Released in America for the first time - ONLY YESTERDAY 1991, Studio Ghibli

Friday, January 1st 2016, IFC began its first screenings of Only Yesterday, a re-release from its original opening in Japan in 1991. Nationwide release February 26th, 2016.

Only Yesterday is a drama/romance animated film targeting female audiences, however, in its debut back in 1991, its relatable story transcended gender and appealed to male audiences just as well. The film follows the life of Taeko Okajima, 27 years old, as she reminisces about her younger years and what influenced her. She has lived her entire life in busy Tokyo and throughout it all, she had yearned to be out in the country side surrounded by nature and family life/values. From when we was young, every summer she asked her parents if they could vacation in the country but unlike her classmates, she had no family to stay with. Taeko was bored with city life - the idea of getting away from it all was refreshing to her, however, it could not be realized.

The film jumps around from Taeko as her present 27-year-old self and her younger self, predominately as a schoolgirl of 10 years old in 1966. Taeko, living on her own, unmarried, and working a 9-5 office job, prepared to go on holiday to the country side for about a week to help the family of her older brother harvest safflowers used to make dyes. As she travels from Tokyo to Yamagata, she finds herself looking back on all that she went through which brought her to this point - her first love, the awkwardness of becoming a woman, missed opportunities, family disputes, friendships - it seems that she cannot get away from her younger self.

As she arrives in Yamagata, she meets her elder brother's second cousin, Toshio, who is there to pick her up and help with her luggage. During the long car ride to the family farm, they both reminisce about their younger days, farming, agriculture and talk a little about themselves, since they really haven't formaly met before. They seem to hit it off rather well from the get-go and there is hardly a pause in their conversations at all during the car ride.

It seems that Taeko simply cannot get away from her younger self. At almost every moment of her time away, she finds herself going back to her childhood experiences. Toshio is always keen to listen but he does question why she is so absorbed in the past. She keeps getting dragged back, perhaps in a way to escape adult issues she tries her best to ignore - such as love (and lack there of) and her career back home. It seems that her and Toshio become closer and closer but being that Taeko isn't really thinking in the "now" she doesn't realize his fondness for her, however, her family does. During her final day on holiday, Toshio's mother suggests that Taeko stay to live with them on the farm and marry Toshio. Being suddenly thrust into a very adult situation, Taeko becomes uncomfortable and storms out into the night through the rain. Again, she is visited by her childhood self and becomes very distraught. Toshio finds her and thinking on what was suggested to her about staying and settling down with him, Taeko slowly realizes what was in front of her all along. She would be happier if she stayed, she did have feelings for Toshio, however - she struggled with the thought of leaving her life in the city behind.

As the credits run, she gets on the train back to Tokyo and said her goodbyes. While on the train, her mind fabricates her younger self once more, surrounded by her childhood friends. This time, however, Taeko seems to not pay them any mind. She looks on, from where she just left, and realizes she was the happiest she's ever been, right there, with Toshio; feeling fulfilled with a sense of purpose working on the farm, surrounded by peaceful country life and family who needed and loved her. In reality, there was nothing of substance waiting for her back in Tokyo. She finally turned her back on what was and focused on what is and what will be. After the credits, you find out that she gets off the train and makes her way back to Yamagata, where Toshio is waiting for her with open arms. And the viewer suspects that he and Taeko live happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this film. It's playfulness and realness connected with me and I became very connected to the characters. Taeko's story can resonate with everyone in some way, haven't we all at least once struggled with awkwardness while growing up? Having stern parents? Experiencing your first love? Only Yesterday gives the viewer a sense of nostalgia for their own childhood days and makes one feel young again. This light-hearted realistic animated drama was one of the first of its time back in 1991 to explore such a mature subject matter and remains just as relevant and timeless today. A must-see, "feel good" film for any age.

Click here for official US release trailer with English dub. And also, fun fact, if you listen closely (and if you have seen the latest blockbuster Star Wars: The Force Awakens in theaters) you should recognize the voice of actress Daisy Ridley (Rey) as the voice of the main character Taeko!

For screenings at IFC Center, click here (All shows before 8:00pm are the new English-language version. All shows after 8:00pm are the original Japanese version with English subtitles.)

Only Yesterday, 1991 (おもひでぽろぽろ Omoide Poro Poro, lit. "Trickle down Memories")
Genre: Animated, Drama, Romance
Rating: PG for smoking and thematic elements
Runtime: 1 hr 58 min
Director: Isao Takahata
Production company: Studio Ghibli