🌰 This is the quintessential of Ghibli films. I immediately fell in love with its whimsical charm and beautiful animation. Miyazaki’s vision and his team’s hard work doesn’t go unnoticed here. Totoro’s design is so iconic it’s practically a cultural symbol. Speaking of, Totoro is absolutely adorable and I love everything about him and would do anything for him. The fluidity of the animation, the beautiful background art that fully immersed me in such a magical environment. The use of bright colors truly imparted the sense of ease and wholesomeness that left me utterly relaxed. His work was always something I looked to for inspiration, and at for admiration. And the music...rarely I have ever heard something that immediately brought a smile to face. It was nothing short of cathartic, I felt all warm inside. Joe Hisaishi has once again proven his musical prowess. And while simple, the story was nonetheless beautifully written and portrayed. The characters weren’t one dimensional and all felt genuine. Nothing necessary extraordinary took place in the film, which I love. Sometimes there’s an inexplicable beauty in the mundane because it allows you to freely take in everything around you. Not everything needed a reason or a reaction. It was just something you could vicariously experience however you like. I could feel what I wanted to feel. The simplicity we all sometimes seek to have can be found throughout the movie. There was no drawn out climatic resolve, which lends to how many of us live our lives. The world of Ghibli is so relatable and simultaneously close to our own and completely unique. I hate that it took me soooo long to finally watch this but better late than never. I adored every minute of this film, and has become one of my favorite Ghibli films without question. 🌰