Simply Totoro

Rating: 9/10 (6 April 2007)

"Tonari no Totoro" continues the glorious path of Hayao Miyazaki's animation features. "Totoro" is Studio Ghibli's oldest production and it was just released on DVD in Finland for the first time.
I have always been a huge fan of Japanese animation. When I was a child my favorite animation feature told the story of a little orphan girl named Candy. The music in Miyazaki's pictures reminds me of Candy. Music plays an enormous role in Miyazaki's cartoons. It is very emotional and touching.
In Finland there is always dubbed version but I always watch animations in their original language. Then a movie feels more authentic and real.
In "Totoro" the plot is very simple but it emphasizes the importance of family. The relationship between the sisters Satsumi and Mei is so strong. Another interesting thing in Miyazaki's stories is that you never know what kind of creatures there is going to be this time. Totoro's character brings a little magic to the ordinary life.
The movie can be recommended to all ages!