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Only Yesterday
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Only Yesterday

1991
Drama
Animation
1h 59m
A 27-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tôkyô. (imdb)
Directed by:
Isao Takahata Isao Takahata
Written by:
Isao Takahata Isao Takahata
Starring:
Youko Honna Miki Imai Toshirô Yanagiba Mayumi Iizuka Mayumi Iizuka Masahiro Ito Chie Kitagawa Michie Terada Yoshimasa Kondô Issei Takahashi Yuuki Masuda Yuki Minowa Yorie Yamashita
More
Genres:
Drama, Animation
AKAs:
Omohide poro poro, Omoide Poroporo
Country:
Japan
Languages:
Japanese, Bulgarian
imdb More information at IMDb
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Only Yesterday

1991
Drama
Animation
1h 59m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 68.27% from 932 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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magbMagb
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
85th
I think one of the reasons why so many people don't like anime is because so much anime often resorts to silly extremes, in terms of both style and content. Only Yesterday, on the other hand, could scarcely be less extreme. It perfectly balances all of its components without ever stumbling. It's sweet, but not saccharine; tender, but not frail; sentimental, but not mawkish. The acting is very naturalistic and understated, as is the animation. The story is simple but effective.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
goremeatgoremeat
Rated 24 Feb 2012
90
95th
Reflection and introspection - and a look at our movements through age identities. Only Yesterday has a real sense of warmth and genuineness that makes it one of my favourite Ghibli features. Very balanced, subtle and careful with each of its characters and themes. Beautiful.
Rated 24 Feb 2012
martintellerMartinTeller
Rated 24 Jan 2007
86
87th
Another triumph from Studio Ghibli. Part coming-of-age story, part bittersweet nostalgia, part gentle romance. It seemed heavily influenced by Ozu's quiet sensitivity, in fact I think there was a passing reference to Early Summer. Very sweet and touching. Ghibli has a gift for tear-jerking, and at the end my eyes were watering up once again.
Rated 24 Jan 2007
senseisensei
Rated 08 Aug 2009
90
93rd
Worth watching for the spectacular imagery alone, but it's much more than that. Anyone can relate to this movie, filled with nostalgia, regret, uncertainty for the future, etc. Make sure to endure the first 20 minutes because Only Yesterday becomes more and more rewarding.
Rated 08 Aug 2009
paulofilmopaulofilmo
Rated 18 May 2008
80
98th
A script of gentle wisdom. A subtle epic.
Rated 18 May 2008
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 08 Aug 2012
100
99th
One of the most beautiful film experiences I ever had.
Rated 08 Aug 2012
matguy3matGuy3
Rated 28 Feb 2016
9
92nd
Sure, it's nostalgic and romantic, even dangerously close to sentimental--the ending in particular--but the emotions and the satisfaction portrayed through the beautiful music and animation... it's a genuine tear-jerker that doesn't feel forced at all; I had fallen in love with these people and I wanted them, I wanted HER, to be happy and go forward to a better future. That final meeting of past and present was emotional perfection.
Rated 28 Feb 2016
psimpsim
Rated 29 Mar 2018
90
98th
What a great film about how our adult lives are shaped by the small moments along the way. Everything rang so true, and the film is full of delightful and touching moments.
Rated 29 Mar 2018
jlfmJLFM
Rated 05 Sep 2017
86
92nd
Takahata has a gift for weaving non-literal imagery and fantastical moments into otherwise grounded films, and that hallmark is more present in his utterly gorgeous masterwork, Only Yesterday, than in any of his other films. Flashbacks with Taeko's 10 year-old self intertwine with the present-day and occasionally collide with Takahata's gracefully deft touch. The culmination of this occurs in the film's transcendent final scene - one of my all-time favorite finales from any movie.
Rated 05 Sep 2017
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 08 Feb 2015
75
63rd
About halfway between boring and beautiful, this somewhat plaintive Ghibli outing starts pretty slow, but ends up packing a bit of a wallop by the end. At least for me - as the nostalgic childhood themes really hit home for me. Also, there's something to be said for a movie like this that's willing to take an extended break for a wacky, lengthy deconstruction of the way schoolchildren are taught about female puberty, featuring a banjo arrangement of "Turkey in the Straw."
Rated 08 Feb 2015
ytadelYtadel
Rated 16 Jun 2007
5
57th
This one didn't exactly light my world on fire. I DID really like the 5th grade flashback sequences, which were moving and subtle - and Ghibli, as always, writes remarkably accurate children - but the age 27 scenes had me restless.
Rated 16 Jun 2007
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 24 May 2018
5
93rd
Well if this isn't the sweetest thing I've ever seen. Gentle, lyrical. Lovely and leisurely. An utterly charming sense of humor. Nostalgic of formative experiences, both the warm and the troubling, and the fulfillment of self-reflection and realization. Sympathetic of a woman's place in the world, from puberty to adulthood, and containing beautiful renderings of the Japanese countryside, but ultimately it feels universal.
Rated 24 May 2018
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 13 Aug 2015
90
97th
Profoundly beautiful. Takahata's standard themes run thick through "Only Yesterday", but they do not dominate the characters or the narrative as they do in one or two of his lesser works. It's beautifully animated and deeply subtle, but at the same time hugely expressive and emotional. The touching nostalgia is never sickly or overdone, but it's all perfectly judged and paced.
Rated 13 Aug 2015
nandorizzinandorizzi
Rated 20 Feb 2009
85
88th
I confess that Anime has never interested me much. But if I, or anyone who want to know and begin to like, this is the right movie. A story of a lovely simplicity.
Rated 20 Feb 2009
corbadCorbad
Rated 05 Jul 2020
90
96th
A stunning pastoral and a beautiful reflection on childhood and maturity voiced by a superb Japanese cast. Moving and immersive vignettes washed in watercolours flow into scenes of naturalistic dialogue and silence that breathes deeply and fresh—a sunrise is a moment of holy pause, conversations in the car wander through profundity as the vehicle winds through the fields. Authentic and utterly singular, patient and lovely. Beautiful.
Rated 05 Jul 2020
camcleodCAMcleod
Rated 03 Dec 2011
100
95th
My favourite Studio Ghibli film, and it is not by Miyazaki! Controversial, perhaps, but this nostalgia-soaked drama hit all the right notes for me, and remains among my favourite films of all time! Watch it, if you haven't already.
Rated 03 Dec 2011
nobambanobamba
Rated 23 Mar 2019
50
45th
A refreshing change of pace from other Studio Ghibli films on a more poignant subject and a historical piece. Fav scene: train at the end with the kids.
Rated 23 Mar 2019
groovysoulsGroovy_Souls
Rated 01 Aug 2015
70
56th
Perhaps on a second watch this score could improve, but I really wasn't impressed with this film as I usually am with Ghibli. It has the right feel and invokes the right emotions, but it's almost dull in its setting. However, the Japanese voice acting is delightful, as is the nostalgic feel and animation. It's not bad, but one of my least favorite Ghibli films.
Rated 01 Aug 2015
nepetaNepeta
Rated 01 Jul 2021
90
90th
Very thankful I put off watching this for so long, as it hit very effectively with me as a 29 year old wrapped up in memories of the past and trying to figure out what they want out of life. Only Yesterday is a quiet, understated, lovely film with a very mature perspective on the passing of time and the forces that shape us. I wish the film had done a bit more in regards to stating that some of what Taeko went through was actually trauma, but despite this I left feeling well-nourished.
Rated 01 Jul 2021
hotsakehotsake
Rated 13 Jul 2012
92
99th
Another great human drama from the Man who directed Graveyard of the Fireflies.
Rated 13 Jul 2012
bownBown
Rated 10 Jun 2016
86
80th
Very slight, yet incredibly beautiful and real. My 1000th rating on this site.
Rated 10 Jun 2016
turinturin
Rated 19 Apr 2009
74
78th
Like everything out of Ghibli, it's pure magic, although quite different then other proudctions - instead of fantasy, we get something much more tangible and real. Although the minimalistic animation is noticeable from the very start, and seems somewhat too simplistic, it matches the story well. The same can be said about the plot itself: first reserved feelings towards reminescents of a 10 year-old Japanese girl turn out to be only the prelude to more serious subject.
Rated 19 Apr 2009
jimmy_suedeJimmy Suede
Rated 27 Oct 2017
90
93rd
Gorgeous film. A subtle and sweet romance about a woman coming to terms with her present through a time in the country and reminiscences of a formative time in her childhood. And such a great ending (those kids!!).
Rated 27 Oct 2017
chow25chow25
Rated 14 Aug 2007
90
90th
Touching tell of adulthood.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
dsonlaDSonla
Rated 01 Oct 2023
73
64th
Charming, there's something about the cuteness and nostalgia of childhood about it.
Rated 01 Oct 2023
scribScrib
Rated 12 Jul 2022
70
54th
Coming-of-age isn't my genre, but it's done quite well here. A little dull for the majority of its run-time, and seemingly aimless, but its narrative focus is clearer towards the end, revealing something truly beautiful at its heart. The animation is understated, often grounded & detailed, but flashbacks occur with minimal colouring, shots fading out at the edges like unfinished drawings; an incomplete memory, or a view of the world that is yet to develop at the age & stage portrayed.
Rated 12 Jul 2022
onetimeuserOneTime_User
Rated 26 Jul 2022
89
62nd
Great!
Rated 26 Jul 2022
utskUtSk
Rated 16 Jan 2023
60
24th
The very slow pace combined with my inability to understand what was the link between the childhood flashbacks and the present story made for a pretty dull viewing experience. The beautiful imagery compensates, but it is still mostly boring.
Rated 16 Jan 2023
anaakianaaki
Rated 11 May 2014
80
71st
Not my favorite Ghibli film, but beautiful and touching nonetheless.
Rated 11 May 2014
yesistastyyesistasty
Rated 24 Mar 2023
94
84th
How is it that I can be so nostalgic for a time and a place so far away from anything I've ever experienced? Beautiful movie, coming of age twice.
Rated 24 Mar 2023
samajullysamajully
Rated 28 May 2020
100
91st
Another animation full of details and colors that are linked to the development of the protagonist. It is a film about the wisdom that we all experience with life. Very sensitive and nostalgic!
Rated 28 May 2020
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 27 Mar 2018
83
69th
Episodic, nostalgic collection of remembrances has powerful dramatic moments and sincere emotional beats -- as an aside, interesting to contrast its depiction of teen response to menstruation to a U.S. production, where it would either be pruriently ignored, or else dealt with using smutty humour! Ultimately its meandering narrative can't hold together, but it's best moments make it worthwhile -- especially the unexpected gut punch of an ending. Japanese vocal track exceptionally well done.
Rated 27 Mar 2018
overratedoverrated
Rated 05 May 2021
79
89th
The father is the low-key worst villain out of all the Ghibli films.
Rated 05 May 2021
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 26 Aug 2012
84
77th
Touching reflection on childhood but there's certainly an imbalance between the emotional sincerity of the flashbacks and the contrived framing story. Though it gives the childhood memories an important context the relationship doesn't fully go the other way, making it feel increasingly like dead weight the more screen time it's given and the ending left a bit of a sour taste. Still, all those flashback moments are really excellent.
Rated 26 Aug 2012
seethruskinSeethruskin
Rated 28 Mar 2016
4
51st
Really disappointed me considering my favourite Ghibli is in the same wheelhouse as this one (Whisper of the Heart). Maybe it will be better on a rewatch as the chair at the theatre was very uncomfortable.
Rated 28 Mar 2016
astrakhanastrakhan
Rated 15 Aug 2017
80
74th
Adorable film of biographical reminiscing which contains enough nostalgic feeling to deeply touch anyone over 20, regardless of where they grew up. It manages to go a step further than most straight coming-of-age films by also showing the regrets and consequences that follow us into adulthood. Despite seeming a bit unclear in where it is headed at times, it's worth enduring for the cultural insights of rural 1970s Japan it offers.
Rated 15 Aug 2017
devincastrodevincastro
Rated 09 Mar 2016
70
77th
not my favorite from studio ghibli. the animation and cinematography were both excellent. the film was rather slow. however, the end scene was poignant and beautiful.
Rated 09 Mar 2016
kramyessevKramYessev
Rated 12 Apr 2013
62
42nd
Similar to "Whisper of the Heart" in that the film has well-realized characters, a strong sense of bittersweet realism and a lovely soundtrack. Unfortunately, like the aforementioned film, it simply isn't for me.
Rated 12 Apr 2013
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 02 Jan 2020
90
95th
Taeko: "When my sisters recall the good old days it's mainly about fashions or pop starts. For them 1966 was the high point of their youth. But for me it was just fifth grade."
Rated 02 Jan 2020
omgfridgeomgfridge
Rated 15 May 2016
7
65th
[2016 dubbed edition in cinema] Humor has definitely held up in it's light-hearted charm. A nostalgic sombre tale that while rather uncomplicated will resonate with you from hitting all the right notes.
Rated 15 May 2016
filliganFilligan
Rated 28 Jul 2021
89
75th
I'm shocked at how positively I ended up feeling about this since my viewing experience was equal parts charmed and unexcited. Not that I expect these sort of Ghibli films to get fantastical or explosive, but the setting is barely existent and some of the morality is a little ham-fisted. And yet, part of me thinks, Why not? Why not this unexciting backdrop for this tale of introspection and purpose? It's almost like taking a vacation yourself. You don't have to do anything, just enjoy.
Rated 28 Jul 2021
chadarnookchadarnook
Rated 08 Aug 2021
85
79th
Gorgeous animation with an interesting structure. While always maintaining a realist sensibility it surprises 'til the very end.
Rated 08 Aug 2021
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 21 Dec 2016
81
81st
Wantedcountryvacay+Fampineapple1stfewlike+boytradefood+boylikesyoulol+greatpitcherwow-piss5times+hirogotaeko-sheshyruns+seewalkhome+bothshy-sunorcloud?+blush+swimclouds+sexed+girltellsboy.wear+upskirtrage+present-farm+noshoesdadslaps1stlast+fractionstrugglefamworry+seeforestsetcthinknature-butfarmersmade+teachmadaddplaylines+sowavedtoexpress-hit-invitedtotheater+dadno+hsdramaok+boyfamwantmarry+poorboynexther-girlssaidmove-buthurt+teachmadeshakehands-nothers+cuzlikedyou+kids-selfcheerback
Rated 21 Dec 2016
mclinusamclinusa
Rated 06 May 2008
74
22nd
I cannot resist a Ghibli Studio movie. The story is not very entertaining. It gives some insight into a lifestyle that is disappearing in japan.
Rated 06 May 2008
destrodestro
Rated 22 Jan 2022
45
6th
Maybe the cultural translation didn't land for me, but the story just seemed to jump around to random memories from her childhood and not lead to any climax. The dialogue seemed like someone watched Pulp Fiction and said, "Can we do the exact opposite of that?" And the heroine got PTSD from some trivial #@!%. Props to the father who gave not one damn.
Rated 22 Jan 2022
malcymMalcym
Rated 21 Nov 2016
6
55th
Of Ghibli's gentle nostalgia pieces, I prefer the later From Up on Poppy Hill overall. But this has moments of great beauty and, oh my gosh, that ending...
Rated 21 Nov 2016
fenixdownfenixdown
Rated 05 Apr 2017
74
50th
Definitely worth a look, although the recollections are much more interesting than the tale of adult Taeko.
Rated 05 Apr 2017
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 27 Dec 2020
78
86th
Well made. My biggest criticism would probably be that some parts could be shorter. But as a whole it's really pretty good. Balanced, thoughtful and emotionally resonant. Recommended!
Rated 27 Dec 2020
dullshimmerDullshimmer
Rated 13 Jun 2020
80
35th
It's an interesting look at growing up and how our childhood and past shapes who we are and what memories really stick with us. It has some beautiful imagery, but the movie is a bit slow in terms of the story. The story kind of has a romantic element, but is mostly on the ground in the ebbs and flows of life. Our events don't always make sense in a straight narrative, but they still shape us. That's what this movie taps into.
Rated 13 Jun 2020
slugslug
Rated 14 Feb 2016
8
72nd
Beautiful.
Rated 14 Feb 2016
metismetis
Rated 06 Aug 2021
60
18th
????????????????????
Rated 06 Aug 2021
ametrineAmetrine
Rated 06 Jun 2020
10
91st
Isao Takahata is rapidly becoming one of my favorite directors. I had no idea what I was getting into with this one, but it hit me hard in all the right ways. He had such a profound way of capturing humanity and showcasing even the mundane as important and noteworthy. This film is a masterpiece and needs to be seen.
Rated 06 Jun 2020
klunsenKlunsen
Rated 23 Jul 2018
50
49th
Don't remember much.
Rated 23 Jul 2018
ptravers2ptravers2
Rated 07 Jan 2017
7
81st
It's true that Pixar's Oscar darling Inside Out also concerns a young girl whose head is full of conflicting emotions. It's a modern classic. Only Yesterday comes from a quieter, less demonstrative place. As he did in his most recent and reportedly final film, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Takahata has built Only Yesterday to go gently and to last. Mission accomplished.
Rated 07 Jan 2017
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 06 Apr 2018
91
89th
Em honra de Isao Takahata 高畑勲 (1935 - 2018) filme #2 Que bunitinho, trata a pré-adolecência de forma tão real e universal que fica ainda mais evidente a perda de um talento grandioso com a morte de Takahata san. DVDRip no MakingOff.
Rated 06 Apr 2018
zaezae
Rated 01 Dec 2013
75
66th
It's good, and has that magic Ghibli feeling, as well as one of the most beautiful ending sequences ever. A bit slow, though, especially in the first half, and I found myself getting a bit annoyed at the main character and her obsession with the past.
Rated 01 Dec 2013
slrsoapboxSlrSoapbox
Rated 26 Apr 2018
90
92nd
Lyrical, thoughtful and gentle. Though it's quite unlike other Studio Ghibli films in that the story is an adult romantic drama rather than a fantasy aimed at a general audience. Absolutely lovely animation, of course, but I wouldn't expect anything less.
Rated 26 Apr 2018
dyannethorneDyanneThorne
Rated 28 Jul 2017
82
85th
A movie about how our childhood shapes up to who we end up being. But not in a depressing way. Go see it.
Rated 28 Jul 2017
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 13 Jun 2008
97
99th
Very Great
Rated 13 Jun 2008
doyler29doyler29
Rated 31 Aug 2022
90
87th
Like many Isao Takahata's films, this is an animated film that covers territory far outside of what you usually think of the bounds of animation. It's largely a meditation on how our childhood and particularly our perspective on our childhood may limit our ability to find happiness in adulthood. That sounds heavy, but this is not a heavy film.
Rated 31 Aug 2022
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 14 Aug 2007
60
54th
A Josei anime (animated chick-flick, petty much). This low-key drama's strengths lie in its hyper-realistic recounting of protagonist Taeko's memories of fifth grade, though all in all the story is nowhere near as touching or involving as Takahata's Grave of the Fireflies. The animation is top-notch as usual with Ghibli.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
bakcheiabakcheia
Rated 06 Jan 2014
86
79th
A touching, nostalgic reflection on the protagonist's past and how events and interactions from her childhood (both good and bad) contributed to forming who she is as an adult. The animation and scenery look a little dated, but they are all beautiful nonetheless.
Rated 06 Jan 2014
kevin_ruffoKevin Ruffo
Rated 06 Feb 2024
70
57th
i just think it should've focused only on yesterday
Rated 06 Feb 2024
shinysingershinySinger
Rated 17 Mar 2020
91
83rd
wow ok i didnt expect this movie to be so good i love taeko and i would die for her
Rated 17 Mar 2020

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