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 – After the Storm (2017)

Trace every key event in After the Storm (2017) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ryota's Struggles as a Private Detective

Ryota, a once-recognized author, is now barely making ends meet with his work as a private detective. His small earnings are consumed by gambling, leaving him unable to support his son or pay child support. This sets the tone for his ongoing financial and personal struggles.

2

Failed Opportunity with Manga

Ryota receives an offer to write for a manga series that features an upcoming artist. However, his pride and inability to adapt to new opportunities prevent him from taking this chance, illustrating his deep-rooted issues with acceptance and change.

3

Mother's New Chapter

Following the death of their father, Ryota's mother, Yoshiko, starts to engage more with life through hobbies alongside local elderly ladies. This shift signals her attempt to move on, but it also highlights Ryota's own stagnation in life.

4

Sibling Suspicions

Ryota visits his mother frequently and becomes suspicious of his sister, Chinatsu, believing she is taking advantage of their mother's kindness. This reveals the underlying tensions and mistrust among family members in the face of financial hardships.

5

Funding Figure Skating Lessons

Ryota discovers that their mother is using her social pension to pay for his niece's figure skating lessons. This revelation complicates his feelings, as he is torn between familial responsibilities and his own failures in providing for his son.

6

The Old Hiding Place

Chinatsu reminds Ryota of a secret place where their mother used to hide money from their father. Motivated by desperation, Ryota checks the location, only to be disappointed to find it filled with cardboard and a note from his sister, highlighting his misguided hopes.

7

Strained Relationship with Kyoko

Ryota attempts to reconnect with his ex-wife, Kyoko, who is frustrated with his ongoing failures to support their son, Shingo. Her threats to limit his time with their son push Ryota to confront his shortcomings and fear of losing his child.

8

Kyoko's New Boyfriend

Ryota feels increasingly insecure as he suspects Kyoko is seeing someone new. The thought of her potential remarriage amplifies his anxiety about his relationship with Shingo and his role as a father.

9

Confrontation During the Storm

During a tumultuous night of a typhoon, Ryota and Kyoko confront their relationship's reality. Kyoko bluntly states that their relationship is truly over, emphasizing Ryota's inability to fulfill his responsibilities as a family man.

Stormy Summer Night Mother's Home
10

Bonding Experience

Amidst the chaos of the storm, Ryota tries to bond with Shingo by recreating a memorable experience he once had with his own father. This nostalgic attempt showcases his desire to connect with his son despite his own failings.

During the Storm Local Playground
11

Morning After

As the storm clears, Ryota and Shingo resume their daily lives, highlighting the cyclical nature of their struggles. This moment serves as a reminder that despite the tumultuous experiences, there is a possibility for new beginnings.

The Next Morning

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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After the Storm Summary

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After the Storm Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in After the Storm

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Characters, Settings & Themes in After the Storm

More About After the Storm

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