April 28, 2014
Hey guys, it's Ernest and I'm back with another Studio Ghibli film! This one might be familiar to a lot of you, simply because of it's popularity not only within Japan, but worldwide. It's titular character is even displayed on the Studio Ghibli logo above! It's Totoro!
My Neighbour Totoro (released as My Friend Totoro in the US) is a Japanese fantasy animated film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film depicts a pair of sisters and their interactions with nearby friendly forest spirits in post WWII rural Japan after they move there to be closer to the hospital where their mother is recovering from an illness. The story contains a world that is spiritually alive in that the forests in it have not really been disturbed, and there is a definite closeness to nature, especially in the grove where Mei first finds Totoro.
The film's main characters are Mei and Satsuki, two sisters that move with their father to an old house in rural Japan to be closer to the hospital where their mother Yasuko is recovering from illness. Their father is a young university professor named Tatsuo Kusakabe. While the story tends to revolve around the sisters, the spirits are the real stars of the film. From the susuwatari (dust spirits that live in empty houses) to the wood spirits, miniature rabbit-like magical creates to the titular Totoro, they all display childish behaviour and adorable reactions to things that humans take for granted or see as commonplace. As the film goes on, the sisters and the wood spirits go on several adventures, culminating in the spirits helping the sisters get to the hospital where their mother resides.
Story: 9/10
My Neighbour Totoro's story is one of adventure There are themes such as that of the preservation of the natural world and helping those in need. The story is simply about the adventures a family has with nature spirits and animals. What really keeps the audience captivated is the cuteness of Mei, Totoro and the wood spirits, as well as the weird and wonderful characters that are introduced, the susuwatari and Catbus among them. However, this is not to say that there is no complication or resolution to the story, as the characters do face some troubles, but with the help of the nature spirits and animals, they are all resolved!
Animation: 9/10
My Neighbour Totoro was one of the first films produced by Studio Ghibli. Released in 1988, like Castle in the Sky, animation techniques had not reached the level of sophistication that modern animated films apply. However, it is notable though that the techniques art director Kazuo Oga used in the backgrounds were able to convey warmth and life in every aspect of the environment in scenes. It was his work with My Neighbour Totoro that truly began Oga's involvement with Studio Ghibli, and his work is the trademark of Studio Ghibli films since then.
Music/Soundtrack: 10/10
As with most Studio Ghibli films, the soundtrack to My Neighbour Totoro is impeccable. Light string tones mixed with wind instruments abound, and evoke upbeat feelings, with percussion instruments being added for scenes with faster pace. Each scene's music matches the mood, and often comedic scenes have sudden silly sounds that enhance the comedy of the scene. Being a film about the natural world, there are no mechanical/electronic instruments that can be heard, and each song is performed by a symphonic orchestra. It is a simply beautiful soundtrack, and one simply cannot help but be caught up in its adventurous tones! Yet another incredible soundtrack, courtesy of Joe Hisaishi and his team!
Overall: 9.5/10
Like Castle In the Sky, I first saw My Neighbour Totoro when I was a child. Everytime I watch it, it brings back the adventurous feeling I had even when I first watched it. The story is both childlike in it's adventurousness and adult in the issues it brings up. While at the forefront it is a fun adventure for the sisters, in the background lurks their concern for their mother. The animation of the film is done really well, as the scenery is really brought to life and bring out the best of the natural world. I honestly would say my favourite part of the film is really the music. It really brings the whole film together and enhances it in every way. I would also say that the adorableness of the characters make for a truly enjoyable film for children and adults alike. I definitely recommend it!
Why not treat yourself to the beautiful sounds of the Totoro theme song?
