I think it's well on its way for me at this point that I prefer Isao Takahata to Hayao Miyazaki. Maybe that will change, I'll have to go over all my ratings when I've finished watching all the Studio Ghibli movies. His films are more sentimental than action, which I prefer at this point in my life. His art is always unique and a break from the "normal". Also COUGHCOUGH he doesn't have to make every movie about airplanes COUGHCOUGH.

Only Yesterday is about a woman going for an 8 day vacation to work on a farm in the countryside as she's always felt more at home there than in the city. Because she remembers as a child all her friends got to take summer vacations in the countryside and she was left alone wishing she could too. Now because of her older sister's parents inviting her, she finally has that chance. This sparks memories of that entire era for her As she plans and takes the train out and works there she is constantly thinking about her 10 year old self in 1966 and various memories of that year. The beginning of puberty and boys and hating math and, well other things I won't spoil. Which then leads to her wondering if she stayed true to her childhood desires. Also, she meets a sweet young farmer during her time there and two end up having a lot in common.

It's a very simple, pensive movie. What I really loved in this movie was the half drawn and/or erased presentation of all the memory sequences. We get neat little sequences such as explaining the history, uses, and farming of Saffron flower. But really it's a movie once again about people accepting themselves and being accepted for who they are despite the pressures of society and the world and god damn that speaks to me.

EDIT: Oh and I learned what an Aiaikasa is and I like it. It's very sweet. So there.