Omoiyari: A Song Film by Kishi Bashi

Released Oct 6, 2023

1h 33m

Documentary

History

Music

List

100%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

94%

Audience Score

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In Omoiyari: a Songfilm by Kishi Bashi, internationally acclaimed composer and songwriter K Ishibashi (professionally know as "Kishi Bashi") embarks on a personal quest by creating his music in locations relevant to the Japanese American Incarceration during WWII. It is on this journey in which Kishi Bashi comes to terms with his own identity, and uncovers a myriad of social issues that have gripping modern relevance. 'Omoiyari' is a genre breaking, artistic exploration that fuses history, music, and the complexities of the human condition.

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Chris Akiba

Mediaversity Reviews

Omoiyari: A Song Film by Kishi Bashi delves into Japanese American history and identity, but at times its discussions on race feel underdeveloped.

Rated: B+

Nov 28, 2023

Full Review

Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

Captivating, heartfelt and illuminating. A powerful protest against hate.

Oct 7, 2023

Full Review

Jared Mobarak

Hey, Have You Seen ...?

Maybe the whole proves a bit niche in the end, but its surprisingly robust education on EO 9066 and its aftereffects really ensures that its look at Bashi's life resonates as an example of what it means to be a minority in the US.

Rated: 7/10

Oct 6, 2023

Full Review

Nora Lee Mandel

Maven's Nest

Japanese-American musician Kaoru Ishibashi, known as Kishi Bashi, empathetically explores and tenderly interprets his cultural and ethnic identity through his and his community’s difficult history in beautifully photographed landscapes in U.S. and Japan.

Rated: 8/10

Sep 30, 2023

Full Review

Jana Monji

Age of the Geek

Because the film is about Kishi Bashi and his inspiration for musical composition, the first hurdle an audience must clear is totally subjective: Do you like Kishi Bashi's music? I did and this song film was thoughtful and inspiring.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 4, 2022

Full Review

Peter Gray

The AU Review

A stunning documentary about Kishi Bashis own personal journey in exploring his past as he looks for inspiration for his latest musical project.

Rated: 4.5/5

Mar 18, 2022

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revathypranav

The initial challenge for viewers of this film, centered around Kishi Bashi and his creative process, is entirely based on personal taste: Are you a fan of Kishi Bashi's music? Personally, I found it to be a thoughtful and inspiring exploration, as the film delves into his sources of musical inspiration.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/23/23

Full Review

Derek D

Thoughtful and beautifully filmed, touching not just on the history of Japanese internment, but on the greater question of what it means to be bicultural in America. The visuals are stunning, and the music even better.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/22/23

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Kishi Bashi

Director

Justin Taylor Smith

Director

Kishi Bashi

Self

J.J. Gerber

Producer

Jim Angelo

Producer

Jenny Mills

Producer

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Synopsis

In Omoiyari: a Songfilm by Kishi Bashi, internationally acclaimed composer and songwriter K Ishibashi (professionally know as "Kishi Bashi") embarks on a personal quest by creating his music in locations relevant to the Japanese American Incarceration during WWII. It is on this journey in which Kishi Bashi comes to terms with his own identity, and uncovers a myriad of social issues that have gripping modern relevance. 'Omoiyari' is a genre breaking, artistic exploration that fuses history, music, and the complexities of the human condition.

Director: Kishi Bashi, Justin Taylor Smith
Distributor: MTV Documentary Films
Genre: Documentary, History, Music
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 6, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 21, 2023
Runtime: 1h 33m