My Neighbor Totoro
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.
Nickyjames reviewed
September 11, 2025•
I didn't see this movie for the first time until about 2010 or so and the charm of the direction was immediately apparent. This movie really touches on themes of childhood whimsy and wonder and magic all while tackling more dramatic and adult themes in the background. I've always liked the idea that magic and other fun stuff like that becomes loft with age and Totoro really drives that idea home in a heartwarming way. And as an American I enjoy seeing what rural Japan might have looked like 80 years ago