My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ, Tonari no Totoro)

Yes Virginia, there is more to animated films than Disney.

You have to see this.  Seriously.  An amazing animated film suitable for most ages (1 up maybe?).  Totally imaginative and unrivaled.  The director, Miyazaki, captures the magical place that nature has in a child’s mind.  There’s a giant Cat Bus & Totoro is a fuzzy cat owl thing … nuff said.

The film is best in Japanese.  But, there are a few reasonable English translations on DVD that capture the spirit of the original dialogue (even the Fanning sisters do an ok job).

Della has watched the English version a lot.  If it speaks to the power of the image, she’s also watched the Japanese version quite a few times and has requested it (not by our pushing at all, I accidentally switched audio once).

My Neighbor Totoro Trailer (JP)

Also recommended (same studio / director) -  Ponyo (A total trip, in the spirit and vibe of Totoro. ), Kiki’s Delivery Service (maybe 4 and up?).

His other films are great (Princess Mononoke & Spirited Away + others), but I’d say the kids aren’t catching them until they’re a little older.