My Neighbour Totoro [Blu-ray + DVD] [1988]

I bought this as a present to my little niece, a month short of her second birthday, wholly expecting her to be too small to have the attention span to watch it all in one go - and her parents warned me of the same. To all our surprises she was glued from start to finish, becoming very quiet and intent, and laughing with the characters.No more reviews is needed to praise the film itself or tell more about the amazing Studio Gibli films - but this one is special. It is amazing in its rich slowness, heartfelt relationships, the theme of facing up to (very gently) scary things (cat bus and big totoro worried my niece quite a bit to start off with - as did Mei getting lost) and being rewarded - its soul food for a child.Only thing I'd say - with very young children I'd recommend that although the film seems to us adults very cuddly and safe, in my experience with my niece and other child, a three-year old: this is quite a scary film for that age group at times, especially when they are that engaged with the characters.Even the funny scene where Mei first meets Tororo - a small child is genuinely worried about what this big monster will do. (And Miyazaki knows this - playing with it, just enough but not too much. As I said: a true genious.) Its a good idea to watch this together with a child, at least the first time around, maybe sit and watch cuddling and share the experience.The end happens rather fast, and my niece being that small we also spoke about the end - how everything was now good, and how the scary cat bus had helped etc - and she was even glued to the end credits that have pictures which show happy events that follow the story.Apparently the film is now her absolute favourite - and the parents, who can trust her being pre-occupied on her own for 86 minutes at a time. If they don't feel like joining her, that is. It is remarkably adult friendly too...

Ok, this is a Japanese animation for young children, but I defy anyone to watch My Neighbour Totoro and not fall in love with it. Watching this movie instantly transports you back to the magic and innocence of childhood. If I ever feel sad or ill, this film just fills me full of joy. I really can't recommend it enough.With no violence or conflict, the plot of My Neighbour Totoro is very slight, but its beauty is in its simplicity. Two young girls, the tomboy-ish, sensible Satsuki, and her inquisitive younger sister Mei, move into a new house in the country with their father, while their mother is in hospital. As they explore their new surroundings, they come into contact with a variety of magical creatures, including Totoro himself, who is a guardian spirit of the forest.Totoro is an enchanting creature - child-like, wise and cuddly all at once - but what really makes this film for me is the characters of the children. This may be a simple 2D animation, but you forget all that, as the children are just so true to life. The film really captures the spirit of childhood in every frame, from curious Mei toddling about delightedly after the forest spirits; to the boy in Satsuki's class who will only talk to her in grunts or by pulling rude faces, but who gives her his umbrella in the rain.So, if you are thinking about buying this DVD, I can only say DO IT NOW! This really is a timeless classic, suitable for children (and inner-children!) of all ages, and there really isn't anything else like it that I've ever seen - in fact, this film should come with a guarantee of a warm and fuzzy feeling every time you watch it.

I must start by saying that I am a big Anime fan generally and have been for over 15 years. That and having lived in Japan for a couple of years. I have seen all the Ghibli Studio movies, apart from the most recent - Ponyo.If you are new to Anime, and you are after something for the whole family, with a great storyline, moral and something that can be re-watched over and over again, then Ghibli Studio Animes are for you. Totoro is one of the best to start with and whatever your age, is enjoyable and will leave you with a warm feeling. The characters develop well, there is the mysetry surrounding it, the fantasy involved and the massive imagination. PLUS, the animation is superb. I was lucky enough to catch the animated short of "Mei to KoNeko Basu" (Mei and the baby Cat bus) at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo, Japan earlier in the year, and it was amazing the number of people who welled up with tears during the short - based on their fond memories from the original and the wonderful continuation of this short. Although this short is never likely to be released onto DVD in the foreseeable future, as it is a museum exclusive.If you like Totoro when you watch it, and you really should watch it, then I recommend you follow it up with Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service and Pom Poko (probably, IMHO, the most under-rated Ghibli movie). On the more edgy side (with a little war, blood and guts thrown in) are Laputa, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle, Nausicaa, Grave of the Fireflies. Porco Rosso is a little oddball and difficult to categorise, but still good. The next release Ponyo on a Cliff by the Sea will probably fall into the family, innocence, warm feeling category.So, it depends which side of the Ghibli Studio movies you want to go for first - but either way, you'll enjoy the films for their quality of story, direction, animation and feeling.

One of the greatest anime from studio Ghibli