Tonari no Yamada-kun is a lovely movie that takes a look into the life of an ordinary family, one that perhaps anyone can relate to in some aspect. It is not a movie that one would usually think of when talking about the works of Studio Ghibli; however, I can safely say that it is one of my favourites. Being very different from their other anime and actually any anime in general, it is no wonder the movie has not been received as well as Kaguya-hime no Monogatari or Hotaru no Haka for example, all three of which were directed by the one and only Isao Takahata.
Now, I just have to start by talking about the obvious—the visuals. It is perhaps the aspect that will wholly depend on personal taste, especially as it is not something one would associate with the typical anime art style. Personally, I find it gorgeous. The pastel tones create a calming atmosphere which is a perfect fit for the anime. The sketchy watercolour style makes it look as if it is something made by the family itself, something very personal that they have decided to share with the rest of the world. The backgrounds are very simple, but that only accentuates what truly matters and that is everything happening in the foreground.
The character interactions are quite brilliant. It is not that they are particularly memorable on their own, but it is when they talk to one another that they really get a moment to shine. A family of six—the parents, the two children, the grandmother and the dog!—whose everyday life we get to witness is quite an experience. Small things such as fighting for control of the TV remote and trying to assign your responsibilities to someone else make this a very fun watch since it depicts the life of a realistic family one can easily relate to. They bicker, they talk behind each others' backs, they laugh and they help each other. Personally, I cannot think of an anime that has done the realism part as well as Tonari no Yamada-kun.
Just like life itself, it is comprised of smaller parts, like the difficulties of family life, work, relationships in and outside of family etc, which all together provide a pretty good overview of the sweet Yamada family. It is a simple story about a single family, where there is no complex plot and no unnecessary drama, so it is something perfect to watch together with a family of one's own, something to just enjoy with a cup of tea while cosily snuggled into a blanket. Although the pacing can be a bit slow at times, it flows as smoothly as life. The transitioning between the different scenes is honestly so well done, which makes it quite mesmerising to watch to put it simply.
What also adds to the comfy factor is the music. As expected from any Ghibli movie it fits perfectly with the mood. While there is no track that particularly stands out from the rest, there is a variety of music—classical, orchestral, joyous and silly ones. They really make the movie come together as one and leave you with this warm and fuzzy feeling.
Tonari no Yamada-kun is something that makes me feel all bubbly inside, and sometimes even chuckle. The humour is very subtle, just like the relaxing pastel tones or the calming musical pieces. And what makes it so enjoyable is the fact that all those aspects together create something that not many slice of life anime succeed in. It is something that makes me appreciate the quirky and often hidden side of family ties. Being a sucker for family life oriented anime I will be sure to rewatch this many many times. Anyone needing some comforting during these troubled times, this one is for you!