My Neighbor Totoro (Movie)

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Name: My neighbor Totoro
Type: Animation

Official Rating: G

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Genre: Fantasy, family

Age Rating: n/a

Review:
Satsuki and her sister, Mei move into a new home and meet and befriend a forest spirit named Totoro.

This film was a very simple yet sweet and easy-to-grasp, family-friendly movie. It is definitely aimed more towards younger viewers, but it is a film that older children can enjoy as well (though probably not as much). However, I saw this flick with my brother and father, and my father pointed out during the movie that, "this movie is for little girls." And so, perhaps, it is, but both my brother and myself had a good time watching it together.

This story is lighthearted despite the mother's sickness, and has a good ending. The sound effects weren't as on point as they were in The Secret World of Arrietty, but the visual realistic positions the characters took on was very poignant. There was one scene that was surprising--Satsuki and Mei were taking a bath with their father. Nothing was shown, and it actually strengthened the already suggested bond the girls had with their dad.

Overall, this movie was touching and a sort of "coming-of-age" story for a family forced to move due to health problems in the family. The characters were believable, and even though a Totoro type creature isn't a realistic friend to have, the adventures they share are endearing. The plot is a bit slow, which may be frustrating to older viewers, but what it lacks in action, it makes up for in character.

Mature Content:

• Nudity- In one scene the father is bathing with his daughters; nothing but a fleeting view of a butt is shown
• Spiritual- Totoro and some of his friends are known as "forest spirits," and can do magical things, like growing trees and flying

Personal Note: 
Woo! Cat bus!