Beginner Guides

A spoiler-light guide to the key Princess Mononoke characters, their motives, factions, and why the forest war is more complicated than heroes versus villains.

A parent-friendly guide to My Neighbor Totoro, including age suitability, scary moments, emotional themes, and who should watch it first.

Jiji works because he is funny, nervous, loyal and just independent enough to make Kiki’s coming-of-age story feel honest rather than sugary.