Summary and Impact:
The story starts with a father, Tatsuo, and his two daughters, Satsuki and Mei, moving into a new home that is older-looking with nature surrounding it. Their mother, Yasuko, is in a hospital nearby as she is trying to recover from an illness. As the girls start to adjust to their new home, they find out it has some mysterious spiritual things going on. The girls first discover black puff balls, referred to as soot sprites, which had occupied the house previously. The family connects with an older woman whom they call Granny and her grandson Kanta, a boy Satsuki’s age. Then, one day, as Satsuki is at school and Tatsuo is working, Mei wanders off and meets Totoro, a giant forest spirit and smaller versions of him. Satsuki and their father find Mei sleeping in a bush, and Mei tries to explain what she saw. One day, when the girls wait for their father at the bus station, Satsuki finally meets Totoro. One day, after Mei and Satsuki argue, Mei tries to walk to the hospital to see her mother. Mei, who is only 4, gets lost, and Satsuki and Granny gather the town to search for Mei. After searching everywhere and getting discouraged, Satsuki sparks the idea to find Totoro and ask for his help. Eventually, Totoro and his friend Catbus find Mei and bring her to see her mother and then safely home. This movie significantly impacted me growing up because it allowed me to relate since I was moving into a new place with my father and older sister. This movie showed me the connection between people and nature. Throughout the movie, Totoro’s harmonious bond with nature and how it can be beneficial is portrayed to the audience. Since Yasuko, the girl’s mother, was at the hospital and since moving to a new house, the girls were struggling. Befriending Totoro allows the girls to seek support from him and expresses the theme that anyone can find joy in things that seem scary. The girls were initially struggling with the move, being afraid of the soot sprites calling them gremlins. Totoro acts as a fill-in for the girl’s mother, providing them comfort. This movie showed me the importance of your community and the significance of nature. It also taught me to look for the bright side in situations and how positivity can be found no matter your doubts.
- Release Date: July 13, 1990 (in US)
- Writter and Director: Hayao Miyazaki
- Producer: Studio Ghibili
- Rating: ★★★★★
- Box Office: $41 million
Studio Ghibili Park:
Movie Trailer: