AnimeNine Blog: My Neighbor Totoro: Review

"My Neighbor Totoro" is a Hayao Miyazaki film that was released for Studio Ghibli. Miyazaki's production paralleled his colleague Isao Takahata's production of Grave of the Fireflies. Miyazaki's film was financed by executive producer Yasuyoshi Tokuma, and both My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies were released on the same bill in 1988.

The setting of the story takes place in the late 1950's. The Kusakabe family reunites when a university professor and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei move into an old house in rural Japan to be closer to the hospital where their mother is recovering from an unnamed, long-term illness. They end up meeting this very large spirit identified as Totoro.

The adventure goes on from there in the "Miyazaki" fashion, with heart felt messages and comedy. I loved this movie when I was little and really appreciate it even more now that I am older. It will not only inspire you to dream but it will also give even the most awkward of person something that they can relate to. This Movie based on STORY I give it a (8 of 9) awesome attention to detail. For ARTISTRY I give it a (9 of 9) Miyazaki never disappoints. And for RE-WATCH ABILITY I give it a (9 of 9). I grew up with this being one of the first anime films I watched and have compared every anime to this level of mastery ever since.

In conclusion I will have to say if you have never watched anime before, want a family film you can watch with the kids that is entertaining and has a message, or if you are an anime fan "My Neighbor Totoro" is a must own for any anime library. It is also a solid place to start for anyone who has never watched anime before. If you don't believe me then go ahead and view the anime below and comment your own opinions to this anime and share your feed back. I am sure that you will love it.