MovieChat Forums > Tonari no Totoro (1990) Discussion > Such a gorgeous work of art except for t...

Such a gorgeous work of art except for the humans (especially the girls)

posted 11 years ago by GuyOnTheLeft
7 replies | jump to latest

I have never (not even in other Ghibli films I've seen) come across such gorgeous, luminous portrayals of the outdoors, of late evening light, etc. Even the manmade inanimate objects and interiours of buildings are incredible in their painterliness. But then some of the actual people, especially the two sisters, seem like they are much cruder cartoons superimposed over this beautiful artwork, in a somewhat jarring way. Almost like they are from a different movie or TV show, like Roger Rabbit.

Anyone else agree?

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[–] evony666 10 years ago

Yes and no.

Yes they are more basic.

No they are perfect Japanese Anime characters that give away a huge amount of expression.

On balance I love it. Also agree about the late summer shades. It's simply stunning.

[–] cham313 10 years ago

I have always found the level of expression (especially facial expression) in humans in all the Japanese Anime that I've seen to be limited compared to American animation, including Miyazake's work. Maybe it's a cultural thing, an influence of the Kabuki Theater. Kabuki really de-emphasizes facial expressions with the white makeup or masks, and make up and face posing that centers on a fixed, mad scowl look.

On the other hand the quality of the storytelling and other things more than compensates for the semi-limited expression in my opinion. On the whole Miyazaki's works are great, often masterpiece, works that are matchless.

[–] PreachCaleb 9 years ago

I have always found the level of expression (especially facial expression) in humans in all the Japanese Anime that I've seen to be limited compared to American animation, including Miyazake's work.

Ooh, no, no. Some? Yes. All? Not even close. In fact, the simpler designs are often easier to exaggerate and create even more vivid facial expressions.

Can't stop the signal.

[–] Bree_33 9 years ago

I couldn't agree more. https://i.imgur.com/0ZX9Avd.gif

☁☀☁

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[–] GuyOnTheLeft 9 years ago

Good example.

[–] TutuAnimationPrincess 9 years ago

I love the classic anime character designs and never felt they were out of place in this beautiful film.

"Unless you're an alien, time traveler, or esper, your opinion doesn't matter."

[–] RealPan_Rufio 9 years ago

Me and the lost boys have never had an issue with this one animation wise. The characters are actually very well done and fit the movie perfectly.

I can fly, I can fight, and I can crow! I am the Pan!