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26 Comments

  1. Logan
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:30 pm

    If you thought the voice acting for this dub was flat you need to watch the other one because it’s A LOT better as it goes for the voice acting.

  2. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:31 pm

    I’m glad you liked it and the two films Hayao Miyazaki directed I would recommend the most would be Princess Mononoke & Spirited Away.

  3. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:31 pm

    Thank you!

  4. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:33 pm

    Thank you and I did not know that! I never realized I messed up on Shigesato Itoi thank you for correcting me there! Plus I will admit I was a little worried how my review would turn out.

  5. An Average Joe
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:33 pm

    I am not saying that everyone has to like the film, because saying that is really arrogant and false beyond belief, and I admit I have extremely minor grips with the film. However, a no story complaint just seems strange, did I will say that to a person who thinks that way in a respectful manner.

  6. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:36 pm

    No not everyone has to like it, and really the story I thought was quite nonlinear.

  7. CHCHuser
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:42 pm

    This seems like a nice film to watch. I think My Neighbor Totoro is what a kids film should be like; Simple yet smart.

  8. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:42 pm

    To anyone who sees this review I want to say I think I’ve improved since then as I toned down on transitions and even started to use clips, here are the last 3 anime reviews I’ve done in case anyone wanted to see them!

    The Girl Who Leapt Through Time Movie Review

    Summer Wars Movie Review

    Wolf Children Movie Review

  9. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:46 pm

    Saying it doesn’t have a plot really does undersell a lot on what My Neighbor Totoro want to achieve at least to me it does.

  10. An Average Joe
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:46 pm

    Agreed. There there are people who dislike the film, and I can see why. No film is for everyone, and there people who do dislike this particular film reasonably. Which I can appreciate and respect. It all honestly, I am glad I got to see the film, and came up with my own conclusions first, before I debate reasonably with others on their stance on the film. Because in my mind, the world of film criticism can be a interesting place to see the opinions and discussions of others on a film.

  11. szproductions1
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:50 pm

    great review also BTW shigesato itoi isn’t a game designer he’s a writer who came up with a game idea he wrote numerous of books and made guest appearances on shows in japan. But other than that awesome review i definitely have to see this film.

  12. CosmoShidan
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:51 pm

    That was well done man!

  13. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:51 pm

    There are a few references though it’s nowhere near as much as the bits of Isao Takahata’s films I have seen, where is said quote if you don’t mind me asking?

  14. szproductions1
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:56 pm

    no problem man the review itself was great and i definitely need to find this film and a lot of other films done by this director.

  15. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:56 pm

    Thank you and it is a gem as far as animation goes!

  16. BooBop1987
    June 1, 2019 @ 6:58 pm

    Great Review Man!

  17. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:02 pm

    Thank you! I will say My Neighbor Totoro is not an easy movie to review so it’s understandable why you would have a hard time describing why you like it so much..

  18. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:04 pm

    Same here since no film is for everyone let alone perfect which is why I never rate a film 10/10 overall, I am also glad I saw this film and I agree the world of film criticism is very interesting indeed.

  19. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:07 pm

    Thank you Drew!

  20. SteelyPhil37
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:09 pm

    Nice review!  The film has certainly retained its appeal 25 years after its initial release, and it’s easy to see why.  I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it and it hasn’t dulled on repeat viewings.  Moreover, I showed the movie to my sister, who isn’t nearly as much of an anime junkie as me, and she loved it too.  Going strictly on the subbed version, I honestly have no negative criticisms of the film; its unconventional story structure works to the film’s advantage brilliantly because of the strength of the characters (writing and voice acting), the beauty of the animation and score, and its consistently unique, nostalgic tone.

    It’s a real breath of fresh air as a kid’s movie considering the typical fare offered here in the States, and while I can see why it’s not for everyone, I don’t think anyone can deny the sheer amount of artistry and talent that went into the production.  To me, the joy bursting at the film’s seams is simply infectious and it never fails to bring a smile to my face.  I do think the pairing of Grave of the Fireflies with My Neighbor Totoro in its theatrical release was a -horrible- misstep because their tones are just too different in tone to complement each other well, made all the more unfortunate because both films are among the greatest anime movies ever made. At least Studio Ghibli managed to stabilize financially and produce many more wonderful films, and both movies have since gained the widespread acclaim they fully deserve.  

  21. An Average Joe
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:17 pm

    I think I lot has to due to the way the story. Late film critic Roger Ebert in his review of the film stated and I quote "My Neighbor Totoro is based on experience, situation and exploration—not on conflict and threat." This I think has lead to the fame the movie has received, but some people I. Turn has say the movie has no plot, which to be fair, I think really undersells what the movie wants to achieve.

  22. Turnajon
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:22 pm

    The new dub of TOTORO is honestly fine. Not any better or worse than the FOX dub, only different. But apart from some low key moments I thought Disney did a very respectable job dubbing it. Their version may not be the FOX dub, but it’s really not at all bad.

  23. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:22 pm

    Thank you!

  24. Michael Schomer
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:27 pm

    I’m really glad you liked my review, with the opening song I used the English version which I listened to both versions of the opening song and I liked both of them!

  25. An Average Joe
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:27 pm

    I saw the movie recently thanks toy your review, and I got to say, saying that I love the film is a big understatement. I am still having a hard time to describe to myself on why I love this movie. Thanks for the review!

  26. BooBop1987
    June 1, 2019 @ 7:28 pm

    Your Welcome!