Every-Night Dreams

Every-Night Dreams is an outstanding Japanese film from the prewar era, released in 1933, directed by the legendary Yasujirō Ozu. Known as "Yogoto no Yume" in Japanese, the film serves as a compelling social commentary depicting the harsh everyday realities faced by the lower-class inhabitants of urban Japan during the period of increasing industrialization.

The film features acclaimed actress Sumiko Kurishima in the role of Omitsu, a courageous single mother and hostess at a seedy Ginza bar. As the main character, she shines, artfully portraying the weary resilience of a woman unjustly burdened by her unforgiving circumstance. She works tirelessly night after night, living a hand-to-mouth existence in a dank, cramped tenement in the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, to sustain her son, Fumio, portrayed effectively by Teruko Kojima.

The storyline of Every-Night Dreams pivots after Fumio's long-absent father, Mizuhara, played by Jun Arai, unceremoniously returns into their lives. As Mizuhara plans to embark on a reformed path, the focus of the narrative shifts towards the family's struggle to reconcile their respective pasts and forge a more wholesome future together.

Every-Night Dreams explores the themes of poverty, the consequences of reckless choices, and the unyielding spirit of a mother’s love. The grueling life of urban workers in lower-income brackets is exposed through Omitsu's experiences, shining a brutal light on the everyday struggle of thousands living at the margins of a rapidly industrializing society. The director masterfully imbues the plot with a gritty realism, illuminating the stark contrast between the glitz and glamour of Tokyo's burgeoning entertainment districts and the impoverished neighborhoods where the city's underpaid workforce resides.

The film is renowned for its visual storytelling. Ozu’s choice of camera angles, scene composition, and pacing are all designed to immerse the viewer in the narrative. Omitted spoken dialogues are substituted with cinematographic eloquence using perfectly framed and subtly lit shots. The outside scenes beautifully capture the backdrop of early Showa-period Tokyo, while the indoor scenes achieve an intimate familiarity with the character's cramped living conditions. The strategic, minimal placement of props – from the worn-out furniture to Omitsu’s kimonos - all contribute to a powerful visual narrative that encapsulates the lives and emotional burdens of the main characters.

The performances of Sumiko Kurishima, Teruko Kojima, and Jun Arai, are equally compelling. Kurishima's portrayal of Omitsu – her stoic resignation, stubbornness, and strained smiles – captures the essence of a woman grappling with untenable circumstances while striving to maintain her dignity and protect her son. Kojima adds depth with his sensitive and nuanced role as the son caught between his parents' troubled past and hopeful reunion. Arai is especially moving, bringing an understated intensity to his role as Mizuhara.

Every-Night Dreams also explores the complex dynamics of marital relationships and the societal stigmas attached to divorce and family-breakdowns prevalent during the 1930s. The film deftly handles these themes through the eyes of Omitsu, her neighbors, and bar patrons who comment and judge her situation, creating a panorama of societal attitudes prevalent in the era central to the plot.

With its inherently tragic plot, Every-Night Dreams conjures moments of great poignancy by contrasting them with tiny glimpses of ephemeral joy – a stolen moment of happiness for the reunited family, a fond memory that ties Omitsu to her estranged husband, or Fumio’s innocent attempts to comprehend the rapidly evolving dynamics between his parents.

The film functions as a historical artifact of its era. Ozu's passion for understanding and portraying the real lives of ordinary people shines through, combining elements of melodrama and social-realism with an unflinching portrayal of life's grittier aspects.

In conclusion, Every-Night Dreams is an exemplar of Japanese cinema under Yasujirō Ozu's direction. Although it can be a challenging and frequently somber watch, the film serves as a rich portrait of a woman's struggle to survive amidst poverty and provides essential insights into the socio-economic landscape of 1930s Japan. Moreover, given its meticulous production design, thought-provoking themes, and brilliant performances from the lead actors, it seems fated to stand the test of time.