Ah, it’s nice to sit back and remember childhood. What better way to do that than looking over a Studio Ghibli film? Let me just say, I’m glad I’m finally doing it. It’s about time!

This wouldn’t have been my first choice for a Ghibli film to cover, but it’s an important one nonetheless. For decades, the animation company Studio Ghibli has been creating legendary films for adults and children alike. I’m more fond of films like Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, and Nusicaä, but My Neighbor, Totoro isn’t a film I dislike. Far from it. It’s mostly a case of me not watching it soon enough.

By the time I saw it for the first time, I was already a teenager. As a result, I didn’t view it with the same starry-eyed awe I did other Ghibli films before. That and it was much easier for me to pick out flaws I otherwise would’ve overlooked when I was younger. Not that it’s even the film’s fault.

By the time this movie was released, Studio Ghibli was already an established animation studio. The only thing people didn’t know about was their logo. What’s it supposed to be?

Since so many folks were confused by it, they made My Neighbor, Totoro to provide some clarity. Did it do that? To some degree, yes. Although, it mostly gave the company an excuse to have a mascot. Was that a bad thing, though? I’d say no. The reason I say that is because even though it was clearly made to sell plushies –

– it still managed to have that distinct Ghibli style, unforgettable hand-drawn animation, and some iconic Ghibli moments. For that reason, I can’t be mad at this movie. In fact, I’m not mad. I don’t even know why I said that. This movie is pretty cute. But, how does it fare overall? Hmm…

Let’s wipe those soot gremlins away and journey back into the forests of Japan with My Neighbor, Totoro.

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Before we go too far, I’d like to clarify that I’ll be reviewing the English dubbed version of the film. I usually review the original subbed versions for foreign films. This time, not only do I not have access to the original, but I don’t think it’d make much difference. Considering the subject-matter of the movie, there isn’t much to be lost in translation here.

Watching this again after so long, I respect the slice-of-life feel this movie has. Oftentimes it feels plot-less, but that doesn’t mean nothing interesting happens. In fact, when the story seems small and magical is when it feels the most impactful. Starting off, we have our main characters Satsuki (voiced by Dakota Fanning) and little sister Mei (voiced by Elle Fanning). Let me just say, casting sisters to play sisters is a genius move.

Not only do they share an unrivaled on-screen chemistry, but they’re easily likable.

Yeah, even when I saw this the first time, I thought these kids could be annoying. Although, I’ll give credit to the filmmakers. Sure, the kids can be annoying, but they’re kids. Kids are just annoying sometimes. Especially these kids that seem to have Monster Energy instead of blood in their veins.

What makes me like them again is their passion for life. Nearly everything they do – they do with a smile. Even chores! They always seem so happy to be alive, experiencing the world, and being with the people they love.

That may be because of their dad (voiced by Tim Daly). To be fair, he makes even the most mundane tasks sound fun.

Speaking of their dad, whom I’m pretty sure doesn’t have a name, he’s really fun. In fact, I’d go so far as to say he’s one of my favorite movie dads. He’s so supportive, loving, and understanding of his daughters that it’s hard not to like him.

If I had a dad, I hope he would’ve been a lot like this guy. Besides that, are there any other notable characters? Well, there’s also Granny (voiced by Pat Carroll). She’s not the girls’ actual grandmother, she’s just an elderly neighbor who serves as their caretaker occasionally. Since their mother isn’t with them for the majority of the movie, she also serves as a mother-figure.

Granny also has a grandson named Kanta (voiced by Kenneth Hartman). He’s not a very important character. Most of what he does involves running around thinking girls have cooties. To answer your question, he’s pre-pubescent. We’ll let it slide.

Also, didn’t I say there was a mother in this? I did. And don’t worry, since this isn’t a Disney production, she’s alive and well. Mostly. That leads me to my first issue with the movie. The mother is in the hospital and sick, but with what? She doesn’t even seem that sick every time we see her. By the way, we only see her twice.