Only Yesterday (1991) - Isao Takahata (Studio Ghibli)
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Another of Takahata's films, and yet again it is both surprising and markedly different to other Studio Ghibli films. I watched the first half hour and enjoyed it somewhat, but I didn't think I was going to like it all that much as it is a much more 'real-life' story, and is about as far removed from the fantasy settings and scenes of the more famous SG titles... but it is well worth a watch, and it packs an emotional punch.
For me, the highlight of the movie is the sheer beauty and simplicity of the farming scenes around the middle of the film, coupled with some very effective and surprising choices for music - the animation and artwork is among the best in the SG canon, and that is really saying something.
It is also very cleverly done insomuch as the story is split between the lead character when she is an adult and when she is a schoolkid - the latter scenes being drawn and painted in a markedly different style, more reminiscent of Takahata's later film, 'The Tale Of Princess Kaguya', which stands in stark contrast to the hyper realism of the present day scenes.
The whole film is quite moving, and sensitively done - it's probably not a film I'd revisit as often as (many) other SG films, but it was much better than I was expecting and is a fascinating and unique entry in the SG back catalogue.
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I also watched Pom Poko again last night - another Takahata film with some very surprising (and downright hilarious) scenes. There are some real laugh out loud moments in the film, as well as many moving moments as well - but it doesn't overplay any aspect too much, and I really enjoyed it for a second time.
