User Reviews

"My Neighbor Totoro" is still a one of Miyazaki's best that has incredible themes about the meaning of friendship. I will never pass up an opportunity to see this in the movie theater.

My Neighbor Totoro là anime dịu dàng, tôn vinh tuổi thơ và thiên nhiên qua hành trình kỳ diệu của hai chị em và sinh vật rừng Totoro.

A gorgeous, pitch-perfect example of Studio Ghibli's wonderful characteristic style. Bubbling over with awe, wonder, curiosity and optimism, it's downright impossible not to get **** into viewing and enjoying My Neighbor Totoro through the eyes of its two young protagonists, recognizing forgotten flashes of our own youth at several stops along the way. The plot isn't particularly deep or elaborate, but in many ways I can see that as a positive. Why force drama into a scenario that already works perfectly well as a quiet, leisurely stroll down imagination lane? I was actually relieved when it became clear the plot wasn't even thinking of moving in that direction. Even the more reflective moments don't miss a beat, as Miyazaki and company lovingly flush the screen with life in dozens of cheery, unexpected ways. Magnificent animation pairs with a breathtaking setting, a playful spirit, a lovable cast of characters, great timing and a moderate dash of real-life tangibility. Authentic and vivid and pleasant, with at least one foot planted firmly in our world... despite the constant presence of an eight-foot Furby. Updated thoughts after a 2020 re-watch: A touching, beautiful tale that perfectly encompasses the joy, wonder and everyday romanticism of a quiet childhood outside the big city. Like much of Studio Ghibli's fabulous catalog, Totoro teems with life and whimsy, from the wind gusts that transform a towering camphor tree into a living, breathing entity to the tiny sets of curious, mystical eyes that peer from the shadows of an unfamiliar new home. It's soft-hearted and meditative, eschewing the traditional bombastic plot structure for something more peaceful and contemplative. There's conflict, of course, but no villains. Adventures without adrenaline. Emotions bubble beneath the surface, threaten to erupt, then settle and carry on. It's a film that trusts itself, understands its nature and embraces that essence. Rather than fighting for shallow pin-ups, it lingers in the moment and appreciates the innate beauty of simply being. It makes me feel at peace; content and welcome; a part of the charming small family at its epicenter. After repeated viewings, I still find new reasons to appreciate its lessons and meanings. Simply wonderful.

A heartwarming and emotional roller coaster of a movie that viewers of all ages can enjoy. The excellent animation and character design adds to its charm and timelessness.

I think Totoro is still out there somewhere................................

The film's whimsical charm and enchanting animation immediately transport you to a simpler time. The iconic Totoro, a giant, lovable forest spirit, quickly becomes the heart and soul of the story, bringing joy and wonder to the screen. The simplicity of the narrative is both a strength and a limitation. On one hand, the uncomplicated plot allows for a focus on the characters and their interactions. The bond between the two young sisters and Totoro is heartwarming, and the film captures the magic of their everyday adventures in the countryside. However, the lack of a more intricate storyline might leave some viewers wanting more depth. My Neighbor Totoro leans heavily on its charming characters and magical elements, which, while delightful, may not resonate with those seeking a more complex or layered narrative. The animation itself is a standout feature, showcasing Studio Ghibli's mastery. The lush, hand-drawn landscapes and the adorable character designs contribute to the film's enduring appeal. The use of music is equally enchanting, enhancing the overall atmosphere and emotional resonance.

Possible GOAT'd animation score, light on plot and explanation. High on vibes in its simplicity.

"My Neighbor Totoro" is an animated masterpiece that continues to enchant audiences of all ages, even after over three decades since its initial release. The film captures the essence of childhood wonder and imagination in a way that few films have ever achieved. The story revolves around two young sisters, Satsuki and Mei, who move to the countryside with their father to be closer to their ailing mother. While exploring the surrounding forest, they encounter a variety of fantastical creatures, including the iconic Totoro. The animation in "My Neighbor Totoro" is breathtaking, with stunning visuals that transport the audience into a magical world filled with wonder and awe. The film's soundtrack perfectly complements the story, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene. The characters are endearing and relatable, with Satsuki and Mei's relationship serving as the heart of the story. What makes "My Neighbor Totoro" so special is its ability to capture the essence of childhood, evoking a sense of nostalgia and warmth that stays with the viewer long after the film has ended. It's a testament to the talent of director Hayao Miyazaki and the team at Studio Ghibli, who have created a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come. If you haven't watched "My Neighbor Totoro" yet, you're missing out on a truly magical experience. 10/10, without a doubt.

This is a nearly perfect movie and a must-show to your kids. It’s beautiful and magical and peaceful.

This movie truly shows the beauty of Japanese animation. The music,the animation it is like a painting or an orchestra combined together with great voice acting on both the English and Japanese translations. Similar to how Song of the Sea shows off the culture of Ireland, My Neighbor Totoro shows off the culture of Japan in a way we wouldn't have seen before.

I am a huge Studio Ghibli/Miyazaki fan, and My Neighbour Totoro is no exception. In fact it is one of my favourites from them. There are so many wonderful things about My Neighbour Totoro. It is very simple in story and character but it is all very beautiful, charming and touching. The animation is typical Ghibli, ethereal-looking and just ravishing to watch, while the music is one of my favourite scores in a Ghibli film. The story is simple, but I loved the simplicity, it had such a pleasant atmosphere to it, and the characters are engaging with great chemistry together. I have very little to complain about the voice acting either, everybody did a fine job. In conclusion, in my opinion this is an animated classic. 10/10 Bethany Cox

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

My Neighbor Totoro is charming, adorable, gorgeously animated, and above all else, heartwarming. The movie follows two young girls who's mother is hospitalized. Both of the main characters get plentiful screen time and are a joy to watch run around in this beautiful and imaginative world. The movie os overall very delightful, but lacks serious character development and plot.

My Neighbor Totoro is an enchanting childhood struggle that emphasizes the mysterious charm of every Ghibli film that would follow.

When two girls move to the country to be near their ailing mother, they have adventures with the wondrous forest spirits who live nearby. (9)

[SPOILER ALERT: This review contains spoilers.]

Tiene una trama muy simple, pero la animación es muy buena y la música es agradable; un clásico del Studio Ghibli.

Although it brings a story that appears to be nothing deep, compared to the other titles, it fulfills its role somewhat. It is not necessary to charge much, given the whole concept and how everything works from the discovery of this new world through the girl.

Few movies can make me feel like a kid again quite like My Neighbor Totoro.

Hardly any plot, just exceptional animation and that's about it. Some enjoy just watching the kids be kids and the mood, but I have slightly better things to do.

Its a simple film that is made to give its viewers a big warm hug. Crazy that Totoro and his catbus got creepy smiles but I still find them adorable. As I said, simply heartwarming.

This is my favorite movie ever. I love the atmosphere and the emotions and childish behavior they're able to portray so well.

This is in my opinion one of the must-watch movies when it comes to the works of Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. The story is lovely and heartwarming, but not too overboard at the same time. It's all just focused on the few main characters and what they experience- Also the music is very well-done and iconic, in my opinion.

Probably most pleasing and entertaining to watch out of all Studio Ghibli's work so far. Classic you cannot miss

Um filme infantil que trata de forma adultas coisas da vida ponto positivo:envelheceu bem para um filme de animação de 1988, personagens carismáticos(chorei em determinada parte do filme) ponto negativo:historia um pouco fraca para os estúdios ghibli,simples seria o mais certo, mas ainda sim deixa a deseja, apesar de que acredito que este ponto fraco para alguns se torne um ponto forte(ser simples mas ainda sim conseguir ensinar alguma coisa com isto)

A beautifully innocent fantasy. I love this film. Relive the innocence of childhood and escape to the satoyama!

From same school that graduated Tom & Jerry and The pink panther comes the cuddliest, charming and iconic character of Studio Ghibli, always coming for rescue and giving a hand (or paw) to children in distress. Every anime collector shall have it.

The film certainly has a lot of positives within it. It does a good job of establishing the characters as relatable, in a way that a lot of animated films never do. The imagination and the joy of youth really does come through in the presence of the two girls. However, the movie probably spends too much time with them in its lackadaisical state and not enough time on story. Half an hour into the film, the novelty of the movies encapsulation of youthfulness and subtly implied magical world-building, start to wear thin. You may find yourself questioning where the film is going. Be prepared to wait nearly another hour wondering, as this film is very light on plot. At the end of the film it does pull out everything it can to provide an emotional and satisfying conclusion, and succeeds quite well at doing so in fact. But I'm not sure the meandering journey was quite worth the destination. The movie could have probably been helped by a harsher edit; a good twenty minutes or so cut from the movie might have helped the pacing. Also, worth mentioning is that the music is quite good, if not sometimes a little elevator music-y. The Totoro theme that plays over the credits is quite catchy.

First Act - 6/10 Second Act - 6/10 Third Act - 10/10 Seriouslly, that was probably one of the best endings I've seen to any movie ever. This film is a very cute, and initially doesn't strive to be anything better than above average. However, it grows into quite a fantastic little film. If I have any issue the soundtrack sounded a little to similar to Hausu at points, but overall, this was just sweet. I want to watch this one again.

A cute and relatively short film which is beautiful, pleasant, positive, and relaxing. Studio Ghibli was able to perfectly craft a wonderful experience. The movie never strays into any unnecessarily dark or uncomfortable territory, and is able to capture a very positive, dreamlike set of emotions which are so often missing from our daily lives.

A rare movie so benign and wise that merely thinking about it makes me cry. A perfect movie.

My neighbor Totoro is a perfect movie to enjoy as a family, with great audiovisual quality, an incredible world and a very simple story but very well told. While I expected more from this for the opinion of my friends, it's still a great movie.

I can't describe how delighted am I after I've just finished watching this movie. This is the best movie that captured the childhood very accurately. The children characters behave so realistically that I couldn't believe my eyes while watching them play, cry, laugh, or doing anything. I didn't felt like I was watching a child in front of me, but I felt like I was watching my younger self. I felt like I was watching myself as a child. As if my childhood memories were being displayed before me. Even if I haven't done that thing the characters did, I feel that my younger self would do the exact thing. That doesn't mean anything but that Hayao Miyazaki is a real genius! But the greatest thing about My Neighbor Totoro isn't how realistic it feels, but it's the fabulous message it delivers, and the thing that is more fascinating is the way it delivers this message. I really shouldn't spoil anything about this gorgeous film, but it delivers a message about facing the fear; the fear of everything, and the fear in all its kinds and levels. Miyazaki merged this message with this story that almost has no plot! I shouldn't call it delivering the message, instead, I should call it merging or combining the message with the story, or rather I should say that Miyazaki created an entire story from a message! Hayao Miyazaki proved that it's not even necessary for a movie to have an antagonist, or at least not a common one, as I mentioned above, the story itself is about a message about facing the fear. And I didn't feel at any time throughout the movie that I need a common antagonist or a usual problem to be invested in the movie. I was engaged and hooked from the very beginning of the movie till the end credits scene, which is very cool, by the way. The thing is that at the third act the movie changed completely in terms of the plot; it turned from a plot-free movie to a movie that has a real plot and a very serious problem. The plot and its problem didn't come from nowhere; they are attached very well to the story from its beginning, and it's been appeared later that the plot is kinda share the same message of the story, but the problem is that the movie changed a great deal when it moved from its second to the third act. It was like the movie betrayed itself after promising that it well keep the audience on the edge of their seat without using any problem or obstacle. Yes I've been engaged again and invested in the story with its plot because I cared about every single character, but it took me a little time, and I really felt disturbed and annoyed with this inconsistency. Overall, I can say that My Neighbor Totoro is an imaginative tale that every parent should take his child and watch it with him or her. Because it's message is actually more important to the adults. I prefer My Neighbor Totoro to Spirited Away, but let's face it, Spirited Away is the best Miyazaki movie! (8.5/10)