Hey Let's Go

In 1998, I was fortunate to have fate introduce my family to the wonder of Hayao Miyazaki.  My son, Tom, and I were in the video store when he grabbed a video tape off the shelf that would become a family favorite, My Neighbor Totoro.  For the uninitiated, Hayao Miyazaki is known as the Walt Disney of Japan.  If this is true, Totoro is his Mickey Mouse.

My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro) was released by Studo Ghibli in 1988.  It was distributed in the US by Tromo Films, under their 50th Street Films branch and release to VHS in 1993.  Disney re-released it with a new (IMHO inferior) dub when it gained the rights in 2006. 

The film tells the story of Mei and Satsuki, two young girls who move into a rural home with their father to be closer to the hospital where their mother recovers from an illness.  Shortly after moving in Mei meets Totoro while exploring after her sister goes to school for the day.  The story continues as Mei introduces Satsuki to Totoro and his magical friends.

The score by long time Miyazaki collaborator Joe Hisaishi is magical, as well.  It has many memorable themes, like my favorite theme The Path of Wind.  The opening and closing themes, Stroll and My Neighbor Totoro, are as catchy as any movie theme Disney ever came up with. 

My Neighbor Totoro has been recognized as one of outstanding animated features of all time.  Film Critic Roger Ebert has featured it as his film festivals and considers it as one of his "Great Films".  It was also named the greatest animated film of all time by Time Out London.  The film spawned a 13 minute short sequel, Mei and the Kitten Bus, which has never been released to home video.

My Neighbor Totoro is a film that is a must own for any family.  It is all about the sense of discovery that only a child can experience.  It is innocent and moving. 

My Neighbor Totoro is one of my Five Billy Films.