Studio Ghibliis arguably the most recognizable name in anime. For over 40 years, the titan of the industry has delivered movies of the highest quality to fans of all ages on a consistent basis, and appears primed to continue doing so for years to come. From action to romance, drama to fantasy,Ghibli has something for everyone.
Just as iconic is the studio’s founder and famed director, Hayao Miyazaki, who,despite rumors and claims of retirement, is reportedly working on his next project following the success of 2023’sThe Boy and the Heron. Almost four decades ago, he directed the perfect Ghibli movie, and despite the success of all that followed, the studio has yet to top it.
My Neighbor Totoro Is the Perfect Studio Ghibli Movie
No Film Since Has Better Represented What Studio Ghibli Is All About
Studio Ghibli has released a number of movies fans and even critics would consider masterpieces. BothSpirited AwayandThe Boy and the Heronwon Miyazaki Oscars, while titles likeKiki’s Delivery Service,Princess Mononoke, andHowl’s Moving Castleremain favorites decades after their premieres.
Only one movie, however, best represents what Studio Ghibli is all about:1988’sMy Neighbor Totoro. The fourth film produced by Ghibli, which was bizarrely released as a double feature withthe horrifyingly darkGrave of the Fireflies, is one of the studio’s most popular titles ever. So much so that its titular creature became Ghibli’s official mascot.
Studio Ghibli, and Hayao Miyazaki in particular, have made films about a wide variety of subjects, but they all tend to incorporate similar central themes. There is the young, typically female protagonist dealing with some sort of personal trouble, usually relating to family matters or some other coming-of-age issue, coming into contact with some supernatural entity.
In the case ofKiki’s Delivery Service, Kiki herself is the supernatural force. Through whatever adventure or journey is taken with that supernatural entity, the protagonistlearns a valuable lesson or is changed in some way.
Kiki’s Delivery Service,Spirited Away, andHowl’s Moving Castleall make use of a similar structure, whilePonyoswaps the protagonist’s gender, but keeps all else relatively the same. However,none make use of that structure better thanMy Neighbor Totorodoes.
Such distinctly Japanese fantasy elements, young protagonists escaping real-world issues, and a strong reminder of the importance of imagination for children coping with trauma aremasterfully combined to make the perfect Ghibli product.
My Neighbor Totoro Is as Relevant Today as It Was Nearly 40 Years Ago
The Ghibli Classic’s Central Themes Are Still So Effective
On the surface,My Neighbor Totorois a cute tale of two young girls running into a giant friendly monster in the woods near their new countryside home. There’s such a strong and infectious sense of childhood wonder throughout the entire movie that’s near impossible not to feel good about.
Hayao Miyazaki once stated that he madeMy Neighbor Totorowith that sense of wonder in mind,and to showcase and celebrate the post-World War II rural Japan he grew up in. The film doesn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of childhood though, either.
Each time Totoro appears, the young girls are left to deal with uniquely difficult situations on their own, representing the power of imagination and fantasy when young children have nothing else to turn to for help.
The entire reason for the move, as well as the spark for Totoro’s presence and eventually the conflict of the film in its latter half, is the illness of Satsuki and Mei’s mother. Children acclimating to a new home while dealing with the absence of a parent is not such an easy thing, and they’re forced to turn to Totoro in times of need.
His first appearance comes when the younger sister is left alone and forced to entertain herself. Totoro next appears at the bus stop, when both girls are alone on a dark and rainy night waiting for their father to return home. Later, he appears at night and takes Satsuki and Mei on a wondrous adventure through the air, and finally to assist Satsuki in her search for her sister.
Each time Totoro appears, the young girls are left to deal with uniquely difficult situations on their own, representing the power of imagination and fantasy when young children have nothing else to turn to for help. The entire package is lighthearted and a ton of fun to become invested in,but it also sheds light on how hard being a helpless child can be.
No other Ghibli work so masterfully communicates that childhood innocence, while delivering relevant themes in such a grounded setting inhabited by fantastical creatures.
My Neighbor Totorois one of anime’s certified classic movies, and its central giant, cuddly monster lives on asthe symbol of what Studio Ghibli is all about. Arguably better movies might have come later down the line, but none has been a better representative for the studio and its long list of masterpieces.
