Background midi: Totoro theme
written: 10-9-1996
My Neighbor Totoro, by Hayao Miyazaki, is, in this not so humble reviewer's opinion, one of the best animated films ever made, bar none.
The story appears to be set in the pre-WWII Japanese countryside. It revolves around two young girls, one around ten years old (Satsuki) and her sister (Mae) about four, and their interactions with Totoro, a wood-spirit like creature that looks like a cross between an owl and a Cheshire cat. Also thrown into the mix is the fact that they have just moved into a new house that needs some fixing up, and they are waiting to hear from the hospital on how their mother is doing. As they adapt to their new environment, Mae is the first to stumble upon Totoro, who lives in a hollow under a giant Camphor tree. Eventually Satsuki meets him too, although, of course, adults can't see Totoro. Through Totoro the girls are introduced to a wider world that adults can't see (too set in their ways, don't you know) and have some interesting adventures.
The animation is spectacular, as one would expect from Miyazaki's animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The story is enjoyable and engaging and suitable for all ages; Both the kids and the adults can enjoy this one.
My Neighbor Totoro was made available in the US by Fox Video on both tape and laserdisc, but I believe that version is out of print, though some stores may still have it in stock. Disney now has the rights to dub and distribute all of Studio Ghibli's films (see my Anime Watch 10 column), but likely won't get to releasing Totoro for at least a year from the time of this writing. In either case, this title, like all the Studio Ghibli titles, is eminently worth getting.
Yours in Anime,
Jay The Obscure