My Neighbour Totoro
Recently, the Irish film Song of the Sea came and captured something utterly missing from recent cinema: To tell a film from a children’s perspective without dumbing it down. That’s a massive problem that a lot of companies (cough, Disney, cough) struggle to grasp. They seem to think that children need to be spoon-fed information and throw in a joke that goes over their heads for the adults forced to watch. Only, it’s not necessary. Children films can be eloquently done and appeal to the whole family because seeing life through a youthful innocent perspective is something that brims in the heart and souls of us all.
Song of the Sea is one of the best at establishing this narrative. And the main film that people were alluding it too was My Neighbour Totoro which is perhaps one of the best examples of creating a family film with as much heart and soul to convey a children’s spirit.
My Neighbour Totoro is perhaps one of the most famous Studio Ghibli films that has sparked off plenty of merchandise similar to Minions. I know a few people who owns lots of this chubby furry pal. Put the story is much more than the creature who takes two young girls on a journey. The film revolves around Satsuke and Mei, two sisters whose family have moved to the countryside. Their mother, however, is sick in hospital and the how family are wrought with tension as she makes a recovery. However, when they arrive at their home they are met by spirits of the forest including a magical cat bus and the king of the forest O Totoro. The pair are then whisked on a mysterious beautiful journey of magic.
Totoro is a fantastical film full of animated heart that enchants the screen with this evocative animation. The slick artistic film enthuses the vibrancy of the Japanese country side and the enchanting scenes of mystic creatures. As they pound throughout the night, the pair, and thus the audience, Ghibli’s film is a cinematic spell that encroaches out of its shell early and touches you spiritually and sentimentally. Beautiful imagery is shelled in this colour and the spectrum fleshes out this exciting film.
The film is also adorable but that’s because at the core of it are these two young girls exploring a new world, helped along by the spirits around them. The film never condescends a younger audience and is still filled with grief and worry. But through the eye of Satsuke and Mei is whole sublime adventure is opened in order for them to connect with their own emotions whilst still being able to dream big and plentiful. The rush of emotions anyone would feel is striking and awe-inspiring as they unearth the secrets of the forest that envelop the story with this gorgeous splendour. Combining these intricate creatures, whimsical fancies and rolling landscapes, Totoro is an exquisite film that still delves into sorrow with their sick mother and that worried moment where Mei disappears. Balancing the glee and joy with the dark and sadness, Totoro is unafraid to speak to all on these momnets.
My Neighbour Totoro will take you back to a time where, despite a lot of problems around them, anything was possible. For anyone who has scoured wooded areas around them and discovered dreams within imagination and a colourful world. It will take you to that place of adventure without talking down to little ones who’ll be awash with glee as they, too, journey with O Totoro. It’s filled with apprehension that is soon met with determination and desire. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and brought to vivid life, My Neighbour Totoro had an unparalleled charm that found its Irish counterpart with this year’s Song of the Sea.
I’d advise a double screening of both is needed.