Shanda Watson
Dr. Childs
English 1301
September 28,
2012
Although “My Neighbor
Totoro” may appear naïve for some viewers; I presume the movie’s intention was
to illustrate benevolence towards others. Hayao Miyazaki did a phenomenal job with
promoting a positive message.
The plot, two adventurous sisters,
Satsuki and Mei along with their father; move into a house in the country to be
closer to the hospital in which their mother dwells. Early on Satsuki and Mei gain knowledge of the
mysteriously enchanting creatures that live in and around their home.
I agree with Roger Ebert when he
stated, “Here is a children’s film made for the world we should live in, rather
than the one we occupy.”
The movie illustrates a cultivating
and gregarious community. Here are some reasons that may help support my point
of view. In the beginning while the girls and their father were cleaning and
unpacking into their new home we are introduced to an old woman. The old woman
is their neighbor who greets the family in a pleasing manner; as she introduces
herself to Satsuki and Mei she welcomes them to call her Granny. Shortly after
the introduction, Granny immediately assists in household chores, babysitting
as well as cooking for the girls.
In a later scene,
the younger sister Mei is lost; while trying to follow her older sister to a
phone, to check on the well beings of their mother. In no time, a greater
number of the community as well as the mysteriously enchanting creatures assist
in looking for her. The movie gives a pleasant example of how a community should
network in the time of need.
In
creating Satsuki, the older sister, Miyazaki did a remarkable job in making her
mature, audacious, and compliant; very different from what we perceive with our
eyes today. Satsuki, having knowledge of her mother’s illness initiates the
responsibility of: combing Mei’s hair and making breakfast for her family,
before leaving for school. There is a scene,
in which Mei is taking a nap in the forest and her whereabouts are unknown.
Satsuki without hesitation go out and find her. Satsuki is also very thoughtful of others. One
day after walking home from school in the rain; Satsuki unquestionably walk
with her younger sister, in the dark, to the bus stop to meet their father with
an umbrella, so that he would not get wet.
Miyazaki’s
shows off his artistic ability in creating the mysterious enchanting creatures,
without using cruelly malicious people, profanity, nudity an physical combat; proves
his mastery. Instead we are introduced
to a giant, companionable, outgoing creature named Totoro. Allowing this film to
be universally appreciated.
