Through the looking glass

// Synopsis: Totoro is a forest spirit that little Mei, and later her older sister Satsuki, encounter in a giant camphor tree near their new home in the countryside. Although their father, a university professor, is with them when they move, their mother is in the hospital, recovering from some unnamed illness. When Mei hears that her mother’s condition may be getting worse, she resolves to visit her all by herself. When everyone realizes she’s missing, only Totoro knows how to find her.

// Review: This was my first Miyazaki anime and I have to say that I’ve really like all of them except for Princess Mononoke. Totoro felt like an Alice in Wonderland-esque tale, except they never leave their world. The new young sisters discover a magical neighbor only they can see. This was a really light hearted fun title about these girls adjusting to a new home and coping with their mother who is sick in the hospital.

/ Miyazaki does a great job capturing the innocence and carefree life of childhood. At the same time though the audience gets a look through the eyes of kids of the hard parts like adjusting to moving to a new home, making new friends, and how scary it is dealing with a parent who is ill.

// Wrap up: If I ever had kids, I would love for them to watch stuff like this instead of Barney. Until then, it’s still enjoyable for myself.

Entertainment rating: 4