User:Jsymmetry/Animation/My Neighbor Totoro

thumb|250px|right|My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ Tonari no Totoro) A tale of childhood imagination and elemental spirit, My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ Tonari no Totoro) grabs hold of the intrigue present within all that surrounds us, showing the essence of our natural world with a radiance that all can appreciate.

Synopsis
The film follows the paths of two sisters as they move to a new home in the countryside. Rumor (and observation) have it that their house is haunted, but they take it in stride, even exhibiting a special interest in the peculiarities of the neighboring forest. This fascination ends up enabling them to experience the woods as others cannot.

Issues
One mild drawback to the film is the voice acting of Mei, the younger of the two sisters. However, her brief scenes of crying and complaining detract only slightly from the story's overall appeal.

Recommendation
My Neighbor Totoro is suitable for all audiences. It may be of particular value to children in that the film highlights the importance of imagination. Likewise, parents will find it enlightening because it shows that using one's imagination - no matter how far-fetched a child's inventions may be - is an essential part of learning and growing. It is a family's choice whether to nurture this or not.