Only Yesterday is just like a gem hidden beneath the floor. With a 100% rating of certified fresh in Rotten Tomatoes, it makes you wonder what is really interesting from the film itself. Join me in a timeless story where the past and present seem coexist in a peaceful way.

Synopsis

From MyAnimeList.net:

Omoide Poroporo is the story of Taeko Okajima, a twenty-something woman currently working as an office lady for a large company in Tokyo. She decides to a take a break from her life in the big city, and takes a trip out to the countryside to visit her brother-in-law.

During her time there, she will have a completely different experience, becoming intimately familiar with the hard work of a farmer while spending time with friendly villagers and family members. This atmosphere will bring back nostalgic memories. She will begin to remember once more her life as a child: puppy love, the awkward stages of adolescence, and the challenges of dealing with boys and math class.

The time spent away from the everyday grind will make Taeko question the path she has chosen.

Story

Wow, this is easily one of the most underdog film of all time. When I said a timeless story, it truly is one of a kind. Just like many films, I decided to watch it after left it in the dust for such a long time. I regret said decision because I would love to discover this jewelry sooner.

A very interesting thing to note is this is one the few films that Miyazaki wasn't involved, at least not directly. Directed by Isao Takahata, who by this point is already famous for his tear jerking craftmanship in Grave of the Fireflies, Only Yesterday is just another proof that Ghibli is not only for kids. I was quite surprised that this particular work target audience is middle-aged women. Certainly, it is not the kind that many people will be interested in. But, given that fact, it managed to captivate the hearts of many with its very relatable setting and plot.

In contrast to many Ghibli films, Only Yesterday deals with life in a very realistic way. It doesn't give a crap about your fantasy. It tells you the real deal straight out of the box. The gentle brisk nature of the film sets the mood even more serene than I expected. It slowly unfolds in a calming manner but at times you are forced to confront the reality. With the past and present intercede with each other in a smooth progression, you are left off to fend yourself from the surge wave of nostalgia. I know it's kind of silly, but I remembered things left forgotten from my childhood while watching the film.

The story itself doesn't deal with anything extraordinary. Like I said, straightforward. What makes it shines though is how each scenes progresses with careful consideration. I mean like we are shown the reasons why Saeko behaves like the way she does in the present. We are also shown how actually everyone around Saeko has moved on or grown up, but there is still a piece of hers stuck in the past.

However, there is a slight nuisance to the pace. It can be quite slow at some times, but even then the film itself still runs along its course. The ending itself is still quite satisfying although leaving microscopic questions which don't really matter if left unanswered. If the story doesn't even make you feel drift abound the sea of feels, the rest of the aspects will.

Visual

Even with advance of computer graphics, Ghibli still insists on using traditional animation. This is the proof that there are certain feelings that can only be evoked using conventional means of animation. Takahata captured the very soul of countryside with his usages of long panoramic shots. The cinematography is simply stunning with its color and tone making me feel longing for living in the village.

The characters are also designed to convey more feelings that usual. I notice that Saeko's facial muscles contract in a realistic manner everytime she smiles. While people may find it quite disturbing, I see that it helps to make the characters even more lifelike and believable. All in all, its visual themes grab us from the reality and push us to experience Saeko's life.

Audio

A very interesting approach to soundtrack, I should say. It's a mix of classical music and folk songs, especially the Eastern Europe ones. While this is explained to draw parallel lines between the two civilizations, the constrasting genres help to make the film more evocative and vibrant. The soundtrack overall is blended nicely with the surrounding, ensuring its job done properly.

Characters

Saeko's journey of realization along the way is quite touching and inspiring. We see a girl who hasn't completely grown up. There are things that she didn't let go and regrets which actually manifests in her seeing her own younger self. The writing, dialogue, and development of characters are deep and flow freely like the natural spring. Even Saeko's friends and families tell their own interesting stories with their unique characteristics and traits. I'd say the characters are one of the most developed compared to Ghibli's other films.

Conclusion

Only Yesterday guides us to cherish our own past and even forces us to examine what went wrong along the way. With its attention grabbing experience, it deals with many real life issues that most people will find them relatable and as real as they can get. I would say it's the first film that makes me think about what it likes to be an adult when in reality there are still parts of you missing from the present and stuck in the past.