Director Yukiko Sode and actors Yukino Kishii and Asano Tadanobu from the film "All the Lovers in the Night" on love, solitude and the connection that we make through both light and darkness
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"All the Lovers in the Night", interview with director Yukiko Sode and actors Yukino Kishii and Asano TadanobuGianluca De Angelis
During the 79th edition of the Cannes International Film Festival we spoke with the Director Yukiko Sode and actors Yukino Kishii and Asano Tadanobu from the film “All the Lovers in the Night“, an intimate exploration of solitude and connection presented in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival. This film offers a nuanced look at human relationships through a poetic lens, centering on the quiet struggles of solitude in the japanese society and on the search for genuine connection that we all bear within us, from all over the world.
The interview
During our interview with FRED Film Radio, the director Yukiko Sode explained how the film explores how individuals grapple with internal conflicts and societal expectations, portraying love not as a solution, but as a potential culmination of personal growth and understanding. Through its poetic storytelling, “All the Lovers in the Night” challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of intimacy and authenticity, opening to the reflection on how a deeper appreciation of ourselves can channel love in both being a mirror and a catalyst for self-awareness.
Actors Yukino Kishii and Asano Tadanobu spoke about the striking aspect of the film of the symbolic use of light and darkness, which is intricately woven into the visual narrative, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles and secrets and highlighting how what is seen and unseen shapes our perceptions and relationships.
As stated by the director Yukiko Sode, all this narrative aspects emerge also from the “All the Lovers in the Night” visual approach, especially in the choice to shoot on 16 millimeter film, underscoring its quest for authenticity. By blending poetic visuals with profound themes, the film invites audiences to contemplate the delicate dance between solitude and love, stressing the attention on light and dark, both visually and thematically and making it a resonant piece that celebrates the complexity of human inner life.
Plot
Fuyuko lives quietly, working as a freelance proofreader, her days largely free of contact with others except for occasional outings with an outgoing colleague. Accustomed to solitude, she moves through her days without expectation. Her only personal ritual is walking alone through the city at midnight on her birthday. A subtle shift begins when she meets Mitsutsuka, a reserved high school physics teacher, at a local culture center. Drawn to his gentle manner and his words—”Next time, let’s talk about light”— Fuyuko begins meeting him regularly at a café. As their encounters slowly accumulate, a fragile sense of connection takes shape. Yet both carry things they do not easily reveal.
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