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.