Only Yesterday

[DB]

Time to add one of mine in here. And while we're at it, let's try one that might have fallen through the cracks due to time and not being released in the U.S.

"Only Yesterday", (aka Omoide Poro Poro) is a film done by Studio Ghibli (Miyazaki producing while Takahata directed) It deals with Taeko Okajima, a single twenty-seven year old Tokyo office woman who has decided to go on vacation out in the countryside, staying with her brother-in-law's family so she can work on a farm. As she journeys and eventually arrives on the farm, she finds herself remincing (almost unwillingly) of her youth back when she was in the fifth grade and some of the trials and tribulations of that time and how she started to lay the foundation of the young woman she would eventually become. As she interacts with the farmers and people in the present, she discovers that perhaps her growing is not yet finished.

Unlike better known features, such as Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away, this one shies away from any fantastic elements and is completely down to earth. The conflict is a simple one, of a woman trying to find her happiness in life. It's a characterization piece, pure and simple, in similar manner to 'Whispers of the Heart,' and 'Ocean Waves'. Taeko is fleshed out as a very three dimensional character, both with the flashbacks of her youth and her actions in the present. She's normal in every sense of the word, yet despite this seeming ordinary life and simple premise, she's intruiging as well. As trademarked with Ghibli productions, the storytelling is top notch and what makes this piece stand out above the rest. It is a touch slow to start out with, but once you get a feel for things, and the characters are introduced, you'll find yourself drawn into the tale being woven and not even realize two hours have passed. Each of the flashbacks have a purpose, relating in some way to the present, and helping Taeko to consider her life and the directions she's taken.

Artwork is the standard Ghibli: outstanding. The music adds to the story, though there are no outstanding musical pieces that were left in my mind afterward. Just make sure you don't stop it when the end credits start to roll, as the story continues and in fact only reaches its climax (without dialogue, which would have only blunted the emotions at that point) in the last minute. If you're looking for a touching character piece, this is the one for you.

[Dracos]

Hum, I have to get together a Ghibli marathon sometime.  They really produce stupendous works.

Dracos

[Kwokinator]

Stupendously boring too ^_^

[SabreMau]

Bah, 'tis fun! A nice and calming movie. 873% more safflower farming than the leading name-brand anime film!  :)