Copied From My Review on Letterboxd.com: Only Yesterday is one of the more inaccessible Ghibli films. Being grounded in reality its not as inherently fantastical as other Ghibli efforts. There are no otherworldly creatures and no epic largerthanlife journeys to go on. It also runs nearly two hours long. However it did what I thought not to be possible. It surpassed Spirited Away for me as my favorite Ghibli film. At least for now that is. I may have to reevaluate at some point as I do really love that film. What is at its core a very simplistic and familiar narrative ends up having a lot to say between the lines. While it is a bit jarring at first jumping through both the past and future narratives it ultimately works hugely in the films favor overall. Youre able to see all of our main characters loves losses highs lows successes and disappointments over the course of her life and how thats led her to be the person she is in the present day How its led her to ultimately get to a place where she feels shes supposed to be. I also love how the lessons are not spelled out and realized right away. Take the scene where the two girls skip gym class for instance. Our main character is deeply troubled with the thought of her peers being under the impression that she is on her period. Her friend on the other hand has learned that its a natural part of life and not to be ashamed of even with her classmates constantly teasing her. In that moment our main character notices her friends behavior and questions it but does not instantly share the same sentiments. She still is ashamed of her period. This however lays the groundwork for her growth and you start seeing the puzzle pieces come together later on in her life as she laughs in reflection of how silly some of the things she thought as a child were. I also like how the film progresses and how it ultimately ends. Without spoiling anything its clear that our main character still doesnt have everything together. Shes able to piece together a lot of things because of the natural wisdom that ages brings through reflection of past experiences but there are still things to learn and people along the way that can help you realize things you couldnt on your own. Overall this is not a flashy film and its not for everyone. Its for those still trying to find their way through life those still trying to find where they belong and those still trying to piece together their life experiences. Its extremely familiar and extremely impactful. I burst into silent tears by the end and left the theater looking at the world a little brighter.