The Cinematheque

All Ages

“Miyazaki Hayao [is] the greatest animated filmmaker since the advent of the form in the early 20th century and one of the greatest filmmakers of any genre.”

Ligaya Mishan, New York Times

The news, long rumoured, that animation icon Miyazaki Hayao has cut short his retirement and is at work on a new Studio Ghibli film has anime fans and cinema lovers alike buzzing with anticipation. (Of course, at a production rate of one minute of hand-drawn animation a month, a finished movie is still a ways off!) We celebrate the tidings—and launch a new year of Film Club—with screenings of My Neighbour Totoro, Miyazaki’s most endearing work. It is the deceptively simple story of two girls who move with their father to a house in the country while their mother is in hospital. They soon discover that the surrounding forests are home to a family of Totoros, gentle but powerful creatures that only children can see. Imbued with an almost spiritual reverence for nature, Totoro leaves viewers with a profound sense of wonder at the beauty and mystery of the world around us. Screening in both English and Japanese versions.

The English-dubbed version of My Neighbour Totoro screens as part of our Film Club program on Sunday, January 23. Film Club benefits and discounted pricing in effect for ages 13 and under. 

The original Japanese-language version (with English subtitles) screens January 21 & 22. Regular pricing in effect— but Film Club members (ages 13 and under) can still get a free kid-sized popcorn by showing their Film Club badge!

“Miyazaki Hayao’s masterpiece isn’t just the best feature that Studio Ghibli has made … it’s the best animated film of all time.”

Peter Debruge, Variety

“The greatest animated feature of all time … A hushed modern masterpiece.”

David Jenkins, Time Out