Rating: 
Summary: A Celebration of Innocence
Review: What has always amazed me about this film is its lack of standard film conventions. For example, the film lacks the usual diabolical villains that stand in the way of the heroes quest. In fact, "Totoro" even lacks a heroes quest, not to mention any sort of obvious conflict that you would find in any other children's animated film or dumb teen comedy.And that is because "My Neighbor Totoro" is not just any other animated film or story, it is a revolutionary work that explores the essence and wonder of what it's like to be a child again. From getting lost in an enchanted forest to creeping up a stairway that leads into a dark and dusty attic, Hayoa Miyazaki creates an unbelievably magical feel that will make you take a second look at the everyday environments that you might usually take for granted and perhaps even give you a new found respect for them. There is one scene in here which has received some concerned criticism mostly from parents in the United States. In it, a father and his two daughters share a hot bath together, which was common in Japan during the time period [circa 1950's]. Many viewers who considered this scene overtly sexual and perverse have tried and lobbied to edit this scene out, without success. Miyazaki, who was stunned that anyone could mistake a completely innocent moment between a father and his children to be sexual, had this to say [and I'm paraphrasing] "It is sad that a culture has come to a point where any interaction between a man and a child can only be viewed as a sexual one." Which is true, and which is why only a non-American director could make a film without a shred of moral corruption or cynicism and still make it enjoyable.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing
Review: A superb movie. Absolutely wonderful. My three year old is totally entranced. We kinda skip a couple of parts that get a little intense, like when Satsuki wails "What if Mommy dies?", but other than that, it is wonderful for a three year old. Will be even better when he's 6, I think. In the meantime, I love it. I've watched this tape I don't know how many hundreds of times, and I'm still enchanted.
Rating:
Summary: Totoro is not only for children
Review: I've seen it in a theatre first time. This is not for children. Yes, the story line is like a fairy tale. It remaind me of my childhood and it made me wet with tears. ( I wasn't a little girl at that time.) Anyway, I look for Totoro when I go forest. I'd like to meet Totoro and nekobus( cat bus). Then I'll hug and kiss them.
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Summary: A Wonderful, Kawaii Japanese Anime!
Review: I first saw this movie in like 1993 or something when my daddy rented it for us. Years later, when asked what I wanted for my 15th b-day, I asked for this movie. I had only seen it that one time, but I remembered it and wanted it. So now I have it and it is proudly displayed with my other animes! We have a young neighbor that comes over and watches it with us (she's 4) and eats Japanese snack foods with us. So now I have her addicted to Totoro and Pocky! The Neko Basu (Cat Bus) is the most kawaii thing in the world! The bus stop scene is the best anime scene (besides the Third Impact...)! I have tons of Totoro things-- the Japanese themes, a Totoro doll... it is the cutest anime made by the best anime company (Studio Ghibli- they also made Koufu no Hotaru, Mononoke-hime, Kiki's Delivery Service...)
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Antidote to Disney
Review: This is not only one of my favorite childrens films, it's one of my favorite films period. This movie is truly magical. It achieves what Disney movies never do -- a wonderful story without the need to resort to evil villains or wise-cracking side kicks. In fact, two of the things I find most striking and refreshing about My Neighbor Totoro is the use of images rather than dialogue to propel the plot and the slower, almost contemplative, pacing of the action. (This is one children's movie that won't blare from your TV or yammer at your children!) The first time I saw this movie I watched a friend's pirated VHS tape in Japanese. I was instantly mesmerized and was completely able to follow the story, despite the fact that I did not understand a word the characters said. And don't be put off because it is "japanese animation." This is not your father's japanese animation. The images of the tranquil countryside are sumptuous. Miazaki's attention to the little details of life, like a leaf floating in a stream or raindrops tapping an umbrella, evoke the simpler, purer times of childhood. The children's discovery of the totoro spirits in the old camphor tree recalls a time in every child's life when magic seems possible in the mundane world. As with other Miyazaki films, there is a thrilling flying sequence. However, this film is more appropriate for younger viewers than most of his other works, some of which are decidedly adult in nature despite the fact that they are animated. As the mother of a toddler, I really appreciate the refusal to rely on cliche villians to keep the plot moving. However, I should warn other parents considering this video that the conflicts used to keep the plot moving -- the children's discovery of and search for the dust bunny and totoro spirits and Mei's desire to see her sick mother in the hospital which causes her to lose her way in the countryside -- might be upsetting to the littlest viewers without some parental company and discussion. Otherwise, I wholeheartedly recommend this movie whether you're 2 or 200.
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Summary: Mystical Family Adventure
Review: Totoro is one of the best animated features ever made. The characters are totally believable, and the animation is magnificent. Don't watch this if you're in a hurry, you'll fast forward, and this is one movie that you shouldn't fast forward ANYWHERE. The plot is deceptively simple, but emotionally powerful, with a lot of humor. Easily one of the ten best movies I've ever seen! some prudish types may be offended by the scene in which the father takes a bath with his two daughters, but there's no sexuality at all in that scene, and is a common practice in Japan. The best anime family oriented release ever!
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Summary: ahhhh, the scenery...
Review: i've been a hardcore anime watcher for some time now and i must say i was surprised with this film. my line of tastes in cinema is closer to cyberpunk epics than children's movies. the later release date (animation from '88 ! ) also tends to be bad, but i found no flaw in the animation. what really got me to love this film is the scenery. i LOVE films with detailed environments. i may not realize that the movie's portrail of the Japanese countryside is way off, but i found it beautiful none the less. i would love to visit the part of Japan that inspired the creator and see for myself the beauty. in any case, this film will be enjoyable for anyone that has an open enough mind to try a movie that was originally intended as a young children's story. it is far more entertaining and beautiful than you would expect (ps try and watch the subtitled version too, the granny is hilarious in japanese! )
Rating:
Summary: One of the best movies I have ever seen
Review: This movie is excellent. This is coming from a person who usually doesn't watch anything besides action movies. All I can say is that the story appeals to everyone at all ages and it is something you do not want to miss seeing. It is simply beautifully written. The 3 totoros are so adorable as well as the cat bus.
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Summary: My Very First Anime!
Review: This was my very first anime, and probably my favorite! I recommend it to everyone! The Neko Basu (Cat Bus) is so INcredibly adorably kawaii (cute, pretty, lovely)! Go out there and GET IT! IF you haven't seen it, Miyazaki dsoes work for all audiences, for slightly older ones with *Princess Mononoke* (not yet on video), about the same audience with *Kiki's Delivery service*, and again an older audience with *Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind*. Adults, too, will enjoy his work. My mother sreves to prove this. TOTORO 4EVA!
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Summary: A recent convert
Review: My roommate has Totoro posters plastered on our bedroom walls, and having no prior experience with anime, I just poked fun at how silly they looked. To me, Totoros resembled these big blobs with blank stares. Now that I've watched the film, however, I've done a 180 and am fast becoming a Totoro fan. I found myself giggling with Mei, and I love the scenes when she chases Chu and Chibi around the yard, and pokes Oh's tail to elicit that rubber ducky sound before dozing on his soft, furry belly. As my roomie said, if only I could have a big, fluffy Totoro to sleep on--they just look so soft! I marvel at the imagination it takes to think up a many-legged Catbus and creatures like Oh who balance on tops and carry passengers like Velcro as they whoosh through the night. I only wish there were more scenes with Chu and Chibi.
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