Plot: The film follows the everyday adventures of Satsuki and Mei, two young girls who recently moved to the country with their mother and father. While exploring, Mei discovers Totoro, an owl-eared, bear-bodied guardian of the forest. Mei and Satsuki discover the magic and power within their own backyard. Yet, their mother's health continues to fall. Can the girls and their unseen friend help her?
Genre: Anime, Fantasy
Reading Level: Rated G
Similar Titles: Ponyo, The Cat Returns, The Iron Giant
Personal Thoughts: This movie features what is probably the most iconic of all anime scenes - a little girl standing next to a fluffy monster with an umbrella. As bizarre as the mental image is, the film provides a good story with believable characters. The newer dub, featuring Dakota Fanning and Elle Fanning, captures the interactions between the two sisters wonderfully. Some older tweens may dismiss the film as too childish, but due to the film's influence in more popular culture (such as the Studio Ghibi logo and cameos in Futurama, Sandman comics, and Toy Story 3), it is definitely recommended.
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