Movie No. 10 (2013): ONLY YESTERDAY
Only Yesterday (1991)
Director: Isao Takahata
Cast (voice): Miki Imai, Toshiro Yanagiba
In Japanese, with English subtitles
Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker in Tokyo, takes a break from a job that almost burns her out. She yearns for the countryside, and decides to spend some time in a farm in Yamagata Prefecture, where her sister lives. On her way to the country side, excitement about helping pick safflower from which a pigment for red lipstick is produced and her memories as a stubborn 10-year-old alternately preoccupy her.
Director: Isao Takahata
Cast (voice): Miki Imai, Toshiro Yanagiba
In Japanese, with English subtitles
Taeko, a 27-year-old office worker in Tokyo, takes a break from a job that almost burns her out. She yearns for the countryside, and decides to spend some time in a farm in Yamagata Prefecture, where her sister lives. On her way to the country side, excitement about helping pick safflower from which a pigment for red lipstick is produced and her memories as a stubborn 10-year-old alternately preoccupy her.
This is an animated film from the world-renowned Studio Ghibli in Japan. Isao Takahata (director of Grave of the Fireflies) and Hayao Miyazaki (as producer) made this film happen. What I like most about the film is the Bermanesque style (minus the angst) that is infused in some scenes, which actually worked to elicit the feeling of nostalgia and longing. I would say, had Bergman made an animated film with a happy ending, it could be this film. I can also sense some Ozu.
This film, by the way, just like Grave of the Fireflies, could easily be made as live action. But, in the animation format, it's just as good, in fact better, despite that it's not a fantasy film.
I really enjoyed this film, particularly the scene shown in the still picture. And, the pineapple scene, too!
Date seen: January 5, 2013
Rating: 4.0/4.0
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