Synopsis
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. |