Nature Reflection: Thoughts on My Neighbor Totoro
My Neighbor, Totoro (1988)
Studio: Studio Ghibli
Directed By: Hayao Miyazaki
If you have not seen My Neighbor, Totoro, I will delete you as a friend. I’m joking, not really. 😛 If you haven’t watch My Neighbor, Totoro, I urge you to drop what you are doing and watch it. It’s a classic, a must-watch in your lifetime.
So last weekend, I rewatched My Neighbor, Totoro with my housemate, and I couldn’t help but be reminded of the trip I took to the Philippines with my mother during the summer of 2014. The reason being is that the setting takes place in the countryside, and it reminded me of the relaxation and therapeutic factors that the countryside can do to a person.
The basic premise of this story is that a university professor, Tatsuo Kusakabe, and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, move to the countryside in order to be closer to their sick mother. While living there, the girls encounter various spiritual creatures and have adventures with them. I think that’s as basic a summary I can make without giving away too much.
I watched Totoro numerous times, and you come to realize nothing really goes on. It’s more of a slice of life and a look into the daily lives of the characters. Yet, when the girls encounter the spiritual creature, Totoro, they are able to forget their worries (like their mother’s sickness), and instead, have fun with an imaginary friend. Henceforth, the spiritual world is a sanctuary for them to be able to let go of human attachments and problems.
And going back to the setting, I couldn’t help but be reminiscent on how the outdoors could make one feel so tranquil. In fact, when I went to the Philippines, I felt at peace with nature. I enjoyed breathing the fresh air of the countryside, staring out into the rice fields, and listening to the swaying of the bamboo.
Anyways, if you haven’t watch My Neighbor, Totoro, you MUST watch it. It’s like a rite of passage in anime.
5/5
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Just Something About LynLyn 
Haha….well…here goes, I have not seen this one yet, but I have heard so many good things about it. (Yes I already feel my shame 😳😳). Your post convinced me, I am going to order this one on dvd and hopefully watch it soon. Great post 😀
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Oh dear, you are one of them! :p Yeah, you should watch it. It’s a universally known anime movie. It is a must.
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True, My neighbor Totoro is a must watch for everyone, in fact all of Miyazaki’s movies are.
In fact I also did a review of the movie, you can check it here :
http://sahaymaniceet.wordpress.com/2015/06/20/my-neighbor-totoro-a-world-which-we-all-dream-to-live-in/
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Awesome. I’ll check it out 🙂
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As well all know, trying to choose a single favourite Ghibli movie is impossible. But the one I return to most is still My Neighbour Totoro for all the reasons you list and more.
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It is impossible. For me, I love Kiki and Howl’s Moving Castle.
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I love Kiki too ^^
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Definitely agree that nature is soothing, I never feel better than surrounded by birds chirping while smelling the woods and all its scents. Totoro is definitely a healing kind of movie, which is why it feels so nice to see it ❤
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Yeah, Totoro is definitely a healing movie!
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My Neighbor Totoro is one of my favorite movies. Glad you like it, too. 🙂
My favorite Studio Ghibli movie is Whisper of the Heart, but the more I watch My Neighbor Totoro the more I like it. There’s so much in that movie to see, think about, and appreciate.
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*high fives* I LOVE WHISPER OF THE HEART! SUCH A GOOD MOVIE THAT’S UNDERRATED IN MY OPINION.
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*high fives*
GLAD TO MEET ANOTHER FAN! 🙂
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I could not agree more! Absolutely love My Neighbour Totoro! ❤
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Totoro is the best ❤
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