This film has no protagonist. No antagonist. It doesn’t have a major threat or any kind of hero’s journey. There’s no growth for any of the characters, and anything new the characters come into contact with isn’t met with immediate fear or scepticism.
It gives us a situation and shows us how some people move through it. There isn’t much there, and even less explanation for what goes on.
And for all of that, My Neighbor Totoro is amazing. I did keep wondering when something was going to go wrong or something needed to be overcame. But I was missing the point! Like Totoro himself, this film is warm, slightly odd, and highly memorable. Whimsical? I’d say there’s lots of whimsy.
It’s on Netflix, so check it out. This is an actual Netflix and chill!
As my first Hayao Miyazaki film, I wonder if this has set a rather high bar. Looking forward to trying more though.
Be the first to comment