MovieChat Forums > Tonari no Totoro (1990) Discussion > What is the moral of the movie?

What is the moral of the movie?

posted 11 years ago by alonzo9772
14 replies | jump to latest

Even though I have grown up with this movie, I still can't figure out what moral they were trying to get out. The closest I can come up with is "Don't come to quick conclusions".

[–] Suzume-san 11 years ago

Why would it have a moral? It's just a story, not a parable or fable.

[–] alonzo9772 11 years ago

It's definitely a fable. Unless you actually believe dust puffs live and Totoro is helping some child right now.

[–] Suzume-san 11 years ago

No, I mean a fable in the classical sense, like Aesop or La Fontaine. You know, like the Fox and the Grapes, or the Ant and the Grasshopper.

Japanese traditional tales don't usually end with a moral, either. "Don't help out turtles", or "Watch out for peach stones"? No. Stuff just happens.

[–] evony666 10 years ago

For me this film is about the beauty of childhood and imagination.

Did you notice him feeding them snippets of lore and information? Feeding their imagination.

Also I think it's about caring, family and siblinghood. Think about when when mei is missing. I time I saw this I was choked up worried for the child.

So no there is no overriding message, just a warm familiar cross cultural familiarity of love, care, joy and family.

[–] Suzume-san 10 years ago

Well said, Evony.

[–] PreachCaleb 10 years ago

Here, here. It's a slice of childhood innocence, rather than some moral or lesson to be learned.

Straightedge means I'm better than you.

[–] Kawada_Kira 10 years ago

Well said. I agree with evony's interpretation.

The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of history.
-Mao Zedong

[–] Unicorn_Blade 10 years ago

There is a few. The first one being for me the fact that as a child you are a lot more open to different things, hence Mei and Satsuki were able to meet Totoro and the spirits of the forest. Adults loose this innocence and the ability to see the spirits. Then it is a tale about family ticking together through some hard times and still enjoying every day despite the many difficulties.

It does not have to be overly complex of a point.

In the beginning there was nothing, and it exploded.

[–] cian_jm 10 years ago

I don't think there is supposed to be one. This film is very unconventional to western viewers, it doesn't have a story arc and the characters don't learn anything. It's not supposed to teach you anything, it's just enjoyable to watch.

[–] Errington_92 10 years ago

There was an underlining environmental message. Tatsuo mentions that a reason why he relocated his family to the countryside is that nature is preserved, thus respected. Satsuki and Mei treat Totoro (representing nature) with respect, so in return Totoro helps them. So if you respect the environment, then it will be kept pure. At least that is what I took from the film. It would not be surprising since other Studio Ghibli films like Pom Poko and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind cover environmental themes in a similar manner.

I'd rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not.

[–] Kawada_Kira 10 years ago

I think you're reading a bit much into it. That line seems like more of a passing comment than a message intended by the filmmakers.

The people, and the people alone, are the motive force in the making of history.
-Mao Zedong

[–] Yooka333 8 years ago

The moral is this : you can get away with showing your pale dong to your beautiful daughters. And that's a good thing to know, said my dad.

[–] Suzume-san 8 years ago

You find this really exciting, don't you, Yooka333? You're posting all over the board about this totally natural, harmless and normal scene. Can we ask how old you are?

[–] sonnythefat 8 years ago

Satuki was terrified of losing her mother. And being responsible for Mai. When she neary lost Mai she accepted her fate. My mother asked me to always Look after my little Sister. I was overwhelmed at twelve.but 45 years later I'm still looking out for her.I believe Satuki's mother died.the boys father had died and the grandmother's children