16, 1988
• Running time: 86 minutes
• Country: Japan
• Language: Japanese

Story

My Neighbor Totoro is interesting in its unique take on conflict and tension. There are really no antagonists or even real threats other than one, and I mean really one, problem which drives the plot to the resolution. It's so simple that even the theater I went to was filled with children less than 6, eagerly waiting to see an anime that may be remembered for all time. What I want to emphasize in Totoro are its serene, peaceful atmosphere and basic plotlines. It's almost like Miyazaki just wants the audiences to enjoy the world he has envisioned and be in the film rather than watching the whole thing.

The pacing is stable, giving us a chance to really enjoy what Ghibli has offered in its entirety. While the plot is minimal, there is still a message that really slams me out. It is to enjoy what your childhood brings to you to the fullest. The way the children play and how they really have a good time make me slightly nostalgic. I have fond memories of my past years that I yearn to relive, which is a very good thing this movie seems to pull out of nowhere with is vibrant and colorful presence.

Totoro can be deceivingly an innocent film with little to no real point other than having fun, but at the same time it has deep allegories and metaphors to real life. While Mamoru Oshii described its flaws of having to transplant the Trolls from European folklore to Japanese rural area, Miyazaki managed to craft something extraordinary. He has this kind of power that makes us the viewers to be sucked into the world he has prepared with no effort.

A word of warning, though. Given its nature and mood, you can probably figure out the ending right out of the bat. Like I said, it's pretty much as simple as it can be as a kids' film. However, that doesn't mean the plot sucks or is plain. We are shown the lives of rural community in Japan as authentic as it seems. Miyazaki sure portrays the characters in a way that makes them believable and feel alive. It seems now I understand why Totoro has captured in the imagination of many people since its inception.

Visual

The solemn and calming atmosphere of countryside can't be underestimated. I remember enjoying the view to the top of a mountain when I was going to a plateau for school trip with my friends. One of them came to me and said things like imagining his life unfolds before his eyes in the form of a film, with the mountain as its background. It's certainly a powerful idea that makes me think that natural places in contrast to manmade objects have their own inexplicable pull and we have that kind of affinity that makes us relax near the wilderness. I don't know why but everytime I watch a Ghibli film, I was completely brought down to my knee upon watching the scenery. They just so masterfully captured the heart of the wild.

I mean, can you believe that Totoro was released back in 1988? The quality it offers certainly not the kind one might hope to find anywhere. From the cinematography, lightning, color, and tone, Miyazaki works effortlessly to give us the best experience. As I've said before, I feel like being persuaded to simply let myself into the film rather than watching things unfold. That's a compliment, by the way.

Audio

If Hayao Miyazaki is a magnet, Joe Hisaishi is its pair. Right from the start, the catchy song about being cheerful sets the tone for the whole movie. I mean even if there is one "tensed" scene in the film, it was quickly appeased by the soundtrack, making the film seems even more conflict-free. It's absolutely beautiful. Path of the Wind or Kaze no Toorimichi is one of the best soundtrack I've ever heard. If you don't believe me, try listening to it yourself.
It's inconceivable that he can use this kind of sountrack in such a way that fits perfectly with the scene. I honestly believe Joe Hisaishi is one of the greatest film composer of all time. This piece of his work is just a demonstration of his sheer raw talent.

Characters

There are almost no boring characters in a Ghibli film (well at least the one which has somewhat uninteresting characters is not directed by Miyazaki) and this one is not an exception. While it is understandable that Mei can be quite annoying from time to time, but it is her antics that makes me laugh and smile. Yes, while Kanta and Satsuke awkward interaction that somewhat hints a romantic relationship can be entertaining, it is ultimately Totoro who stops the show. Who can resist hugging a giant fur ball? All in all, you are not supposed to expect too much character development, but I'm honestly surprised that Miyazaki simply can breathe life to many distinct characters without being too underdeveloped or overdeveloped than others.

Conclusion

I had a blast watching Totoro from start to finish, again and again. It's sad to see animated films for kids with such calibre and value not being produced as often as they were in the past. This is the kind of film that can make your heart warm and absolutely can introduce you to the magical wonderland of animation.