Japanese animation classic "My Neighbor Totoro," creating by the legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, is finally being publicly shown in Chinese cinemas on Friday, which is the first released in China after 30 years.

Studio Ghibli, producers of the film, has often been called Japan's Walt Disney and famous animation director Hayao Miyazaki. Although this film has never screened in China, many Chinese viewers and fans bought DVDs or downloads the movie to keep it as valuable memory while they are growing up.

The attractive story of Satsuki and her sister Mei move to a new house in the countryside with their father to look after their mother who suffered tuberculosis disease. They soon discover that the country life is not as simple as it seems since they met a gigantic and gentle forest spirit named Totoro and other forest creatures, which can only be seen by children, and then they start a serious of adventures in the magic countryside.

"My Neighbor Totoro" was first released in Japan in April of 1988.  The film received viewers of 800,000 and 1.17 billion yen box office (10.3 million U.S. dollars). The story's plot was said to have been inspired by director Hayao Miyazaki's own experiences growing up.

The evidence is recorded in Hayao Miyazaki's life description: “Miyazaki's family often move house since his mother needs to treat spinal tuberculosis." When Hayao Miyazaki was a child, he was afraid of his mother passing away, which was also every child's nightmare. So the appearance of Totoro can help this kind of children to flush out their fear.

"My Neighbor Totoro" has always been popular as its warm and innocent. There is no sense of fighting or war.  The story is all of about a peaceful countryside and magical spirits' world, which can ease the viewer's “sadness.”

"Their characters have depth and complexity. They are individuals you feel you know and understand, and people respond to that," Charles Solomon, a lecturer at UCLA's School of Theatre, Film and Television, told the BBC. The possibility of multiple interpretations is also an important reason why Totoro can be a great work.

"My Neighbor Totoro" first releasing in China has caused huge nostalgic fans to share their feelings on Chinese platform, Weibo to expect for the long-awaited film. They are in different age generations to leave their comments on Weibo.

A netizen named Luohua comments that “I'm 43-year-old now, but I still love this film. I have been watching it for many years. Two brave girls, a genetic and cute Totoro, a friendly neighbor and a responsible father, a warm story that makes people yearn for.”

Another netizen named Tianyi said “I can't wait. Every time I review the movie, a wave of emotions will make me feel like a child again. I feel precious to own this innocence feeling to watch this film.”

(Cover Photo: VCG Photo)