Softwing Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

MonsterPerfect Good idea lost in the noise

Casey Duggan It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

Roman Sampson One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Patryk Czekaj My Neighbors the Yamadas, directed by Isahao Takahata, is a Studio Ghibli film most known for its unusual animation style, which actually distinguishes it from all the other pictures released by this renowned studio. Based on a famous Japanese cartoon Nono-chan, it presents random and miscellaneous stories from the daily lives of the Yamada family. This is a great comedy with a twist for people of every age. It's packed with a huge amount of hilarious gags and situational jokes that will certainly make you laugh lots of times.Apart from that, these are the two main arguments that should be convincing enough to make you see My Neighbors the Yamadas: the computer-generated animations and drawings made in comic strip style are excellent, giving this Ghibli movie an entirely different feel than all their other works; the whole picture is actually presented in an unconventional manner, as the familiar contiguous plot was replaced here by a series of, so-called, vignettes (short impressionistic stories that aren't necessarily connected to one another), each with its own title at the beginning and a smart philosophical proverb at the end.In the film's first few minutes we meet all the members of this seemingly typical family: Takashi – the father, Matsuko – the mother, Shige – the grandmother, Noboru – the son, and Nonoko – the daughter. Every subsequent episode covers a different theme, some being hilariously funny and heartwarming, other touching and serious. Through all of the mostly humorous, yet truly realistic, sequences the viewer is able to observe the Yamadas as they cope with every day problems, misfortunes, rivalries, or just plainly ridiculous situations (like fighting over a TV remote, or deciding who will get the tea by playing 'rock-paper-scissors'). Through all of their adventures the viewer is able to get in touch with some of the Japanese traditions and customs. Every person in the family has his or her special role, making the cartoon much more believable. For example, Shige is the word of wisdom, giving advice to others and judging their actions, and Noboru is mostly seen as a selfish and ignorant studying-addict (which in final evaluation doesn't give planned results).If I will have to pick only one vignette, which made me laugh the hardest, I would have to go with 'Ginger Morning'. I think you will see why.All in all, My Neighbors the Yamadas is a laughable, yet purposely clever, and lighthearted, yet sometimes deep, anime that will provide great entertainment for the whole family. I guess that by looking at the Yamadas' experiences we can all learn how to live in perfect harmony with our relatives, replacing minor flaws with passionate love.Note: since the dubbed version is hard to find, I advise you to watch the Japanese version with English subtitles.

Rosser94 After watching "My Neighbours the Yamadas", I was left feeling slightly underwhelmed. In comparison to other Ghibli films, this, for me, was disappointing.However, it can not be dismissed that this is a movie of unique charm, humour and intelligence, yet it still seems to lack accessibility for an audience outside of Japan. Many of the references and implications reflect Japanese culture and the style of the film is one that may only be enjoyed by hardcore Ghibli fans.The characters are all very likable and despite the somewhat crazy nature of the family featured in this movie, the underlying messages and relationships on-screen are easy to relate to and therefore interesting. Yet, despite this, for those lacking an interest or knowledge of Japanese culture, much of what appears on-screen will seem random and difficult to signify, which damages the experience; the movie becomes a charming yet ambiguous tale.Overall, I enjoyed the style, charm and craziness of "My Neighbours the Yamadas" and appreciate the intelligent manner in which the everyday trials of family life are conveyed in such a unique way. However, I do not see this film's potential enjoyment being had by anybody who is unfamiliar with Japanese culture or not a hardcore Studio Ghibli fan. If you do not fit either of these categories, this movie is missable, however if you do, it is an imperfect but charming and creative production.

TheLittleSongbird I do not think this is Studio Ghibli's best film, but I liked it because it was different and it still maintained their charm. I do think though out of the English dubs this is one of the weaker ones. Don't get me wrong the voice acting is fine, it's just that the script as has been said before has many references that some mayn't get. That said, it is a very funny and charming film. The animation is excellent, different in a sketchy sort of style but I liked that, and the music is cool. The story is engaging while working at being simple, and the characters are sheer delights, I can never get enough of the grandma. Overall, not their best but I still really liked it. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Rooliana I enjoy many types of animation but after watching this DVD last night I was stunned. The minimalist artwork set the impressionistic spring mood. The music was upbeat and light matching the "baby blues and pinks" colouring.I've never seen anything like this before. Not only does it encourage the would-be Animator to try similar things but the hidden themes behind each little cartoon clip was touching and honest.The introduction was a grabber for me with the beautiful analogy of this Japanese family going through life like a voyage on rough seas.I watched it with the American voices, they matched the drawings so well, giving them warmth and realism to the Yamada family's personalities that is impossible to convey via the drawings alone.I loved My Neighbours the Yamadas and wish Hisaishi Ishii and the Director would continue creating more brilliant work.