Director: Isao Takahato
Genre: Animation/
Drama/ Romance
Runtime:
118 minutes
Year:
1991
Starring: Daisy Ridley,
Dev Patel
Description:
A
twenty-seven-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing
about her childhood in Tokyo.
I WATHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 24: AN ANIMATED MOVIE THAT IS NOT DISNEY
Review: Within the acclaimed animation studio Studio Ghibli are the best known
and most acclaimed films of director Hayao Miyazaki. Lesser known films are the
often more experimental films of celebrated filmmaker Isao Takahata. Of these, “Only
Yesterday” is a fascinating examination of memories of the past and their
impact on the future.
1982 and 27 years old,
office worker Taeko Okajima spends her vacation ways from the noise of Tokyo to
help harvest safflower crops on rural Yamagata. Such a pilgrimage reminds her
of her 10-year-old self, who longed for the excitement of getting out of the
city. During her journey, she develops a close relationship with Toshio, a
serious young man who loves his farm life. However, Taeko remembers and relives
special moments from her childhood, such as: discovering that a boy liked her,
dealing with a mother who couldn’t see through her academic shortcomings, and
the time her father beat her.
For the first half of this
almost two-hour film, most of the running time is taken up with flashbacks of
Taeko’s childhood. In the second half, the flashbacks are contextualized by
Taeko’s current experiences and are relatable to any of us who have memories of
what our youthful selves thought we would become.
The 1982 setting is animated
with deep hues and detailed facial animations that intentionally contrast with
the faded color palette of the flashbacks. Two distinctive styles in one film.
The approach of director Takahata’s is much more mature and thoughtful. We go
on a very realistic journey with Taeko, who grew up with distand parents,
chattering sisters and crushed dreams. In adulthood she unknowingly settled for
an unfulfilled life.
It's a beautiful film.
Rating: 4/
5
