“Nothing really happens in My Neighbour Totoro, but in a good way. That’s what makes it so peaceful and relaxing to watch. Studio Ghibli movies really have something special, almost magical about them that I don’t really know how to describe in words.”
What they mean is, there is nothing to tell. Stories that are about life but not about living. Both concepts are equally valid. Most all suspense movies are like this... long wait for minor story movements.