My Neighbor Totoro is all about the warmth, fears, and wonders of childhood. The film is also loosely based on Hayao Miyazaki's childhood with his siblings. Mei and Satsuki travel to the countryside for a difficult reason: they want to be closer to their mother, who is sick in the hospital.

Although there are difficult and even sad parts in My Neighbor Totoro, there are many warm and beautiful moments. Mei and Satsuki had a beautiful childhood, full of imagination, cared for by kind neighbors and guided by loving and affirming parents. Even though parts of their little lives may be scary, there is still much wonder in store for them in their childhood. My Neighbor Totoro It's such an enduring classic because its touching whimsy and sincerity appeal to children and adults alike.

10 Mei and Satsuki jump on mosquito nets

Mei and Satsuki have a lot of fun with everyday things, and their father, Tatsuo, encourages them with enthusiasm and patience. The Kusakabes have moved to the beautiful countryside, and as the weather warms, that means mosquitoes at night. Tatsuo sets up a net in their bedroom so they can sleep peacefully, and the girls take the opportunity to use it as a trampoline.

Mei and Satsuki's laughter is infectious as they jump around in their pajamas and listen to the crickets chirp. The scene makes the audience nostalgic for childhood summer nights, painting a picture of security and tranquility. It's also a breath of peace that reminds the audience to take joy in the little things. Many parents might be tired and impatient at this time of night, but Tatsuo stays in the moment and lets his daughters have a little fun before settling down.

“Dad? Are the plants going to come out? I mean, are they going to come out tomorrow?” –Mei Kusakabe

“That’s hard to say. Maybe Totoro can say it if he wants to. Good night.” –Tatsuo Kusakabe

9 Satsuki prepares a beautiful lunch for her family

Satsuki's father takes on many roles as the primary caregiver for his two daughters while their mother is in the hospital, and he does so happily. But between work, fatherhood, housekeeping, and the longer commute from the field to work, sometimes things slip. One morning, Tatsuo accidentally oversleeps and wakes to find his eldest daughter preparing lunch for the family.

Preparing lunch is no easy task, and Satsuki is quite skilled at it. Satsuki makes a beautiful lunch divided into three bento boxes for herself, her sister Mei, and her father. The scene shows how family pulls together to make things work in somewhat more complex times, and that they all express gratitude for each other – and for a lovely meal.

“I made lunch for everyone, don’t worry about it.” –Satsuki Kusakabe

8 Kanta gives his umbrella to Satsuki on a rainy day

Mei goes to spend the day at school with Satsuki because Mei is having a hard time. Satsuki then has to walk home from school with her younger sister just as the sky opens and rain falls. Satsuki tries to make the best of the situation by hiding in a roadside shrine.

Help comes from an unexpected place when their neighbor, Kanta, approaches the girls under the shrine and, without saying a word, offers them his umbrella. Confused but grateful, Satsuki accepts the umbrella. Kanta runs off into the rain; he doesn't mind getting wet because he's so happy to have been Satsuki's hero. Kanta is like so many other children who don't know how to express themselves well, but have their hearts in the right place. He's truly a sweet boy.

“Wow, what do we do now? If it’s not too much trouble, could we stay until it stops raining?” –Satsuki

7 The sweet nanny comforts Satsuki when she is scared

Satsuki spends a lot My Neighbor Totoro doing the right thing. She has her own set of challenges; she must study well in school, help her father, keep her mother's hopes alive, and help her younger sister. Satsuki has a lot to do, but she is a strong young woman and, most importantly, well-supported.

It's understandable that Satsuki has a moment of weakness when she receives a telegram informing her that her mother is ill and won't be able to visit home, as expected. She lashes out at her sister, Mei, who is also upset and confused by the news. Satsuki truly breaks down when she's at the well pump with her neighbor, Nanny, and confesses her fears. She worries about her mother and whether she'll ever recover. Nanny looks at Satsuki with such compassion and gives her the honesty, comfort, and empathy that a child truly needs. Satsuki and Mei are very lucky to have their nanny's love.

“Calm down. She would never leave two such beautiful children. She loves you too much for that. Don't cry. The nanny will stay with you until your father comes home.” –Nanny

6 Totoro helps Mei and Satsuki grow a magical tree

Growing a garden is an exercise in patience and faith. It's also magical to plant a seed and watch it grow into something bigger and more vital, like a flower or a tree. Mei and Satsuki are naturally cheerful girls, but they need an extra dose of hope and faith.

When the benevolent nature spirit Totoro gifts Mei and Satsuki with a packet of seeds, Mei is impatient to see them grow. Any child will struggle with the concept of time and waiting as Mei does, but Mei could also use a reminder that your hope for change is worth it as she also hopes for her mother's recovery. Totoro visits the girls and reminds them of this while using his magic to make the seeds grow into a majestic tree right before their eyes.

"We decided to plant them all in the front because one day they will be tall and beautiful. Mei sits there every day, waiting for them to sprout." –Satsuki

5 Mei falls asleep on Totoro's belly in the hollow tree

Curious Mei falls into a hollow tree one afternoon and finds a huge sleeping Totoro. Totoro is a gentle creature, snoozing happily in a cozy little alcove. Mei isn't the least bit intimidated by a creature larger than a grizzly bear, because he's very patient and lazy. Totoro lets her crawl onto his belly and poke his nose.

Mei introduces herself, and Totoro tries his best to say her name. The scene is peaceful and sweet, and Mei feels so safe that she, too, falls asleep right there in Totoro's fur. Totoro accepts Mei's presence and allows her to share his alcove while the other little Totoros find a cozy spot. The score hums a beautiful instrumental lullaby and paints its own picture of rest and security.

“Totoro? That’s it! I bet your name is Totoro, isn’t it?” –Mei

4 Yasuko brushes Satsuki's hair

Satsuki cares for her younger sister, getting her ready for the day, caring for her, and helping with meals. Tatsuo also cares for Mei, of course. Everyone gathers together while the girls' mother, Yasuko, works hard to recover from her illness in the hospital.

Satsuki also deserves recognition and affection, which her mother makes a point of giving her when they visit her in the hospital. She praises Satsuki for fixing Mei's hair and begins brushing her older daughter's. She encourages Satsuki, telling her that her hair is just like hers, and Satsuki beams with joy at the comparison. With such a simple action, Yasuko helps Satsuki feel seenvalued and loved.

“I can have hair as beautiful as yours when I get older, can’t I?” –Satsuki

“Of course you will. And I know this because you looked just like me when I was young.” –Yasuko Kusakabe

3 Mei plays in the yard and follows the little totoros

Mei has a blast playing in her new backyard while her older sister goes to school during the day and her father works in his home office. She picks flowers and pretends to set up a flower stand, and follows a trail of acorns. Little pieces of nature, like daisies and acorns, seem magical to Mei and spark her imagination.

Mei's curiosity comes to life when she meets the tiny Totoro creatures. They're afraid of her, but they can't quell a child's curiosity. The music is whimsical and lively as Mei explores the natural world around her. Though the scene is simple, it's a sweet display of childlike wonder and curiosity.

“Whoa, acorn! Dust bunnies! Hey. Come back!” –Mei

2 Tatsuo thanks the camphor tree

Mei disappears following the Totoros, and Satsuki finds her sleeping in the mulberry trees. Tatsuo follows behind and marvels at the beauty of the mulberry trees. When they ask Mei where she's been, Mei is upset by their confusion. Tatsuo chooses to believe Mei's story about finding the great Totoro in the camphor tree.

Instead of taking the girls back home, he explores the ancient forest with them, finding the camphor tree. Not only does Tatsuo believes in his daughters and shares their curiosity, he expresses gratitude to the camphor tree, which is Totoro's home. He adds warmth and seriousness to the situation, reasoning that the forest has blessed his daughter. He thanks the tree and asks it to continue caring for Mei. And indeed, it does.

“Attention! Thank you for everything you did for Mei. Please watch over her and protect her forever.” –Tatsuo

1 Totoro and Catbus help Satsuki find Mei and offer her comfort.

Mei is beside herself when her mother becomes ill and can't visit them at home. Her sadness stems from disappointment, confusion, and worry. The thought of a parent not being in control, and possibly even losing a parent, is horrifying for any child. Mei cries and clings to the corn she picked from the garden, clinging to the idea that fresh produce will help her mother grow stronger.

Mei just wants to be close to her mother and give her the corn to help her get better. Mei can't get to the hospital safely on her own, and everyone panics when they realize the child is missing. Satsuki seeks out Totoro as a last resort, remembering how he helped her sister before when she was lost. Totoro doesn't disappoint the girls and summons Catbus to help them find the missing girl. Catbus not only helps Satsuki find Mei but also gives the girls a comforting glimpse of their mother, which heals their hearts immensely.

“Look, Mommy is laughing.” –Mei

“She looks very healthy to me.” –Satsuki