Children of Tokyo

Children of Tokyo

Year: 2010

Runtime: 100 min

Director: Yasujiro Ozu

DramaComedy

A tender and witty portrait of childhood woes, I Was Born, But . . . follows two spirited brothers as they navigate the challenges of schoolyard bullies, stern teachers, and the stinging reality of their father's modest social standing. With humor and heart, Ozu masterfully captures the turmoil and triumphs of growing up in this poignant and entertaining tale.

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Timeline & Setting – Children of Tokyo (2010)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Children of Tokyo (2010). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1963, 1975

The movie takes place across two significant years: 1963 and 1975. In 1963, the town experiences severe drought and a cultural downfall leading to the rise of a cult among the youth. By 1975, the consequences of this cult's influence are starkly evident as newlyweds arrive, unknowingly stepping into a town riddled with deadly secrets.

Location

Gatlin, Nebraska

Gatlin is a small town located in western Nebraska, primarily known for its vast cornfields. The town represents a once-thriving community now haunted by a dark past and a cult that thrives in the shadows. Its rural setting juxtaposes the idyllic American landscape with the sinister actions of its young inhabitants.

🌾 Rural 📅 Historical

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Main Characters – Children of Tokyo (2010)
Meet the key characters of Children of Tokyo (2010), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Burt (David Anders)

Burt is a Vietnam veteran grappling with the trauma of his past. He is determined and resourceful, though his encounters with the children reveal his vulnerability and struggles with PTSD. As a husband, he is protective but faces moral dilemmas that cause him to question his choices in the face of danger.

💪 Warrior 🙍‍♂️ Husband 🌾 Survivor

Vicky (Kandyse McClure)

Vicky is an anti-war activist deeply engaged in her beliefs, which sometimes conflicts with her husband's perspective. Her character represents both resilience and vulnerability, as she faces grave danger while attempting to support Burt. Her tragic fate serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of their situation.

✊ Activist ❤️ Wife 🌾 Victim

Isaac (Preston Bailey)

Isaac is a precocious and manipulative child who serves as the cult's leader. He embodies the theme of indoctrination, using the guise of religious fervor to control and inspire fear among his followers. His character reflects the chilling capacity for power and control found in innocent figures when placed in terrifying contexts.

👶 Leader 😈 Manipulator 🔥 Cultist

Malachai (Daniel Newman)

Malachai is one of Isaac's most devoted followers and is characterized by his fierce loyalty to the cult's beliefs. He showcases aggression and brutality, becoming a physical threat to Burt and Vicky. His transition from a devoted follower to a potentially conflicted character illustrates the complex nature of belief and authority within the cult.

🥀 Follower 🗡️ Aggressor 🔍 Seeker

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Major Themes – Children of Tokyo (2010)
Explore the central themes of Children of Tokyo (2010), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Violence

Violence permeates the film as children enact brutal rituals driven by their twisted beliefs. The juxtaposition of childhood innocence and the brutality of their actions reflects the terrifying consequences of indoctrination. The theme explores how fear can lead to violent extremism even in the most unsuspecting environments.

👶 Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a central theme, with children convinced that taking the lives of adults will bring prosperity to their town. The notion that innocence can be weaponized results in tragic outcomes, challenging the perceptions of morality and piety. This theme indicates how deeply faith can warp a community's values.

🌌 Isolation

Isolation is vividly represented in the desolate landscape of Gatlin. The abandoned surroundings not only reflect physical abandonment but also emotional isolation as the characters navigate through dangers alone. This theme emphasizes the psychological toll that such desolation takes on individuals faced with horrifying events.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

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