My Neighbors the Yamadas

Writer/director Isao Takahata’s 1999 film, “My Neighbors the Yamadas,” definitely separates itself from the other highly-acclaimed, well-received animated films from Studio Ghibli. DVD Dizzy stated in their review, “I have yet to encounter a Ghibli picture as distant from the rest of the canon both visually and thematically, but Yamadas proves change can be a good thing, for it winds up being every bit as effective as an endearing domestic comedy as the more dramatic and fantastical works directed by Hayao Miyazaki.”

DVD Dizzy goes on to say, “Spirits, sprites, shape-shifters, fuzzy hybrid creatures, and strong shojo-esque female protagonists are the types of characters that often occupy Studio Ghibli films, but you won't find any of those in Yamadas.” The small main cast of five is mainly of the main group, an “average” Japanese family level to mistakes and flaws. Otherwise, the Yamadas are an extremely human race whose failings make them more obvious and identifiable for most of the viewers going through the same modern day troubles.

The patriarch of the Yamada family is Takashi, voiced by the great Jim Belushi, a diligent middle-aged office worker who is easily annoyed when he’s home. Home is where you’ll most likely find the matriarch of the family, Matsuko, voiced by Molly “Superstar” Shannon, whose schedule seems complete with avoided errands to the point where she only has time to cook the same thing every night or fool somebody into taking over the cooking job. DVD Dizzy said, “Despite their toll-taking schedules, Takashi and Matsuko manage to find plenty of time to put one another out or engage in some routine spousal bickering.” Letting Matsuko know when she makes a mistake is the family’s grandmother Sige, voiced by Tress MacNeille, as DVD Dizzy describes “an adage-dispensing and opinionated older woman.” The last of the family are two children, teenager Noboru (Daryl Sabara), who is at the age where girls are starting to make him uncomfortable and he wants his parents to be cooler, and the small but loud baby of the family, Nonoko (Liliana Mumy).

“My Neighbors the Yamadas” does not give a traditional story a lot as more of an inside look at the suburban family’s life through a conveniently arranged collection of often funny vignettes. The first of maybe two most important events that transpires in the film is when the family goes out to the mall and in panic when Nonoko is left behind. While she is able to take care of herself among all of the shoppers, the rest of the Yamadas blame each other and hilariously fear the worst. The other most important parts come in the second half of the film and is where Grandma Yamada stands up to some dangerous motorcycle-racing street thugs. DVD Dizzy said, “If the proceedings get a little too silly here (and I'd say that they do), you're nonetheless hooked to this point and willing to give the film some leeway.” Despite that both of these stores are allowed to be shown to think before finding the solution, they are simply two of the film’s many short stories. DVD Dizzy said, “Each provides an anecdote that would amuse friends in retelling but couldn't possibly as gratifying as actually experiencing it firsthand. While viewers aren't literally partaking in the Yamadas' quirky adventures, the effect is uncannily close, for the characters and situations are highly relatable and are certain to remind you of someone or sometime.”

DVD Dizzy goes on to say, “In appearance, the production intentionally resembles a recurring newspaper comic, straying not far from the source of its adaptation, Hisaichi Ishii's long-running 4-panel strip Tonari no Yamada-kun. The alluring minimalist visual style takes little time to get used to and garners growing appreciation as one "visits" with the Yamadas. The film's look starkly contrasts from the typical (and often fairly realistic) Studio Ghibli animation, as well as more free-wheeling but code-adherent artwork found in niche Japanese anime television product.” Amazingly, the film’s apparently watercolor effects were all realized with the use of computers, something that illustrates just how high the “computer animation” standard’s potential is.

The Yamadas have strangely small visual pupils (with the exception of Nonoko), unclear and watery outlines, and clearly flat but forceful movements. Background artwork is thin. The usually domestic settings can be made with simply a handful of lines. If location drawings go in and out of focus, it is because they are rarely of high importance and forever remain obedient to the personalities up front. “My Neighbors the Yamadas” is filled with suggestible and imaginative imagery, from the bobsled run that becomes Mr. and Mrs. Yamada’s wedding cake to the jungle cruise which gives birth to their Noboru (hatched from a giant peach). Even less strange scenery is shown in a forceful way. One shows Takashi’s different emotions when snow begins to just, nicely fall and the rest of the family is fine to watch winter action stuff on TV.

DVD Dizzy said, “The unique blend of nontraditional plot and pictures gives Yamadas an air that's a cross between Charles Schulz's Peanuts and television's interminable "The Simpsons." Such a comparison references two entities which produce widely pleasing states of minds for their audiences, and if Yamadas doesn't create quite such a timeless brand, it is forgiven on account of its far shorter lifespan of just 104 minutes for those unacquainted with Ishii's forerunning comic strip.” Those 104 minutes are constantly enjoyable throughout large and small moments alike (relative terms, since the constantly on an individual family), giving plenty of time for funny behavioral patterns created in the interaction among the five family members. DVD Dizzy said, “Like both of the aforementioned media texts, Takahata's film is not content to settle for providing laughs.” It goes to tell everyone a lot of insights on parenting and marriage. This mix of humor and poignancy works because it feels natural. DVD Dizzy said, “Yamadas always maintains an encouragingly reverent and upbeat attitude towards family life, never scoffing at the hardships but rather gently coercing audiences to smile at themselves and the painfully quick tempers displayed towards loved ones.” The movie does end up feeling like one of those friends you have that knows the problems you’re going through as common to everyone else and not really something to get worked up over.

Despite that the foreign names and individual characteristics of the Yamadas may be hard for Western audiences to oversee; the group dynamic is very clear, immediate and satisfying. DVD Dizzy said, “The pack's everyday triumphs and troubles are undoubtedly universal, with the film's depiction of familial life in modern day Japan perfectly accessible to those experiencing similarly commonplace phenomena in traditional four-member or larger families the United States. With little modification of Takahata's insightful script and an aptly-cast group of English-speaking actors, Yamadas excels as a consistently entertaining journal of delightfully dysfunctional but caring relatives. From such an atmosphere indubitably arises on-the-mark comedic observations, of such scenarios where momentary individual weaknesses can overshadow loyalties to one's offspring, spouse, or parent.”

At the end of the day, you may not like the idea of watching family fights that comes across like someone just put the camera on record in someone’s house. DVD Dizzy said, “My Neighbors the Yamadas unabashedly revels in depicting marriage struggles and the fears and woes that being a family entails in this age.” At the same time, the look of suburban life it shows are almost interminably funny, good-natured and successfully aware. There are no superpowers, no huge battles, and the only animal appearances are by a passing bird and the Yamadas’ dog Pochie. This may not be the type of film which fans of Ghibli animation expect or want, but this unique victory ends up being one of the studio’s films most likely to engage, vibrate and joy, especially among Western audiences open-minded enough to see domestic life isn’t so different on the other side of the world.

Like I stated yesterday, this is probably the weirdest film that Studio Ghibli made. Not because of the topic they picked, but how everything was shown, seeing how relatable of an area they touched on. That doesn’t mean this film is bad, by no means anywhere close. It’s just one of those films that may not be in anyone’s ballpark. Go ahead and check it out, because I do think it’s one of the good Studio Ghibli films, just not one of their best. It’s another “slice-of-life” film that is actually nice for everyone to see because you could relate to what goes on in the Yamadas life.

Alright everyone, the wait is finally over. Next Monday I will be looking at my absolute favorite in the “Studio Ghibli” movies. I think everyone might be able to guess what it is, since a lot of people seem to say the same one when asked what their favorite film by Studio Ghibli is. If you are not able to guess the film I’m talking about, then just stay tuned for the next installment in “Studio Ghibli Month.”