I've just seen MY Neighbour Totoro :)

[finbarlafume]

I recently got hold of a Japanese DVD of 'My Neighbour Totoro' and after watching it ( twice already ) I can only come to the conclusion that it must surley be one of the best animated movies ever made.
Fantastic stuff!
It was a very simple story but at the same time it was utterly compelling. A genuine film for all the family.
The attention to detail was brilliant, a true work of art.
I'm now determined to try and get some more of Hayao Miyazaki's movies on import DVD.
Any recommendations? ( I already have Princess Mononoke )

[Joe Tully]

Well, I have Kiki's Delivery Service which is pretty good. But right now it's only out on VHS in the US but if you're getting an import you can probably get the DVD. There's a thread at the DVD board that shows where you can vote for Disney to put it on DVD.

I haven't seen Totoro yet, partly because I was wondering if it was the sort of thing that older viewers would like too, but now I'm thinking that I might pick it up. I'll probably wind up getting it at some point.

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

I consider all Miyazaki films at least palatable for adults. His films have a mature sense of pacing going on that doesn't insult the viewer, no matter how ridiculous the subject manner may seem.

[Failure]

Hmm, I read about my Neighbor Totoro and thought it might be interesting. I was also wondering whether it would be too kiddy or not. It sounds like I'll definitely have to check it out though. Too bad it's not out on DVD in the US.

[finbarlafume]

Joe Tully wrote...
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I haven't seen Totoro yet, partly because I was wondering if it was the sort of thing that older viewers would like too,
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'My Neighbour Totoro' is one of those very rare films that although aimed at children, can be enjoyed by anyone whether they be 4 or 40.
It's oddly hynoptic in it's pacing and imagery, quite likely to keep everyone enthralled. ( and for animation fans each frame has an amazing wealth of detail )
The famous director Akira Kurosawa ( of Seven Samurai fame ) once said that 'Totoro' was one of the greatest movies he'd ever seen and he praised Miyazaki highly for his work. ( And a recommendation from a master director like Kurosawa is certainly a recommendation to note )

[Elven Moon]

So you've been pulled into the spell that is Totoro too, huh? It's not my favorite Miyazaki film but I love it just the same. I think my all-time fave would have to be Whisper of the Heart. Wonderful movie with great music. Second is Laputa. I look forward to the day it is released on DVD in the states, if ever. At the rate Disney's going perhaps I can catch it when my great-grandchildren are born (And I'm not even 25, by the way).

[Leaping Larry Jojo]

Originally posted by finbarlafume

'My Neighbour Totoro' is one of those very rare films that although aimed at children, can be enjoyed by anyone whether they be 4 or 40.
It's oddly hynoptic in it's pacing and imagery, quite likely to keep everyone enthralled. ( and for animation fans each frame has an amazing wealth of detail )
The famous director Akira Kurosawa ( of Seven Samurai fame ) once said that 'Totoro' was one of the greatest movies he'd ever seen and he praised Miyazaki highly for his work. ( And a recommendation from a master director like Kurosawa is certainly a recommendation to note )

Indeed. In the quest for more "mature" animation, many people, even those on this board, forget that YOU CAN tell a non violent, non pop-culture referencing children's story and have it still be good for adults. In Totoro, the beauty is in the subtleties and the almost plotless nature of the film. In Kiki's Delivery Service, it's sort of a utopian coming of age story that doesn't involve fighting baddies or even any outside conflicts--all the conflict is within Kiki, and what I like is that SHE DOESN'T feel the need to always explain her feelings explicitly (except in private) to hammer it over the audience's head.

And if I sound like some kind of PTC member, well, I apologize, but if even I, a self-admitted violence fan can appreciate Miyazaki's quieter films, then surely others can too!

I'd also recommend Porco Rosso for something a little different from the norm.

[ccffan01]

Thats the one with that huge bear thing. I saw that in 6th grade in Japaneese class.