となりのトトロ

Ghibli classic

Here we have some very easy immersion material. I've been doing this challenge of watching all the Ghibli movies, and this was probably the easiest of them. This is a very important Japanese movie for kids who grew up in the Heisei Era in Japan, and it has a special place in the hall of the most important animated movies there.

great movie and great material to start consuming native content

I remember watching this movie as a teen and not being left with a very lasting impression, although I found it very cute and charming - probably because of the rather simple plot. I feel like that’s a pretty common reaction among those who didn’t watch this movie as kids, despite its iconic status among Ghibli’s productions. Now that I’m a bit older and after rewatching it, I was able to enjoy it a lot more. To me, Totoro is like an ode to childhood and to the innocence and creativity that come with it; and how, when adults don’t try to suppress those aspects while raising their children (just like how the girls’ father never tries to tell them that Totoro or the susuwatari don’t exist, but rather encourages them to believe in them), it can become a tool to help them overcome difficult stages in their lives (in this case, their mother’s illness and Mei’s disappearance).

The vocabulary and grammar are both pretty simple; the Japanese subtitles were made for children and use minimal kanji (or include furigana), so this movie is a great way to start consuming native material.

nice setting

its a nice setting, but thats all it has sadly. I watched it for the first time because it seemed easy, and it really was. I liked the voice acting although it wasnt much for the length and the art and score was good too. but it really doesnt have any plot, it feels like an intro ep1 for a full season.