My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

Easily the best example of the "no plot, just vibes" genre of movies. I had been feeling really drained for the last couple of days, and My Neighbor Totoro was exactly the warmth and comfort I desperately needed in my life.

Director Hayao Miyazaki and art director Kazuo Oga have imbued their film with so much innocence and child-like wonder without being patronising in the least, that I was immediately transported back to my childhood days. It made me forget for a little while the dystopia I am currently living in, and made me feel safe and cozy as only a beloved childhood classic can. And that's the thing- it is not a beloved childhood classic for me, this is the first time I'm seeing it, and yet, I felt drawn to it just like I would feel drawn to some of my old favourite books from when I was a kid. I loved how full of life and energy the two sisters were, and all I wanted to do was run around in rural post-War Japan with them, without a single care in the world. Mei was an absolute precocious little delight- from her little hat to her to her first encounter with Totoro to her keeping a day-long vigil to monitor the plants' growth, I just couldn't get enough of her. As for her elder sister Satsuki, I am amazed at how responsible and sensible she was, and how she filled everyone around her (including the viewers) with so much affection and respect. Miyazaki (who's also the writer) cleverly avoided the trope of making the responsible elder daughter "too serious and sombre for her age", and instead made her as fun-loving and full of joy as one would expect any 11-year old to be. 

The colours of the movie added to its overall happy and calming atmosphere. I don't know much about art, but the animations were so beautiful to watch and reinforced my decision to watch more animated movies this year. 

Can't believe I almost ended this "review" without talking about Totoro. I didn't have the energy, brain space or even inclination to decipher the symbolism behind them, but my god, I really want to cuddle Totoro and feel alright again. Or maybe sleep on Totoro like Mei does when she first meets them. Or go on adventures with them. Or share an umbrella with them. The possibilities are endless, and just thinking about them is making me so happy- THANK YOU TOTORO-CHAN!! I hope you're having a wondeful day :)

In conclusion, Hayao Miyazaki saved our sanity with this movie. By "our" I mean everyone who watched it during this pandemic that feels never-ending. Well, well. At least I have this movie to make me smile- yes, just thinking about it is making me smile widely, I love it so much. And it loves me back, I know it. 

PS- I want to help Nanny and Kanta and the girls with the farming so bad because it's so wholesome and peaceful!! And then have a simple meal outdoors with them because it's a nice sunny day and we're all a little tired and hungry and just happy to be with each other. And then we can... *drifts off into daydreaming mode*

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