A very sweet movie everyone should see

Rating: Null/10 (25 June 2002)

While I'm not a huge anime fan, I've slowly becoming one and have had the pleasure of seeing some fabulous anime, including "My Neighbor Totoro". Loved all over the world, this is an animated film that's perfect for kids and adults of all ages. This is also a must-see for anyone who is interested in Japanese animation, as it's one of the classics, along with "Akira" and "Princess Mononoke".
The movie begins with two little girls and their father moving into an old house in the Japanese countryside, while their mother is in a nearby hospital recovering from an undisclosed illness. Five-year old Mei and Satsuki, her older sister (about 10), help their father fix the house up, along with several of their neighbors. The girls' father is a professor at the university and leaves Mei in the care of Nanny, the elderly woman next door, while Satsuki is at school. When school is over, Satsuki and Mei are alone until their father comes home late at night. One day, Mei follows some tiny creatures into a forest where she meets Totoro, a huge, furry, teddy bear-like creature. Both girls befriend him and when they need help, Totoro is right there.
Mr. Miyazaki is a genius when it comes to portraying children in their most pure form. Both girls are rowdy and loud and are very realistic for animated characters. There are many charming scenes including my favorite where Mei captures a dustbunny and runs off to find Satusuki. She bumps into Nanny for the first time and screams in fright, then runs around the door to get away. She then bumps into Nanny again and screams. It's an adorable scene, I can't do it justice here. The animation is very fluid and the characters move like real people. Just watch how Mei toddles around with her chubby legs bowed outwards, like a real pre-schooler.
As much as I loved this movie, there's one key element I wasn't fond of: Totoro himself. He seemed more menacing than harmless, especially when he roared directly in the girls' faces, baring his huge teeth. Small children may find the noise frightening. Granted it is a cartoon, but Totoro looked like he was abusing illegal substances and acted like he was, too. I found nothing about Totoro charming; he was just one creepy critter. His bizarre behavior is probably more noticeable to older viewers, though, as children may be more in awe of the huge furry guy.
Here's a few notes for parents who might be questioning whether this is a good movie for their child. "My Neighbor Totoro" is great as a small lesson in Japanese culture. Some tidbits: The huge rice paddies, the family bathing together as a bonding activity, the fact that shoes are not worn indoors (watch Satsuki walk around on her knees). If your child can handle Disney's "Bambi", this movie will be a piece of cake. There are a few minor parts parents may be concerned about, including the very unsafe operation of a bicycle and the childrens' emotional distress in several situations. These are all very minor and shouldn't interfere with anyone's enjoyment of this classic anime film. A 9/10.