My Neighbors the Yamadas (Japanese Audio)

About My Neighbors the Yamadas (Japanese Audio)

"My Neighbors the Yamadas" is a delightful and quirky 1999 Japanese domestic comedy anime film. This film was produced by Studio Ghibli and directed by Isao Takahata. The story revolves around the quirky Yamada family, whose members include the forgetful mother Matsuko, the negligent father Takashi, the independent son Noboru, the outspoken grandmother Shige, and the precocious daughter Nonoko.

Making / Production

The film's production portrayed a significant shift in style for Studio Ghibli, with Takahata employing a digital watercolor look for the illustration and breaking away from traditional anime styling. The plot is episodic, breaking the story into segments that each depict a unique aspect of the Yamada family's life.

Actors

• Jim Belushi as Takashi Yamada - Takashi is the family’s father, who adores his family despite his gruff exterior. Belushi brings both strength and warmth to this character.
• Molly Shannon as Matsuko Yamada - Matsuko is the constantly stressed mother, with Shannon masterfully capturing her frantic energy and love for her family.
• Daryl Sabara as Noboru Yamada - Noboru is the disengaged teenaged son, with Sabara depicting his struggle between adolescence and responsibility.
• Liliana Mumy as Nonoko Yamada - Nonoko is the youngest member of the family. Mumy portrays her with a charm that showcases her charismatic persona perfectly.
• Tress MacNeille as Shige Yamano - Shige is Noboru's brusque, wise-cracking Grandma.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "My Neighbors the Yamadas" was the first Studio Ghibli film to use digital technology.
• This movie was based on a popular Japanese comic strip.
• The movie doesn't follow the traditional story structure. It uses episodic sequences, more reminiscent of comic strips than standard features.

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's soundtrack was created by Akiko Yano and includes a range of scores from lighthearted tunes to sentimental melodies.
• The main theme track, 'Niji Wo Mita Shounen', is notable for its heartwarming and nostalgic tune.

Quotes

• "Life is a wondrous cocktail, so take a big swig and enjoy it."
• "Matsuko: 'We're a family, so act like one!' Takashi: 'A real family doesn't care about such things.'"
• "Happiness is better when shared."