Quick Info
This is one of those movies that sneaks up on you. "Only Yesterday" is a beautifully understated animated romance from Studio Ghibli, but unlike their more famous works, it's set firmly in the real world and follows a 27-year-old woman named Taeko as she reflects on her childhood during a trip to the countryside. It moves at a gentle, personal pace that feels almost meditative.
What really stood out for me was the way the film blends present-day scenes with Taeko's memories. The color shifts whenever we flash back, with dreamy, watercolor backgrounds that seem to fade at the edges, perfectly capturing the haziness of nostalgia. I loved the attention to mundane details — farming, family dinners, awkward school moments — all of which make the romantic thread feel grounded and genuine.
The romance itself is subtle and slow-building, mostly through conversations and shared silences rather than big declarations. Some viewers might wish for a bit more drama or clear-cut plot, but I found the quietness refreshing. The "will they, won't they" angle is handled with such realism and restraint that it feels like something that could really happen.
The voice performances (especially in the original Japanese) are gentle but full of emotion, adding a lot to characters who, at first, seem ordinary but reveal surprising depths. Visually, it has those signature Ghibli touches, just dialed down into everyday life: wheat fields, train rides, gentle breezes. It's a romance for people who like their stories honest rather than flashy.
You would enjoy this if you love romance movies that are more about growth, memory, and subtle feelings than grand gestures. "Only Yesterday" is perfect for anyone who enjoys slice-of-life stories or wants a break from the usual tropes.
