Peter T... The reason you've probably not heard of it in your Miyazaki search is 'cause I miscredited it. The same animation director worked on most of Miyazaki's stuff, but it was directed by Isao Takahata (at the suggestion of Miyazaki.) I'm sorry about that, but "Grave of the Fireflies", should still be required viewing for anyone who loves films. To quote the back of the DVD cover,
"In the aftermath of a World War II bombing, two orphaned children struggle to survive in the Japanese countryside. To Seita and his four year old sister, the helplessness and indifference of their countrymen is even moe painful than the enemy raids. Through desperation, hunger and grief, these children's lives are as heartbreakingly fragile as their spirit and love is inspiring. Grave of the Fireflies is a tale of the true tragedy of war and innocence lost, not only of the abandoned young, but of an entire nation."
This is a 4 tissue-box film for certain.
Now, as for Miyazaki and "Totoro"- it may be aimed at kids, but it's a FANTASTIC movie. My kids liked it, but after they went to bed, my husband and I watched it again. As with most of Miyazaki's work, there are layers of meaning in the films. Totoro is a film about the innocence of youth and life in the Japanese countryside.