Animation,Drama,Romance
Japan
Only Yesterday is a 1991 animated drama film directed by Isao Takahata and produced by Studio Ghibli. The film is based on a manga of the same name by Hotaru Okamoto and Yuko Tone. The film follows Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker in Tokyo who has always felt disconnected from her roots and struggles to find purpose in her life. She decides to take a trip to visit her relatives in the countryside, hoping to find solace in her childhood memories.
As she travels and reconnects with her past, Taeko is reminded of her childhood dreams and how far she has strayed from them. She reflects on her adolescent years, specifically her first crush and the struggles she had with math and her family's expectations. While in the countryside, she meets a young farmer named Toshio, who helps her rediscover the joys of living a simpler life. As they spend more time together, Taeko begins to question the path she has taken in her life and whether she has truly been happy.
The film is notable for its unique storytelling style, with frequent flashbacks to Taeko's childhood and the juxtaposition of her present-day experiences. The animation is also a standout feature, with beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds and character designs that capture the essence of both urban Tokyo and rural Japan. The film received critical acclaim upon its release and has since become a beloved classic in Studio Ghibli's filmography.
