My Neighbour Totoro (EOTWS)
End Of The Week Shorts #15 extract: My Neighbour Totoro (1988)
My Neighbour Totoro is an utterly beautiful film, both in terms of form and content. It goes without saying, but the animation is astounding with innumerable intricate nuances that make each re-watch a slightly different experience. The Ghibli team also bring such life to their characters who, though they veer on the more cartoonish side at times, exude such raw emotion and strength of personality.
The core of this movie though is certainly its exploration of maturation and a flourishing nature in two young girls who have to learn to grow up without the constant guiding hand of their parents. And the manner in which this subtext is injected into the fantasy elements of this narrative through symbolism is entirely masterful.
So, all in all, My Neighbour Totoro is a film I simply can't fault; pure cinematic magic.
