Once Upon a Dream 2017
Once Upon a Dream (2017) is a hypnotic visual and auditory experience from acclaimed experimental filmmaker Kei Shichiri, marking the 10th anniversary of his haunting masterpiece.
Director: Kei Shichiri
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Once Upon a Dream (2017) about?
The film follows Aochi, a woman who sleeps endlessly yet never feels rested, trapped in a surreal cycle of exhaustion and fleeting encounters. Director Kei Shichiri weaves a dreamlike narrative inspired by manga, blending minimalist storytelling with mesmerizing visuals and sound.
Who directed Once Upon a Dream?
Kei Shichiri, the experimental filmmaker behind *DUBHOUSE* and *JAPAN CUTS 2015*, directed Once Upon a Dream. Known for pushing the boundaries of cinema, Shichiri crafts a visually and sonically immersive experience in this remastered anniversary edition.
Who stars in Once Upon a Dream?
Cast details for Once Upon a Dream (2017) are not listed.
Is Once Upon a Dream (2017) worth watching?
Once Upon a Dream is a standout for fans of experimental and arthouse cinema seeking a visually and aurally unique experience. While not a mainstream narrative, its dreamy atmosphere and innovative direction by Kei Shichiri make it a compelling watch for those drawn to unconventional storytelling.
How long is Once Upon a Dream?
Once Upon a Dream (2017) runs for 79 minutes.
About Once Upon a Dream (2017) — The Haunting Visual and Auditory Dream Experience by Kei Shichiri
Once Upon a Dream (2017) is a hypnotic visual and auditory experience from acclaimed experimental filmmaker Kei Shichiri, marking the 10th anniversary of his haunting masterpiece. Originally released as *Before the Day Breaks*, this remastered edition explores the dreamlike journey of Aochi, a woman trapped in a cycle of perpetual exhaustion, where sleep offers no relief. Shichiri's signature avant-garde approach blends surreal imagery with immersive soundscapes, creating an atmospheric meditation on exhaustion, perception, and the blurred lines between dreams and reality. The film's minimalist narrative, inspired by Naoki Yamamoto's manga, unfolds like a waking nightmare, leaving audiences questioning what it means to truly rest—or if rest is even possible.
Drifting through surreal landscapes and fleeting human encounters, Once Upon a Dream (2017) is less a traditional story and more an evocative mood piece, where the absence of conventional dialogue heightens its emotional resonance. Shichiri's innovative use of sound and image transforms the medium into an almost tactile experience, drawing viewers into Aochi's fragmented world. With its dreamy, disorienting visuals and meditative pacing, the film invites comparisons to arthouse cinema at its most daring, where every frame feels like a fragment of a half-remembered dream.