"may be devoid of some of the more fantastical elements that are a trademark of their work, but maintains the unique sense of charm"

Studio Ghibli’s 1991 classic Only Yesterday, which is re-released on DVD and Blu-Ray this Monday, is a charming and thoughtful tale that may be devoid of some of the more fantastical elements that are a trademark of their work, but maintains the unique sense of charm.

While it may be billed as a coming of age story, it’s actually more of a case of how and when did I come of age, as 27 year old Taeko (voiced by Daisy Ridley) reflects back on her life in school. The story intercuts between then and now, with the then of the sixties referring to pop culture such as The Beatles and mini-skirts while Taeko struggles with puberty, young love, school and her emotionally distant parents. The now sees Taeko trying to make sense of what her past means to her while connecting with young farmer Toshio (Dev Patel) as she takes some time away from her office job in Tokyo to visit the country.

The film takes a little while to find its feet and does admittedly feel somewhat long and meandering at times but it remains none the less charming and involving throughout, leading up to its somewhat open-ending. The glorious animation of pastel watercolours, in resplendent glory in their restoration here, is of course joyous as Ghibli’s work always is and while this may not scale the heights of some of their work, Only Yesterday is a worthy addition to their impressive cannon.