DISCLAIMER: I did not see this movie in its original language(Japanese), but in a dubbed version(Italian). I may have missed some nuances.

After watching two or three other Studio Ghibli movies, I was very curious to see _My Neighbor Totoro_, having seen the titular character at the start of those movies, in the studio's logo. I had also heard very good praise about it, which only piqued my curiosity even more!
And I can say it did not disappoint. I loved every second of this movie; I didn't want it to end!

The brilliance with which it captures the innocence and magic nature of childhood is extraordinary. It's such a sweet and fun tale, told in a beautiful and whimsical way. I liked the pace of the plot, it wasn't rushed but yet it wasn't too slow, it was just right, moving exactly at the right speed. The fact that it interlaced some heavy themes (a sick parent) and the fairy tale like adventures of the two sisters made it more enjoyable for me. There's no real villain either, it's just two children exploring like only they can do, seeing the world with innocent eyes. I also enjoyed how the movie is purposely vague on whether Totoro and his friends are real or a product of Mei and Satsuko's imagination.

The animation is, no need to say it, beautiful. The character design is well thought out; the humans are all unique and realistic. But the real stars are Totoro and his little companions. So adorably cute! I even liked the peculiar sound design for Totoro's voice. I just wished it was more present in the movie.
I wish I had a neighbor Totoro; maybe I need to look better!

In the end, this is a wonderful movie that I can recommend without reservation to anyone, of any age. Maybe it doesn't have the depth of other Studio Ghibli's movies, but there is always space for a fairy tale, whether you're a little kid or a grown adult.

8.5/10