Copied From My Review on Letterboxd.com:

Only Yesterday is one of the more inaccessible Ghibli films. Being grounded in reality, it’s not as inherently fantastical as other Ghibli efforts. There are no otherworldly creatures and no epic, larger-than-life 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 it’s 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 film’s favor overall. You’re able to see all of our main character’s loves, losses, highs, lows, successes, and disappointments over the course of her life and how that’s led her to be the person she is in the present day — How it’s led her to ultimately get to a place where she feels she’s 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 it’s 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, it’s clear that our main character still doesn’t have everything together. She’s 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 couldn’t on your own.

Overall, this is not a flashy film and it’s not for everyone. It’s 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. It’s extremely familiar and extremely impactful. I burst into silent tears by the end and left the theater looking at the world a little brighter.