Studio Ghiblihas built its reputation on imaginative and fantastical worlds, gentle pacing, and emotional depth. For many fans, the studio issynonymous with Hayao Miyazaki, whose works have become a cornerstone of Ghibli’s identity.However, beneath the whimsical landscapes and breathtaking adventures, there are more grounded and quieter films in Ghibli’s collection that perfectly encapsulate the brand’s values, and they are far too often overlooked.
Only Yesterday, directed by Isao Takahata, may not feature magical adventures, but it perfectly embodies the studio’s spirit with stunning clarity. Through its realism and introspective narrative, the filmbeautifully captures the complexities of ordinary life from childhood to adulthood.Its exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time aligns with Ghibli’s signature themes. In many ways,Only Yesterdaycarries the heart of Ghibli’s values more clearly than any of its more celebrated counterparts.
Only Yesterday Is a Beautifully Moving Story
Taking Place in Both the Past and Present, the Story Is a Touching Meditation on Life
Only Yesterdayfollows the life of Taeko, a 27-year-old woman living in Tokyo who takes a trip to the countryside to help with the safflower harvest. The storyunfolds in both the past, 1966, and the present, 1982, as it explores her childhood memories.These memories unfold between quieter moments of her rural farming life, gracefully transitioning between each experience. Viewers watch her formative years, including classroom crushes, family expectations, small embarrassments, and early dreams. These flashbacks are not intended as dramatic twists or revelations, but rather as echoes of a life that shaped her into who she became.
Rather than relying on high-stakes drama, the film adopts a much subtler approach. Itexplores how seemingly minor childhood experiences can reverberate into adulthood, shaping identity and memories in ways that often go unnoticed.Taeko’s journey focuses less on a physical destination and more on reconciling with the woman she’s become. This introspective structure allows the film to unfold like a meditation on life, nostalgia, empathy, and emotional depth.Only Yesterdaynever rushes its pacing, allowing each moment to resonate on its own. The film’s emotional core makes it bothmoving and distinctly Ghibli.
Only Yesterday Is Easily One of Studio Ghibli’s Best Works
Ghibli’s 1991 Film Is Touching, Introspective, and a Timeless Classic
Only Yesterdaystands apart from other films in Studio Ghibli’s catalog due to its steady pace. There’s no need for spectacle or fantasy to hold viewers’ attention;the strength of its direction, performances, and emotional clarity carries the story.Isao Takahata’s film trusts the audience’s capacity for reflection, allowing moments to breathe and silences to speak. From the backgrounds to the character animation, everything contributes a subtle layer of realism that deepens the narrative’s intimacy. Every detail feels intentional, from the soft lighting of the countryside to the faded backgrounds of Taeko’s memories.
Only Yesterdayrewards the audience’s patience with heartfelt reflections, making Taeko’s story one of Studio Ghibli’s best and most powerful works.
While Miyazaki’s works are often praised for their imagination and worldbuilding,Only Yesterdayshines in a different yet equally profound way. It proves that Ghibli’s strength isn’t rooted in fantasy or whimsical narratives; instead,it lies in the studio’s ability to elevate the ordinary.The film demonstrates remarkable sensitivity to emotional depth, exploring growth and self-awareness with a maturity that isn’t common in animated films.Only Yesterdayrewards the audience’s patience with heartfelt reflections, making Taeko’s story one of Studio Ghibli’s best and most powerful works.
Only Yesterday Is One of Anime’s Highest-Rated Films
Only Yesterday Is the Second Highest-Rated Anime Film on Rotten Tomatoes
Despite flying under the radar,Only Yesterdayholds a remarkable distinction as thesecond highest-rated anime filmon Rotten Tomatoes, surpassed only byThe Tale of Princess Kaguya, another film directed by Isao Takahata. The film received critical acclaim and high audience ratings, reflecting its ability to tell a story that touches viewers' hearts. By embracing stillness, memory, and introspection,Only Yesterdaycaptures something rare and powerful, making it clear why it ranks among anime’s finest films.
Studio Ghibli has always been celebrated for its ability to blend artistry with emotional depth, and few films exemplify this as gracefully asOnly Yesterday. Its grounded narrative, visuals, and intimate storytellingreveal a side of Ghibli that too often lives in the shadow of the studio’s more adventurous works.However, that doesn’t diminish its profound impact. Through its sincerity, raw reflections, and focus on the small moments that shape Taeko’s life, it captures something not only beautiful but also timeless and universal.Only Yesterdayembodies Ghibli’s heart like no other film.
