Studio Ghibli Collection

My Neighbors the Yamadas

Completely different from standard Studio Ghibli animation, this film consists of rough sketches in outline form, with soft colours reminiscent of watercolour painting.

As opposed to the often mystical nature of many Miyazaki films, director Isao Takahata has chosen the everyday activities of family life, based upon a popular Japanese comic strip of the same title.

Favouring character portrayal over plot, Takahata’s film is a wonderfully simple and wry look at the Yamada family: mother Matsuko and father Takashi; their son Noboru and daughter Nonoko; Shige, Matsuko’s mother; and Pochi, the family dog. Irresponsible, slovenly and lazy, the Yamada family and their unassuming way of life leave a delightfully humorous yet poignant impression upon the viewer.

• “There is no doubt that, in its own way, this film is an important work, like ‘Princess Mononoke’. Although it may give a more subdued impression, compared to previous Ghibli productions, you will find ‘My Neighbours The Yamadas’ just as satisfying as its predecessors.”

  – Yomiuri Shimbun

• “The family encounters a series of funny but universal episodes, with comic timing. The viewer quickly grows to like this irresponsible, slovenly and lazy family and their down-to-earth way of life.”

  – Yomiuri Shimbun

• “To say I loved this DVD is an understatement. If future Ghibli movies on DVD look this good, then the future looks great.”

  – Anime on DVD

• “... this strange anime is perhaps the most domestic and restrained production Ghibli will ever produce. ”

  – Meta Anime Review