Only Yesterday (1991)
GKIDS | Release Date: January 1, 2016
8.2
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 116 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
97
Mixed:
10
Negative:
9
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
ovoon7Feb 23, 2016
One of the most realistic and heartfelt animations I've seen. Only Yesterday is a lesser known Ghibli film, because it's director by Isao "The other guy" Takahata, whos works are often overlooked, as he has the weirder, less appealing, andOne of the most realistic and heartfelt animations I've seen. Only Yesterday is a lesser known Ghibli film, because it's director by Isao "The other guy" Takahata, whos works are often overlooked, as he has the weirder, less appealing, and less kid friendly films (See, "Pom Poko" and "Princess Kaguya"). As a director or film maker, excluding his use of Ghibli as a studio, I'd say he is one of the greatest Japanese directors of all time.

Only Yesterday is a very simple movie about a girl moving her life to the country, assimilating to farming, and finding love. It's slow, realistic, and showcases the ups and downs in life, and it flashes back consistently through the main character's childhood.

The movie tone is very bittersweet, and for an animation, feels more real than most live action romance films from Asia that I've seen.

This movie is not for everyone, none of Takahata's films are really, but it's an outstanding film regardless. Oh, and watch Pom Poko if you haven't yet, it's awesome.… Expand
7 of 7 users found this helpful70
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9
EpicLadySpongeMar 10, 2016
It's already March 2016 and this qualifies for best 2016 film. If it only feels just like yesterday back in 1991 for Japan, then I would claim this to be the best Japanese film in 1991.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
wadisplaceMar 24, 2016
An Outstanding Movie. Beautifully done. It is a movie that is remembered after you leave the theater. The animation, and the scenery on there is wonderful. I want to get it in DVD when it comes out.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DanoninoFeb 25, 2016
This movie has beautiful animation and a even more beautiful story. If you want to feel good, this is the movie for you. The characters are lovable and the storyline flows very smoothly.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
black-pantherMay 13, 2016
very good movie
the animation is great the art style the story telling everything is just so good
watch this movie
give it a go its certainly worth checking out
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Apr 8, 2018
Warm story with some taste of nostalgia, about the memories of good times and how them influence the present. The style of animation is realistic and charming. For red blood anime lovers. (Long live to Isao Takahata, co-founder of Studio Ghibli)
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
gNov 11, 2016
Fantastic backstory film. I love the idea how backstories goes from a child to an adult, interesting category. Takahata's Only Yestersday has a brilliant atmosphere.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
nielsnableJan 5, 2018
Only Yesterday is a classic feminist Ghibli film that is genuinely heartwarming as 27 year-old Taeko recounts and reflects upon her poignant life as a schoolgirl whose common aspirations were restrained by societal and familial pressures.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Experiment626Sep 9, 2022
Good story of self discovery. Enjoyed the artistic choices used for this animation. Complements the story very well.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
IcivindurJul 2, 2020
"Only Yesterday" is the "Boku dake ga Inai Machi" made for adults. I would even say for adult women. Like the hero of the "Boku dake...", the main character - Taeko - goes back in time to her school years to rethink them and to comprehend"Only Yesterday" is the "Boku dake ga Inai Machi" made for adults. I would even say for adult women. Like the hero of the "Boku dake...", the main character - Taeko - goes back in time to her school years to rethink them and to comprehend what to do with her life. Or rather, she goes on a trip to rural area, on vacation, and takes with her ten-year-old herself, imposing childhood memories on her present life.

It looks like Takahata Isao made an anime about downshifting before it even got into fashion. In a sense, Taeko really turned on the lower gear - she slowed down her life, because she realized that she was going the wrong way. The old Toshio's car, slow and stalling now and then, but nevertheless loved and preferred to newer cars, is a kind of metaphor for the main message of the "Only Yesterday". Another metaphor voiced by Taeko herself is the caterpillar, which needs to become a chrysalis in order to turn into a butterfly and to fly away.

And why did Taeko take ten-year-old herself on vacation? It's strange even to her - it's not because of bright memories about her youth in the 60s, not about hairstyles, boyfriends, "Beatles" and miniskirts, like her sisters memories. Not at all. This is a little girl's memory on the verge of growing up - school and home. Taeko answers herself - it was then the chrysalis for the first time decided to become butterfly. She "swallowed nonsense about fractions" and chose work, career, success. At first it seemed to her that she was flying, but in reality she was only flapping her wings without moving. Because two thirds of an apple didn't want to be divided by one quarter, and the exotic pineapple turned out to be much worse than usual banana. Now, it is time for already grew up Taeko to become "chrysalis" in order to try to fly for real. And who knows, perhaps, along this path - traveling in space and time - she will find kindred spirit and meaning?… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
MahmusSep 25, 2020
Such beautiful and moving films. Easily one of Ghibli's best and most mature works.
An introspective exploration of childhood memories and their role in shaping life as an adult, like most Ghibli movies, it's a movie about growing up, told inSuch beautiful and moving films. Easily one of Ghibli's best and most mature works.
An introspective exploration of childhood memories and their role in shaping life as an adult, like most Ghibli movies, it's a movie about growing up, told in a way that makes the viewer reflect on their own childhood and realize how even the smallest things can make a big impact in the future, as well as how something seemingly hugely important may not really affect you in any way. Life is strange that way.

What a masterpiece.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DomiWoodOct 5, 2020
Most underrated and insanely nostalgic Ghibli masterpiece, it was a real beauty watching all the memories of past perfectly conected with beautiful plot. Isao Takahata truly is master of realism and that what makes his films feel so uniqueMost underrated and insanely nostalgic Ghibli masterpiece, it was a real beauty watching all the memories of past perfectly conected with beautiful plot. Isao Takahata truly is master of realism and that what makes his films feel so unique despite them being animated.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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