Once again we return to the beautiful imagination of Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli. This week we were lucky enough to sit down to watch and discuss one of his most enduring favourites - 1988's My Neighbor Totoro.

If you've never heard of this film, or seen images of its title character around, we're assuming you live under a rock.

 

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This is an original story by Studio Ghibli and Miyazaki, so there is no author biography for Aly to give us. She had to get creative this week! She instead gives us a rundown of the Japanese philosophy/religion/way of life known as Shinto. While Totoro is not based on Shinto, there are elements of Shinto within the movie and Aly felt it would be an interesting topic to discuss. Please note, this is a brief overview. It is a massive part of the Japanese culture and history and it would be doing a disservice to allow anybody to assume this is an in-depth look at it. But it is very interesting and we recommend you learn more! Aly also lets us in on what exactly IS Totoro. The short answer: a mystery! The long answer: listen to the episode!

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On the exact opposite end of the scale she also takes us into the dark world of Totoro conspiracy theories. Did you know that many people believe My Neighbor Totoro is linked to death and a murder?

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Totoro Title Sequence

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Sarrah takes over and gives us a rundown of the names involved in this film. She also lets us in on the fact that the entire title sequence was not done with storyboards but relied solely on time sheets (and also explains what those are for non-artsy people).

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Isao Takahata

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Sarrah also gives us a belated biography of the famed director Isao Takahata, who passed away in April of this year (2018). We learn a little bit more about how he got started in animation and how he met Miyazaki. His later life is not as documented, but we are hopeful as we reach some of his later works we will have more information on this animation icon to share with you.

Together we discuss an immensely talented voice cast on two continents (for the record: Pat Carroll did NOT voice the Fairy Godmother at any point. Or, at least, it is not on any resume we could fine.), the duel release of Totoro with Grave of the Fireflies, and debunk the myth of a Studio Ghibli theme park a la Disneyland. Although Aly does let us in on the Totoro details at the Ghibli Museum!

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Our walk-through includes us mainly exclaiming over how much we loved it and how cute the sisters were, although we do discuss some problematic parenting and why we're not the huuuugest fans of the Catbus (sorry!).

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And with that we're off! Call the Catbus, grab your Dad's umbrella and some acorns and let's join our friend and neighbor Totoro!

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