Within the animated cinema, it must be recognized that Disney's hegemony is absolute, both in Western and Eastern culture. Although much less in the Far East, it is also very present. Although it has some competition in the generations of children with other tremendously popular characters.
Totoro is one of them and is part of one of the great animated movies of all time, a Japanese movie like 'My neighbor Totoro', is also a good example of the mastery with which the Japanese, especially its creator Hayao Miyazaki (and Studio Ghibli), have generated unforgettable stories and characters.
'My neighbor Totoro' It is a myth within Japanese culture, and since it was released with enormous success in 1988 it has accompanied many generations of children. His characters are part of the imaginary of the Japanese, but since then he has not stopped increasing his fascination also in the west. Let's see why it is considered a masterpiece and why I strongly recommend it to children (and of course to fathers and mothers).
What counts
It is the story of two girls, Satsuki and Mei, who have moved to the countryside, in a quiet rural area, with their father (a university professor), while their mother is recovering from a serious illness in a nearby hospital.
In the forest near where they live, the two girls Satsuki and Mei discover the existence of some extraordinary beings, beings that not everyone can see, are the spirits of the forest, which, as they say, can only be seen by people from pure heart.
Curious Mei follows them to her home (inside an ancient tree), where she finds Totoro, the king of the forest. When little Mei wants to get to the hospital to see her mother, Satsuki goes to Totoro to help her find her next to creatures.
We like it because ...
It is a fascinating movie from beginning to end. A lovely story, centered on the world of imagination and where we immediately immerse ourselves in the universe of the two little ones, especially in the awake Mei, of only four years.
In addition to the technical invoice of the film, made in the traditional style and without any digital intervention, 'My neighbor Totoro' is delightful, very enjoyable for any type of spectator.
Although it may be less attractive because it is not part of the most popular characters in the West such as those created by the Disney factory, it is very worthwhile to be enchanted by the mastery of its author, Miyazaki, considered a genius of animation.
The movie turns out at times captivating, leaves you hypnotized living the adventures of the two girls who are the protagonists, along with Totoro and other imaginative beings, such as the memorable cat-bus. And we cannot forget the wonderful music.
Values transmitted by 'My Neighbor Totoro'
This movie, which was re-released in cinemas in Spain in 2009 and that enjoys the best-selling category on DVD, is a movie that every child should ever watch. As I said, the fact that they are not such popular characters as Mickey or Donald, the truth is that once the ice is broken, they end up falling in love with Totoro and the rest of the characters.
He mystery and imagination surrounding 'My neighbor Totoro' move the little ones to their world. That in which everything is possible, where imaginary but endearing beings live. Is a tribute to childhood, to fun, to wake up, to create new friends without prejudice ...
The figure of the father, a geologist and university professor, demonstrates an enormous understanding towards girls. Very tolerant and respects that overflowing imagination they demonstrate, treating it with enormous naturalness and affection
In general 'My neighbor Totoro' is a song to happiness and is transmitted from the beginning to the end.
Recommended from 4 years
Children under four years of age can enjoy the most interesting moments, especially with the presence of Totoro, but perhaps after four years (also by the age of Mei, the small protagonist) when more match They can take out and more they can enjoy.
It requires patience, because it is not a fast-paced and action-packed film that we often get used to little ones. But rather contemplative, which does not mean boring at any time. In fact the story It is narrated with great mastery and the interest to know, first to the beings of the forest, and then how Mei's search develops, make it happen in a sigh.
As I say, those parents who do not know it should give it a try, because it is one of the great animated films of all time and surely after seeing it with the little ones, we will have to adopt Totoro as one of the unforgettable characters They will always remember.
