Totoro - perhaps the greatest childrens’ film ever

If stuck on a desert island, No.2 child would choose Hayao Miyazaki’s My Neighbour Totoro as his only film. And for that matter, if stuck inside on a rainy DVD-day, he’d probably do the same; and I may well make it my choice too. There is no other film I’d happily sit down and watch every other day if allowed, and I can hardly believe that the film is coming up for its 20th birthday, yet I’ve only been aware of its existence for the last two years. That’s 18 years of viewing I’ve missed.

As an introduction to Japanese cinema, the plot line is graspable by mere mortals. Two girls and their dad move into a new house, whilst their mother is convalescing in hospital. Little Mei meet the Camphor dwelling, keeper of the forest, Totoro, and his entourage of sprites. She gets lost while trying to hike out to the hospital so her big sister Saschi seeks out Totoro for help; who in turn summons the Cat-Bus. All is restored.Perhaps I’ve understated the plot, but it is riveting and beautifully executed, with so much warmth of human spirit without the over-sweetness that often irks me in other children’s films. it led us here at welikeplay HQ into the films of Studio Ghibli and for that we are truly greatfull (I’ll post some other reviews on these over the next while). For worn out kids and adults who need some vegging time slobbed out on the sofa, this is a must.

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