My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
-
90% of critics liked it
(31 reviews) -
93% of users liked it
(81,092 ratings)
This superbly animated children's tale is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan's most beloved animators. The story follows Satsuke and Mei, two young girls who find that their new country home is in a mystical forest inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures called Totoros. They… More This superbly animated children's tale is directed by Hayao Miyazaki, one of Japan's most beloved animators. The story follows Satsuke and Mei, two young girls who find that their new country home is in a mystical forest inhabited by a menagerie of mystical creatures called Totoros. They befriend O Totoro, the biggest and eldest Totoro, who is also the king of the forest. As their girls' mother lies sick in the hospital, O Totoro brings the sisters on a magical adventure but also helps them to understand the realities of life. Like most films released by Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli, this family-oriented feature has a powerful ecological theme. The English-language version of this film wasn't dubbed until many years later, explaining the presence of actors such as Dakota Fanning in the cast (who wasn't even born until 1994). ~ Jonathan E. Laxamana, Rovi
- Directed By
- Hayao Miyazaki
- Genres
- Drama, Animation, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1988 Wide
Critic Reviews
-
Leonard Klady, Variety
Obviously aimed at an international audience, the film evinces a disorienting combination of cultures that produces a nowhere land more confused than fascinating.
-
Derek Adams, Time Out
The lack of sentimentality will be utterly refreshing to those raised on a diet of Disney.
-
Stephen Holden, New York Times
Too much of the film...is taken up with stiff, mechanical chitchat.
-
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Here is a children's film made for the world we should live in, rather than the one we occupy.
-
Brian Gibson, Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Canada)
With the finest rhythm of any Ghibli film, this masterwork gently see-saws the faint aches of youth with utter trust in the wonder of a nature-inspired imagination. In lulling, Ozu-like moments, the landscape twinkles in its beauty, like the film itself.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Subscription Services
Cast
-
Dakota Fanning
as Satsuki [Disney dub]
-
Elle Fanning
as Mei [Disney dub]
-
Tim Daly
as Dad [Disney dub]
-
Lea Salonga
as Mom [Disney dub]
-
Pat Carroll
as Granny [Disney dub]
-
Lisa Michelson
as Satsuki [Fox dub]
-
Cheryl Chase
as Mei [Fox dub]
-
Greg Snegoff
as Dad [Fox dub]
-
Alexandra Kenworthy
as Mom [Fox dub]
-
Natalie Core
as Nanny [Fox dub]
-
Noriko Hidaka
as Satsuki
-
Chika Sakamoto
as Mei
-
Shigesato Itoi
as Dad
-
Sumi Shimamoto
as Mom
-
Tanie Kitabayashi
as Kanta's Grandmother
-
Hitoshi Takagi
as Totoro
-
Machiko Washio
as Teacher



