My Neighbour Totoro (U)

★★★★★ The iconic status of Hayao Miyazaki’s 1988 Studio Ghibli animation was recently underscored by a smash-hit stage adaptation in London, and now the movie itself gets a theatrical rerelease. This inspirationally lovely and gentle film has a real claim to be Miyazaki’s masterpiece, or first among equals in his collection, with a simple hand-drawn design whose innocence only becomes more beguiling with repeated viewings, along with its bright, expansive, Gershwin-esque musical score. ~ The Guardian.

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A classic tale of magic and adventure that has captivated audiences of every age for over 30 years, My Neighbour Totoro is perhaps the defining achievement of the legendary Studio Ghibli and Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. 

Sisters Satsuki and Mei move with their father to a new home in the countryside in order to be closer to the hospital where their mother is recovering from a long-term illness. 

They soon discover that country life is not as simple as it seems after learning that the house and nearby woods are full of strange and delightful creatures, including a gigantic but gentle forest spirit called Totoro, who can only be seen by the children. 

Totoro and his friends take the girls on a series of adventures, including a ride aboard the extraordinary Cat Bus, as they come to terms with their new life and the challenges facing their family. 

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★★★★★ A welcome theatrical re-release for Miyazaki’s tender, gorgeous masterpiece; an otherworldly tale of childhood and a definitive work of imagination. ~ Empire.

★★★★★ The film that first brought Miyazaki to international attention remains an animated achievement almost without parallel. And the lack of sentimentality will be utterly refreshing to those raised on a diet of Disney. ~ Time Out.

★★★★★ One of the most beloved animated feature films of all time; timeless is key here, because the power of Totoro seems infinite. ~ Little White Lies.

★★★★ ~ London Evening Standard.

★★★★ ~ Radio Times.