My Neighbor Totoro 1988

In post-war Japan, Professor Tatsuo Kusakabe and his two daughters, Satsuki (approximately ten years old) and Mei (four years old), relocate to an antiquated residence adjacent to the hospital where their mother, Yasuko, is recovering from a protracted illness. This new abode is home to small, ethereal entities known as susuwatari, which manifest when transitioning from bright environments to dark ones. As these elusive beings abandon their current dwelling in search of another vacant space, Mei stumbles upon two diminutive spirits that lead her to the hollow of a massive camphor tree. She forms an unlikely bond with a larger, more majestic entity that introduces itself through a series of low-frequency roars she interprets as “Totoro.” Believing Totoro to be the mythical creature from her illustrated book Three Billy Goats Gruff, Mei falls asleep atop this enigmatic being but awakens on the ground when Satsuki finds her. Despite numerous attempts, Mei is unable to reveal Totoro’s sanctuary to her family, and Tatsuo offers words of comfort, suggesting that Totoro will unveil himself at his own discretion.

As the girls await their father’s bus, which has become tardy, Mei drifts off to sleep on Satsuki’s back. It is then that Totoro materializes beside them, allowing Satsuki to catch her first glimpse of this mystical being. Totoro’s sole adornment is a delicate leaf atop his head, serving as protection against the impending rain. Moved by Satsuki’s concern for his well-being, he accepts her offered umbrella and responds with a bundle of nuts and seeds as a token of gratitude. A colossal, bus-shaped feline subsequently arrives on the scene, and Totoro boards this fantastical vehicle, disappearing into the distance.

Several days later, after Mei has planted the seeds received from Totoro, the girls are awoken in the dead of night to find themselves surrounded by Totoro and his fellow spirits engaged in a mesmerizing ceremonial dance around the newly planted seeds. The sisters join in this enchanting spectacle, causing the seeds to burst forth into an enormous tree that towers above them. As the night wears on, Totoro takes the girls on a thrilling ride aboard a magical flying top. Come morning, the tree has vanished, but the seeds have begun to sprout, hinting at the wonders that lie ahead for this family and their newfound friends in the realm of the susuwatari.

As the weight of uncertainty settles upon them, Mei’s world is turned upside down when she learns that her mother’s impending visit has been delayed due to a setback in her medical treatment. The news sends Mei into a tailspin of emotions, culminating in a heated argument with Satsuki (Ellen) as they struggle to come to terms with the sudden turn of events. Seeking solace and a chance to ease her mother’s discomfort, Mei sets out on a solo journey to the hospital, armed with a bouquet of fresh corn as a symbol of her love and care. However, her determination to reach her mother’s bedside becomes clouded when she finds herself lost in an unfamiliar landscape.

As night begins to fall, Satsuki (Ellen) is consumed by worry and despair, convinced that Mei has met her untimely demise. With the neighbors joining forces to scour the neighborhood for any sign of Mei’s whereabouts, Satsuki is left with no choice but to turn to the mystical world of Totoro (voiced by…) for help. Responding to Satsuki’s desperation, Totoro summons the enigmatic Catbus, a mystical vehicle that whisks Satsuki away on a journey of discovery and ultimately reunites her with Mei in a heartwarming display of sisterly love.

As the dust settles on their emotional rollercoaster, the girls’ thoughts turn to their mother’s health, which they learn has been stabilizing due to a minor cold. In a show of tender devotion, the sisters secretly leave an ear of corn on the hospital windowsill, where it is discovered by their parents. With the family reunited and their mother’s recovery on the mend, Mei (voiced by…) and Satsuki (voiced by…) are finally able to return home, where they rediscover the simple joys of childhood amidst the watchful gaze of Totoro and his forest friends. As the seasons change and life slowly returns to normal, the girls find solace in each other’s company, their bond strengthened by the shared experiences that have tested their hearts and minds.