Two sisters move to the country with their father in order to be closer to their hospitalized mother, and discover the surrounding trees are inhabited by Totoros, magical spirits of the forest. When the youngest runs away from home, the older sister seeks help from the spirits to find her.
Obviously aimed at an international audience, the film evinces a disorienting combination of cultures that produces a nowhere land more confused than fascinating.
– Leonard Klady,
Variety,
1 Sep 2008
fresh:
The world the characters inhabit is less expressionist than impressionist, blessed with a delicate evocation of natural light and color that subtly incorporates Miyazaki's environmentalism.
– Sam Adams,
AV Club,
23 May 2013
fresh:
Sheer enchantment.
– Ted Shen,
Chicago Reader,
8 Dec 2014
fresh:
Miyazaki's appreciation of miraculous possibilities and childhood visions is what drives Totoro.
– John Hartl,
Seattle Times,
8 Dec 2014
fresh:
Despite these limits, My Neighbor Totoro is a gentle and affirming film.