My wife and I watched this for the second time ‘only yesterday’ :) the first time we watched it we were in our early 20s and felt underwhelmed by the lack of fantastical escapades that were more prevalent in other Ghibli’s films, in particular Miyazaki‘s. Now we are in our early 40s and this film feels deep and meaningful. A slice of life that carries depth and introspective power that is the staple of Takahata’s films. If Miyazaki was the flight of fantasy of Ghibli, then Takahata is the heart and soul of Ghibli. Thank you for adding even deeper psychological level to this enchantingly gentle anime.
omg this movie gave me so much triggering feelings regarding the family... ffs !! The family was horrible to her. I can see the resemblances with my own family and others, how this shapes a child's development!
Cat PBatista: Thank you for sharing. It's the family we have been given in our lifetime to learn more efficiently about ourselves and what we can correct that's not for our highest good. A lot of times, our family (and even our culture) is not aware of how we've been imprinted on a subconscious level and we can still be operating from our wounded child's awareness of those events that's emotionally not healthy.
I really like how you connected the fractions with the office job, I think that's spot on. The thing about dividing fractions is that it doesn't make much sense. Her sister insists it's easy, and on paper, it is - there's just one step you diligently need to follow. However, even she can't explain "why" or "for what reason" they have to learn this or what it's good for. Taeko suffers, is seen as stupid and is punished with bad grades not for not understanding math, but for *questioning things*. People who are good at dividing fractions have an easier time later in life, she says: I think what she means is that people who are obedient and can just do as they're told without questioning it too much have an easier time later in life. Connecting this with the office job is smart, I think, because doing such a job is respectable, normal and even expected in society. Working a good job is good, living in Tokio is good, making money in a respectable way is good - these are sentiments everyone in the film tells her. The farmers are confused why she would want to escape this life that is perfect on paper. Doing what is normal and not questioning authority may give you less trouble in the moment, but Taeko is wrong to think it will make her happy, so she does think deeply about what she wants and chooses a life she will be happy with, however strange it may seem to others.
We all seem to have an inner calling that's unspoken, but the tug is there. You can ignore it at your own peril. And you may be given several chances to heed the call. Sometimes it's too much pressure building inside to go with the social consciousness versus what's best for your spiritual unfoldment and authentic happiness. Those are the major turning points within our lifetime.
I would also like to thank you for your fine and deep analysis. Me and my wife watched it some time ago and we discussed it. We have both choosen to work with people. Also, we watched Your name, a very good movie.
Ingvald Karlsson: I'm glad you both enjoyed "Only Yesterday" and "Your Name". Both are great, classic movies that Disney can learn from in making meaningful animations!
Great analysis! This film really resonated with me on a number of levels and is definitely a very therapeutic film, I think. In some ways, it gave me a similar feeling as the film "Boyhood," in that they both deal with themes of aging and gaining ever more mature perspective on life as one grows older.
I don't usually watch anime, but "Only Yesterday" really got my attention. I sometimes wish Disney can learn to use the Art of Subtlety and capture tender, quiet moments. It would be like "living waters" for the spirit of children.
All too true. Studio Ghibli, the studio behind "Only Yesterday," is one of the best as far as the employment of subtlety in their films. "Kiki's Delivery Service" is a prime example, which I would highly recommend. Just the way the small, seemingly meaningless movements of characters and objects in scenes is a thing of subtle beauty in that film.
I want to check it out. I saw the cover art of "Kiki's Delivery Service" a few months ago. There is one anime film from Japan - not through Ghibli - that was very popular last year called "Your Name." I believe it will be shown in the U.S. this Spring in select theaters. You might want to see it.
Can I just say this is one of the most effective youtube videos i've seen. It's to the point, it doesn't waffle on, it's just a concise analysis. You covered so much in 8 minutes and it didn't feel overwhelming at any point.
This movie is so beautiful and I can align myself so much with the movie. I feel the passion as well as the hurt and pain that Taeko feels throughout the movie. It reminds me of myself and how I often reminisce on my younger days and how I grew up
Thanks for your enlightening explanation to tje hidden meanings behind te film - Only Yesterday. This is my favorite movie of all time. I do have a lot of memory of myself dated back to my age of 11 and 12 (I am now 61). I couldn't explain why was that before but I now understand why memory from that part of my life kept being recalled.
Brent Cruz: Welcome to the channel. I am surprised that you know I'm from the Philippines. How did you find out because my accent is mostly English American?
Thank you so much for this. I am a sucker for nostalgia and when I watched this yesterday, it didn’t quite stick up with me. Looking back at it now, it all makes sense. I’m sure one day I’m gonna remember this film and look back when I was 11.
omg I loved seeing this in theaters. Just a really sweet and simple movie with some nice motifs in it. May I suggest investing in a better microphone, and establishing yourself in social media?
Thank you for the suggestion. We are looking into a better mic. I'm currently using a shotgun mic from our Sony camera, which is okay for now. As for social media, I do a little. I'm testing out Pinterest because it has a longer shelf life of 6 months - 1 year, compared to Facebook and Twitter's 24-hour shelf life. Also, the movie "Only Yesterday" is special. "Red Turtle" that's made by a French animator and Ghibli films is a visual treat. I do believe it will be nominated for best animation at the Oscars in February.
this hits a lot from home since in some ways I was in that situation of how you should act and be the person that everyone expect u 2 be vs who u want 2 be and make u happy. such a good movie.
To me the best part was the use of an international soundtrack. Songs in Japanese, Hungarian, Italian, and Greek. The end theme of The Rose in Japanese is beautiful.
@@consciousmoviereviews9730 its never too late. And I got my high school diploma and started College in the same year at 29. Its never too late. Also make sure you get a degree where their always hiring and its pays good money.
Rupali Harichandan: I was able to watch it by ordering through Vudu. You may just have to look into a DVD of it or find a streaming service. Check RU-vid movies as well. They may rent it out. Good luck.
