Since my kid is close to being 7 years old and he now hates Paw Patrol, it was time to develop his movie palette. We'll reach Evangelion and Trier at some point, but for now: Totoro.

This is a perfect movie for his age as it's calm. A lot of modern movies for kids (ehh, Paw Patrol) are basically nothing more than an dopamine trip - all the color all the time; jokes end for another joke to start; loud sounds everywhere. Totoro is different, as it is extremely respectful. It assumes that the child will be interested enough to experience the story, not to be constantly stimulated. We've seen this movie 3 times already and he freaking loves it. I count not be more proud.

Outside of that: we've all seen it, we know it's great. It's a simple story, which does all the things right. It may be a classic, but it hasn't aged a day. If your kid is not ruined by CGI of current western animation, I whole hearty recommend Totoro.

When I saw it for the first time in a few decades, I was truly afraid the mother's sickness would have a grim ending. Nothing of sort - this is a warm, family movie.

(screencaps from fancaps)