Subete no Yoru wo Omoidasu (Remembering Every Night)

The unconventional structure of director Yui Kiyohara’s Subete no Yoru wo Omoidasu produces an unexpected comparison, recalling 22 Short Films About Springfield, the classic 1996 episode of The Simpsons. The episode was a series of vignettes focussing on  a particular character, and when their story had exhausted itself, another character would walk past, with the story then latching onto them. The same principle has been applied in Kiyohara’s work, resulting in a film that’s like a pleasant, aimless stroll on a warm day. 

There aren’t a myriad of characters to follow, with Kiyohara’s story following three women who drop in and out of proceedings as their day takes them around Tama New Town, which is essentially the suburbs of Tokyo. A gas meter reader ambles about, diligently getting her job done; a bereaved student visits a museum; an old woman engages a passer-by in conversation; a group of friends practise music in the park. It’s all incredibly sedate, and requires a particular mindset to appreciate.

If that open, patient attitude is not forthcoming, the gentle pace of the film may be far too placid – perhaps even tranquillising. In some moments, the camera just seems to pan right, then left, then right again, with what happens to cross its lens during those moments being almost coincidental. This is surely the impression that Kiyohara wished to create, which is a mellow, passive viewing experience. Some of the scenes depicted are more interesting than others, and unfortunately the sense of warmth and optimism that gently beats through the film isn’t quite enough to sustain interest. It’s quite pleasing to casually observe these fairly banal encounters, but this is only fleeting. The overt lack of momentum quickly becomes noticeable, and, as the Subete no Yoru wo Omoidasu unfolds, the laidback pace can begin to irritate. 

Oliver Johnston

Subete no Yoru wo Omoidasu (Remembering Every Night) does not have a UK release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Berlin Film Festival 2023 coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Berlin Film Festival website here.

Watch the trailer for Subete no Yoru wo Omoidasu (Remembering Every Night) here: