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Only Yesterday
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Animation - 8.9 |
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Sound - 8.2 |
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Story - 8.1 |
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Character - 8.7 |
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Value - 8.3 |
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Enjoyment - 8.2 |
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Average - 8.4 |
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andy |
(2007-11-01 03:00:02) 2007-09-29 19:46:38 |
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| Average |
8.2 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Only Yesterday is targeted towards a certain audience, and doesn't have the same wide appeal as other Ghibli movies. Taeko is a 27 year old native to Tokyo, but since she was a child, she has taken a liking to the country side. Her sister's husband happens to be from the country, and she uses that connection to work in the country-side during her vacation time. The movie centers around her second visit. During this visit, she is filled with memories of her 5th grade life. Taeko reflects on these memories throughout the movie and contrasts them with her current life.
You have to be a softie for nostalgia to like this movie. Taeko is at an intermediate point in her life; it's uneventful, but ready for a change. She reminisces on another point in her life in which she also felt like a "pupa," like she was ready to grow, but wasn't sure if she wanted to: 5th grade.
As memories from way back always are, her recollections of 5th grade seem to be random vignettes, and not a cohesive narrative. Some seem directly connected to her reflections of her current self, while others are just fond memories. The level of emotional complexity in her 5th grade self and her current self is very impressive. If you find yourself empathizing with Taeko, the emotions you feel will be throwbacks far more specific than simple pity or love.
From other Anime movies and Hollywood films, we're all so used to BIG. We feel a bit empty when a story doesn't seem to have a point. It has to either communicate a straight up message to the viewer through a philosophy lesson (with metaphors or direct lectures) or it has to be some exciting and huge slice of a character's life. Only Yesterday is not big, and there isn't really a point. Granted. there is a common thread that stitches the movie together, and it's her nostalgic soul searching, but there's really no focus in her soul searching; she's not looking for one thing. There must then be no conclusion, and hence its overall pointlessness. The plot structure also lacks a focused build up to a focused conclusion. It's just random memories of her 5th grade self sandwiched between some conversations during her time in the countryside.
If you agree with me when I say, "Not everything needs to have a point," and if you enjoy soul searching and nostalgia themes, you'll find that because of its lack of focus and somewhat random nostalgic vignettes, Only Yesterday induces a wide range of complex emotions, all laced with nostalgia, that could only be pulled off without a pointed narrative. In fact, the memories we see are based on her remembering different emotions and telling different stories around that.
Overall, this is a pretty powerful movie, but there are parts that felt a little bit boring. Some of Taeko's memories didn't resonate with me, and when dealing with such a hodgepodge of nostalgia, especially when it's reminiscing about Japan in '66 (I'm not even close to that old), perhaps its inevitable. When you're not feeling this movie, it does become something of a drudge to get through, and your enjoyment of this movie will really hedge on how much of Taeko's stories resonate with you.
When you think soul searching and Ghibli, Whisper of the Heart is the only other movie that easily comes to mind. It tells a structured love story, and also a story of self discovery. It's much more focused, with a clear message for its viewers. There is a hefty amount of drama and conflict in that movie (though a good amount of it felt cheesy), which is almost completely absent in Only Yesterday. It has a much wider appeal, from youngins inspired by it, to older folks reminiscing through it, and I would recommend it over Only Yesterday. But personally, I found this movie to be more impactful, and my preference lies with it.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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nauXolo |
(2006-02-18 15:51:44) 2006-02-18 15:46:45 |
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| Average |
6.5 |
| Animation |
7 |
| Sound |
6 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
4 |
| I have to say that I was really really bored by this movie. Aside from some of the semi-enjoyable flashbacks of Taeko's childhood, this movie didn't really do much during my viewing experience. The main aspect that turned me off was how a majority of the movie was a flashback and that the current now didn't really have much story behind it. Picking flowers.. yay... working with nature because humans rely on it... yay...
Being someone still transitioning from youth to adulthood, I could not appreciate the story that was being told. I did feel that they did a good job portraying a young Taeko, especially with the hilarious "period stories" and her first encounter with a boy in that sense, and thought that the characters were really interesting, but I just thought that the whole trip to the countryside just didn't have any point to it, and I quickly lost attention 3/4th of the way through the movie (right after she arrives and is being picked up by the farmer friend).
Maybe I didn't get the point of what this movie was trying to convey, but I just didn't enjoy watching this. I laughed sometimes, but most of the time I just stared at the screen wondering what the point of that scene was - for example the thing with the pineapple. In the end, there isn't enough drama or mystery in this movie to invigorate me to watch it all the way to the end once it hit a dry point (the beginning of the farm scenes). I'm not at the point where I feel like reminescing on my past, nor is the animation style unique enough to warrant my complete attention.
In the end, unless you are a hardcore Ghibli fan, older than 25, or really like realistic stories, I'd say skip this. In a few years, maybe I'll come back and watch this again - if I remember to.
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petran79 |
(2006-04-27 14:14:23) 2005-11-29 06:40:46 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
0 |
| Sound |
0 |
| Story |
0 |
| Character |
0 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| I fear that this reaches the limits of my reviewing skills since this can not simply be described as a kid's cartoon or to posses a simple story. Only adults will understand its many meanings and will make the right approach to this anime. A kid I'm afraid will not last the first 30 minutes without getting bored. I guess Studio Ghibili's movies cant become better than this.
Still my review is limited. This feels like watching a complex movie.
For viewers that are used to fast-paced movies or animes this will be difficult to watch, let alone to enjoy
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Getting to the point, I loved the flashback portions of the movie. As an adult you can really appreciate going back and remembering that part of your life. The good times and even the bad have meaning to everyone's life. While I do agree that the present day scenes did drag on, I still found some of it interesting. Like the story of the benihana dye and the flowers. I guess I am a cultural buff. If you are still in high school or younger and were bored with it. Watch it again 10 years later. I am sure your opinion of it will change for the better.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Ghibli has become a synonym for Hayao Miyazaki, but there's another name that i many times admire even more and he is Takahata Isao. He is the realistic side of Ghibli compared to Miyazaki's unbound imagination.
This animation is one of my anime favorites. Takahata Isao has made quite possibly one of the most mundane premise and setting into something that's more introspective than evangelion in the deepest yet in simpliest form.
The character development, plot, seiyuu work, and the dislogue is incredibly natural and this is what you would expect in real life. Nothing feels driven nor forced, but everything just flow in the most natural like it would with our normal life. The realism is the key to this anime.
The character development is natural but very apparent. As Taeko examines her past, and present, she begins to discover herself and it a pure joy to watch.
what accompanies this marvelous characters and realism is the animation that bring the realism to life and the music that set the background mood perfectly. However i did think the music lacked its usual Ghibli excellence.
one possible negative of this movie can be in its simplicity and length. If you are a view who needs to have fast paced action and some comedy you are not gonna get any here.
This is one of Isao's finest work. I remember watching this years ago and as i watched this again, i realized that Isao's animations are no less facinating than that of Miyazaki's if not more.
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Pantha |
(2005-08-03 13:29:34) 2005-08-03 13:18:44 |
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| Average |
7.3 |
| Animation |
6 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| In the past, I have had several complaints about certain Ghibli films: They’re too boring. They’re too childish. And they’re too damn long. As far as I’m concerned, no Ghibli film should exceed ninety minutes. Only Yesterday, to my utter astonishment, is the only exception to this rule; unlike My Neighbor, the Yamadas and Castle in the Sky, Only Yesterday has enough charisma to survive its two hour running time. Almost unbelievable charming, introspective, and full of engaging dialogue, Only Yesterday is definitely one of Ghibli’s better films.
Watching Only Yesterday is like reading a stranger’s journal or memoir, except that the memories are so lovingly detailed and familiar you feel as if reading your own. The precision of the story and characters is indicated by the fact that I know as much about Taeko as I would about a close friend. The best part of the film is Taeko’s reminiscences of her fifth grade life: her eagerness to experience different things, her trouble with dividing fractions, and her aversion for onions. Toshio is a vital character in his own right. A significant part of the story is his dedication to organic farming and how this dedication affects Taeko’s own outlook on life. However, like I noted in my review for Future Boy Conan (Miyazaki’s first anime), it’s rare that the male character is as developed as the female lead and Only Yesterday is no exception.
This movie was a joy to watch and my only real complaint is that it dragged on a bit at times. The first forty-five minutes were a pleasure, but the movie slows considerably when Toshio picks Taeko up from the train station. The dialogue at such moments, however, was enough to keep me intrigued. But it’s certainly not hard to imagine anyone being bored to tears.
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| When it comes to Isao Takahata, he seems to have the greatest perceptions when creating something as beautiful with "Omohide Poroporo". A 27 year old single office lady named Taeko, leaves her daily life from the city and comes back to her own roots when returning the countryside where she was raised as a child. A sense of nostalgia follows along the journey to her home as she goes with her friend Toshio, who is also the focus of this story, was introduced later when he picks her up from the time she was riding on the train. The quality of artwork that was given in a sense of what nature had to offer, such as the scenery with the garden when they were picking flowers as she soon arrived there, making them as color pigments. During the time when she was gardening with her own explanation of what they were doing, it felt like I was taking a botany class; which was longer than I expected to be. Her past was greatly done in a way that could've been understood of what she had to go through, such as the times of her growing up, the hardships that felt too hard to handle with her math, the time she was being spoiled as young girl, and the good times that she held on when she had her audition in a school theater, which then leads on of wanting her to be an actress. The ending was also astonishing of how it did turned out, and was creatively done and presented. As for the music, it was nicely orchestrated, with a piano piece that went along with the music, but this was only during the opening theme and few random scenes, since this movie was mostly made to be a somewhat real life based story. The seiyuu on the other hand, such as the children were done suitably with the role that were given as to understanding what their personalities were on the story. The older Taeko’s voice was surprising elegant and was highly decent on her part, especially when it was during the times of her thoughts were taken into what she had believed and explained her past experiences from the fifth grade with the friends and family she had been close to, as well as when she had the time to think what life she was going to progress through in the future that is uncertain to own interests. I really don't want to spoil this for anyone, its just one of those movies that seems to be hidden under so many titles that are rarely noticed.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
9.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| animation is top-notch - typical of any studio ghibli movie. music was pretty good, but some of it was kinda bland.
even though the story is very simple, it holds strong throughout the movie, though it falters here and there. pacing was a bit slow at times too, but that could've been done purposely to match the mood.
the characters were very well-developed. personally, i liked the flashbacks a lot more than the present day situations, but the characters were still likable and relatable to some extent. the nostalgia and reminiscence of taeko is something that i think most of us can understand and sympathize with.
overall, a rather easy-going but enjoyable movie.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
8.7 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
9 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| Honestly, I was disappointed the first time I saw it. But that was because I was still in school, then. Throughout the years, the more adult themes and pace made its mark.
The animation is ok. The town and countryside scenary were great. The movements fluid. But the character art could have been better. Similar feel to Pon Poko and Ocean Waves... there's that little bit of water bubble cheek I don't take a liking to.
The music is countryside, the final song makes its impact.
The story is good, and actually as I am writing now, am experiencing a very similar story of giving up onesupmanship and financial wealth accumulation in this advanced capitalist world for the country values and a simple life that turns out to be more enriching. Simply stated, appeals to those in nostalgia for the simpler richer life and the country. The flashbacks interplay and blend well to deliver the point of the story. The ending, however, was a bit sudden though still well-delivered.
The characters especially in the flashbacks are so much richer. The present characters so much more realistic in mannerisms (well, believable in Japan).
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Last Exile |
(2008-04-25 09:52:23) 2004-10-18 05:34:19 |
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| Average |
7.5 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| It's nice. Not mindblowing but nice. It's tailormade for the disillusioned adult who's wondered where the hell their life has gone and what happened to their youth and dreams. It's also a clever look at how the rural and urban lives compare. It's very perceptive of the sudden trend against urbanisation. At times it lags, especially during the middle. Some scenes run too long. But it's nice to think life that change for the better even when one's path seems set and you're well into your adulthood. The rustic animation is beautiful and the childhood flashbacks were the best parts.
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Trilkk |
(2004-08-16 12:54:01) 2004-08-15 04:43:47 |
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| Average |
8.8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
| An excellent romantic and down-to-earth story. It's rare that nostalgy from times way before I was born manages to catch my attention, and actually make me feel a bit nostalgic myself. But PoroPoro does.
It's not jut about the sixties. Everything in the movie reminds of the viewer's own childhood. Whenever that was.
A basic story taken through the Ghibli modulation - the results are always impressive.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.8 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
6 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| This was a mixed bag. You have the wonderful characterations, great animation, and incredible attention to detail, and it is all very heartwarming. but the story is rather mundane, and could be done live action, which is a pet peeve of mine regarding animation.
The flashbask stuff is really great slice of life stuff, but the present day stuff, I found to rather boring. The ending, during the credits is simply some of the best stuff I have ever seen on film, and it goes along way to making up for the boredom I felt earlier.
Anyway. it's a good movie, if you aren't expecting to be blown away, and just want a nice show to watch.
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Honime |
(2004-04-30 06:34:49) 2004-04-30 06:33:17 |
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| A nice change from your typical anime, this one is more like a real life drama just made into a cartoon, which at times works very well. Watching the usual studio ghibli work, this has no sort of imagination or fantasy work usually seen on ghibli films, If your tired of action/fantasy animes and want a break from the norm, then this is a nice lil' film, calm and easy to watch.
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Tatsujin |
(2004-04-06 17:35:50) 2004-03-21 18:07:27 |
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| Average |
6.4 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
4 |
| Character |
6 |
| Value |
0 |
| Enjoyment |
5 |
| Successfully stimulates the nostalgia nerve. Althought, that just about it. There's no story to speak of. The flashbacks from Taeko's 5th grade experiences give nice background to her thoughts but they don't actually result in anything, until during the credits start rolling...
If you have a soft spot for nostalgia-themed stories, I guess this could appeal to you.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
| Average |
9.7 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| This is one of my childhood favorites. One of Studio Ghibli's many masterpieces. The story was superb, with the childhood references. The ending was one of the most touching ever. I wonder if the guy that traded milk with Taeko in grade school was the guy that fell in love with her at the end....
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snowdrop |
(2005-01-05 12:51:22) 2004-03-13 08:38:16 |
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| Average |
8.5 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| Reminds me of my childhood.
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seikai |
(2004-02-21 04:33:05) 2004-02-21 04:31:34 |
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| Average |
9.8 |
| Animation |
10 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Character |
10 |
| Value |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
| Heart warming, peaceful movie.
Just like any other Ghibli masterpiece, this one has very few flaws, if there is any.
You don't see shocking violence or exotic psylogical mind game here, but as credits scroll up, you feel like your heart is content.
Some may say there's no story. But I disagree. You earn something, and you are awarded. It's just not easy to describe what exactly it is. But it's definitely there.
In addition to the story, typical "Ghibli Professionalism" is embedded everywhere throughout the movie.
Sceneries are beautifully presented with extreme details and reality. Just look at the scenes of passing buildings when traveling in a car. Or, rain drops screened off by wipers. Or, water ponds. Or the way she pulls out the pedals from flowers. It's the work of none other than Ghibli can dare to go through.
Too bad that good English subs nowhere to be found -- not that the dialogues are too hard to be translated properly, but it just... that the subs fail to deliver the correct "mood". (Yes, I know Japanese)
In short, even if you are one of those DBZ-droids, any, ANY Ghibli piece should come first, and this one is no exception.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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| Average |
7.2 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
7 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| Another really interesting Ghibli movie. It's made in the same spririt as "Whisper of the heart" by trying trying to tell a story in a real life setting and it's really well done. BUT it's just didn't capture my attention like "whisper of the heart" did.
To be honnest I was a little bored at times (but I wa kinda sick watching it) but it's still ok.
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|
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| Average |
8.0 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Character |
8 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
8 |
| this is a true gem, and i am not ashamed to say that it even made me cry. i wish they make more movies about life itself. i am kinda sick of fantasy stories, even though i love them. but we gotta admit, we have way toooo many fantasy anime, and such a change as in "only yesterday" is very much needed. don't even think about skipping this one. it's Ghibli's, you know.Period.
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0 of 0 people found this review helpful.
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|
|
| Average |
7.7 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Story |
7 |
| Character |
7 |
| Value |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
7 |
| It's like watching Chibi Maruko-chan, but in much more serious way. There are lots of flashback scenes, and most of them are not related with any issues.
I didn't really enjoy this movie, may be because most of Ghiblie's movie are about adventure, so I didn't expect to be this dramatic.
If you really into drama genre, you should watch this. Period. But if you are more into adventure type, may be you can skip this one.
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