Blog Talkback: Miyazaki Week: "My Neighbor Totoro" as a Reverse Coming-of-Age Story

Really great article. It goes to show that much of what makes a movie is what we bring with us.

It's been a long time since I have seen this movie, and this has definitely brought a new light to this film. I'll have to rewatch it with this in mind.

Any chance of you making sense of Green Vs Red? :D
 
Nice! I didn't catch that reverse development before, but now that you point it out like that, it just adds another layer to an already great film.

It's funny how Totoro's reputation has risen over the years. Like you, I'm quite convinced that it is his most enduring, sensitively crafterd film.
 
You know, I never really thought of it like that, but... you're right. Satsuki IS a "mother figure" moreso than a child, and through most of the movie you see her trying to, I dunno, mat down her instincts and act as a surrogate for their mother. Which is why the few moments when you DO see Satsuki at her purest, most childish form are generally the most memorable.

I find it to be, probably, the most relatable aspect of the film, actually. Trying to act more grown-up is perhaps the biggest trend at that period of childhood, and given the circumstances, it's thrust upon Satsuki moreso than the average kid.

...

That was rather rambly, I think, but, yeah. Very insightful.
 
Interesting review. Some good points about being a kid and facing problems in life and acting grown-up to be able to deal with the situations that arise. :D

Definetly, one of my favorite out of all Miyazaki animated movies! :anime:
The characters are so relatable and the story is sweet and sensitive at the same time.

Ed Liu you just made me realize something....
I Have not seen this movie in a long time, and after reading your review I will re-visit My Neighbor Totoro again and think from a different perspecitve now, then I did when I first watched it > Thanks :cool:
 
This probably the best analysis of a Miyazaki film, I've ever read. Totoro is definitely the film that is aimed for the child in all of us which is what I think makes it so great.
 
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