The most striking takeaway from Hayao Miyazaki’s film is that, refreshingly, it gets quiet.
The most striking takeaway from Hayao Miyazaki’s film is that, refreshingly, it gets quiet. In other words, “My Neighbor Totoro” is elegantly simple, almost deceptively so. In fact, the beguiling tale of youth is so immersive that it’s easy to forget how many rules it breaks. Many traditional maxims of storytelling are gone. In their place is an honest, somber, and gorgeous portrayal of childhood that has to be seen to be truly understood. Suffice it to say, the moving message comes across loud and clear. Just like for Mei and her sister Satsuki, Totoro’s legacy extends far beyond the confines of a movie.