After the Storm

After the Storm

Year: 2017

Runtime: 117 min

Language: English

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

drama

A once-celebrated writer, Ryota now struggles with a failing marriage and financial ruin. Following his mother’s death, he attempts to rebuild relationships with his estranged wife and son. Facing a tempestuous summer night, he is forced to confront past mistakes and the consequences of his choices, hoping to find forgiveness and a renewed sense of family.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – After the Storm (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of After the Storm (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

The story unfolds in contemporary Japan, amidst modern societal expectations and challenges. This time period is characterized by shifting family dynamics, the pressures of financial stability, and the struggle to maintain personal relationships. The characters grapple with contemporary issues such as parental responsibilities and personal aspirations.

Location

Japan

The movie primarily takes place in Japan, depicting both urban and suburban settings. The storm and the family home play significant roles in the story, creating a juxtaposition between the external chaos and the internal struggles of the characters. The home serves as a backdrop for pivotal family moments, reflecting Japanese culture and familial bonds.

🇯🇵 Japan 🌧️ Storm 🏠 Home

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:50

Main Characters – After the Storm (2017)

Meet the key characters of After the Storm (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ryota (Hiroshi Abe)

Ryota is a struggling private detective and former author who dwells on his past successes. His gambling habits and inability to provide for his son reveal his deeper insecurities and flaws. As the story progresses, he begins to seek redemption and a meaningful connection with his son.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 📚 Struggle 💔 Regret

Yoshiko (Kirin Kiki)

Yoshiko is Ryota's aging mother, who finds solace in her new hobbies and the company of local friends. Her character represents the wisdom and strength of older generations, often contrasting with her son's struggles. She plays a crucial role in supporting her family while trying to maintain her independence.

👵 Family 💪 Resilience 🌼 Independence

Kyoko (Yoko Maki)

Kyoko is Ryota's ex-wife who has grown weary of his failures and excuses. Her character serves as a symbol of the need for stability and pragmatism in relationships. She is determined to ensure a secure future for their son, often at the expense of her feelings for Ryota.

💔 Relationships 👩‍👦 Motherhood 🔒 Security

Shingo (Taiyo Yoshizawa)

Shingo is Ryota's young son, representing innocence and the desire for connection. His relationship with his father is central to the narrative, showcasing the impact of adult choices on children's lives. Through their bond, the film emphasizes the importance of nurturing familial relationships.

👦 Childhood 🌈 Connection 💖 Innocence

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:50

Major Themes – After the Storm (2017)

Explore the central themes of After the Storm (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌧️ Familial Bonds

The movie explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly between a father and son. Ryota's attempts to reconnect with his son amidst personal failures highlight the theme of familial responsibility. The storm symbolizes both external turmoil and the internal conflict within the family, emphasizing the need for support and understanding.

🎭 Redemption

Ryota's journey reflects a struggle for personal redemption as he confronts his past mistakes. His efforts to reconnect with his son serve as a catalyst for change in his life. This theme underscores the importance of self-improvement and the possibility of change, even amidst challenges.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:50

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Family Redemption Stories Like After the Storm

Flawed characters seek to rebuild broken family bonds after personal failures.If you enjoyed the reflective and melancholic journey of rebuilding family in After the Storm, you'll find similar stories here. This collection features movies about flawed protagonists seeking redemption and reconnection, offering a quiet, character-driven experience with bittersweet emotional depth.

melancholicreflectivehopefulstrainednostalgicpensivequietrealistic

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a protagonist—often a father or parent—who is wrestling with the consequences of past mistakes, such as addiction or emotional neglect. The story unfolds slowly, centering on small, meaningful interactions and the difficult, often imperfect process of seeking forgiveness and a second chance from estranged loved ones.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on internal struggle, realistic family dynamics, and a melancholic yet hopeful tone. They offer a similar viewing experience of quiet contemplation and emotional authenticity, where the journey toward redemption is as important as the outcome.

Bittersweet Realistic Dramas Like After the Storm

Stories that find hope and sadness in the quiet, unvarnished truths of life.For viewers who appreciated the authentic and bittersweet feel of After the Storm, this section highlights similar realistic dramas. These movies explore everyday struggles with a gentle hand, blending sadness with glimmers of hope, and are perfect for those seeking profound, slice-of-life storytelling.

bittersweetrealisticquiethopefulsombercontemplativeslice-of-lifegentle

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread are straightforward and linear, often centered on a period of crisis or transition in an ordinary person's life. The conflict is internal and relational, driven by the gap between aspiration and reality. Endings are typically bittersweet, accepting that some things are lost forever while finding value in what remains.

Why These Movies?

These films share a core ethos of emotional honesty and a rejection of simplistic endings. They are united by a specific mood blend: a grounding in realistic detail, a pacing that allows for reflection, and a tone that gracefully balances melancholy with moments of quiet hope.

Unlock the Full Story of After the Storm

Don't stop at just watching — explore After the Storm in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what After the Storm is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

After the Storm Summary

Read a complete plot summary of After the Storm, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

After the Storm Summary

After the Storm Timeline

Track the full timeline of After the Storm with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

After the Storm Timeline

After the Storm Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of After the Storm that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

After the Storm Spoiler-Free Summary

More About After the Storm

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about After the Storm: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About After the Storm

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