Hayao Miyazaki’s film “My Neighbor Totoro” (1988) is an award winning masterpiece that captures childlike wonder and the magic of nature. The story chronologically follows two sisters, Mei and Satsuki, who move to a new home in rural Japan and eventually befriend Totoro, a giant forest spirit who aids them on their adventures.

“My Neighbor Totoro” was originally recorded in Japanese, and features a variety of voice actors in the English dubbed version. The Emmy Award-nominated sisters Dakota and Elle Fanning act as the voices of Mei and Satsuki. 

The film features an original soundtrack composed by Joe Hisaishi, a key contributor to Studio Ghibli, the animation studio behind “My Neighbor Totoro.” The music is light and whimsical throughout the duration of the film, utilizing many windworks to capture its enchanting atmosphere.

The animation is a hand-drawn, traditional Japanese style, and focuses heavily on highlighting the beauty of nature through detailed backgrounds and bright colors. All the characters in the film, especially Totoro, have soft, round and non-threatening designs with emotions drawn expressively on all of their faces that capture the innocence of childhood. Totoro serves as a metaphor for the connection between humans and nature. The only downside was that a few scenes felt drawn-out, and could have been shortened to avoid losing the viewer’s attention.

“My Neighbor Totoro” can be enjoyed by all ages, but offers some especially valuable life lessons and themes for children. It portrays the rural environment as a place filled with magic, encouraging them to find wonder in nature and value simple moments in life. Through the characters’ actions, the film exemplifies how to make sense of complicated emotions such as sadness and anxiety, specifically later in the film when Mei and Satsuki worry over their mother’s health. A prime example of this is when the girls’ father attempts to cheer them up, suggesting that, “everybody try laughing. Then whatever scares you will go away” (Miyazaki, 1988, 19:55).

Overall, this movie captured my imagination with stunning animation, realistic characters and a sense of wonder I had long forgotten since my childhood. Its simple, yet inspirational, nature makes it easy for children to comprehend, while equally entertaining adults with a strong sense of nostalgia. After careful consideration of all elements in “My Neighbor Totoro,” I rate this movie 4/5 stars.