Everything Goes Wrong (1960) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Jirō attacks Nanbara with a wrench because Nanbara refuses to back down from trying to reason with him despite Jirō's mockery and provocative behavior. In the hotel room, Jirō alternates between mocking Nanbara and kissing Toshimi in front of him, hoping to provoke a reaction. When Nanbara remains undeterred in his attempts to calm Jirō down, Jirō explodes in a fit of rage and strikes him with the wrench, believing he has killed him.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Jirō's violent outburst at home where he fought Nanbara and tore through the house foreshadows his explosive temper.

• jiro
• nanbara
• wrench attack
• hotel room violence

After being pursued by police and driving recklessly, Jirō experiences what seems to be a moment of change of heart when Toshimi screams in fear and begs to be let out of the car. However, instead of stopping or pulling over, he deliberately drives into the path of an oncoming truck, killing himself. This final act appears to be a suicide, possibly driven by guilt over believing he killed Nanbara, combined with his overall despair and fractured relationship with his mother.

Foreshadowing: Jirō's earlier theft of money from his mother and his violent outbreak show he is capable of destructive actions against himself and others.

• jiro
• truck crash
• suicide
• death scene

After Jirō exposes Nanbara at the summer home and reveals that Nanbara was being seduced by Etsuko, Misayo is deeply hurt and upset. However, her love for Nanbara is so strong that despite being betrayed, she begs him to stay with her. This reveals the extent of her emotional dependency on Nanbara and illustrates the dysfunctional nature of their relationship.

Foreshadowing: The earlier tension at home between Jirō and Nanbara, and Jirō's jealousy over his mother's relationship, hints at how entangled Misayo is with Nanbara.

• misayo
• nanbara
• love
• plea to stay

Nanbara gives money to Etsuko because she reveals she needs the money for an abortion. Despite her stripping to her undergarments and offering herself for sale, Nanbara refuses her advances but is moved by her desperate situation. He gives her the money she needs without taking anything in return, showing him to be kindhearted even in a compromising situation.

Foreshadowing: The setup at the beach resort where everyone travels separately plants the seeds for the separate encounters that unfold.

• nanbara
• etsuko
• abortion money
• kindness

Jirō steals money from his mother during a violent fight with Nanbara that tears through the house. His anger stems from his jealousy and resentment toward Nanbara, who is his mother's lover. The theft represents both his volatile temper and his act of rebellion against the adult world, particularly against his mother's relationship that he views as a betrayal of their family.

Foreshadowing: Jirō's earlier argument with the girl in his gang and his decision to leave the group shows his pattern of impulsive, destructive behavior.

• jiro
• theft
• misayo
• money stealing

Etsuko collapses at the subway entrance the next day because she is in distress after her money was stolen by the group of delinquents. She had obtained the money from Nanbara for her abortion, but after being robbed, she becomes distraught and collapses at the subway entrance, falling down the staircase.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Etsuko's desperate need for money for an abortion drives her entire scheme, showing how vulnerable she is.

• etsuko
• subway
• collapse
• miscarriage

Even after being brutally assaulted with a wrench and left for dead, Nanbara begs the police to forgive Jirō for his actions. This demonstrates Nanbara's compassionate and forgiving nature, despite Jirō's violent attack on him. He shows concern for Jirō's welfare even when he himself is in grave condition at the hospital.

Foreshadowing: Nanbara's earlier refusal to take advantage of Etsuko and his willingness to help her without expectation shows his kindhearted character.

• nanbara
• forgiveness
• hospital
• police

Toshimi Tani has a crush on Jirō and begins an intimate relationship with him, even though Jirō remains cool and distant toward her throughout their affair. She stays with him through his violent outburst, the theft of the car, and the deadly chase, suggesting her devotion is unconditional despite his destructive nature. She even flees with him after the confrontation at the summer home.

Foreshadowing: The narrative hints at Toshimi's feelings from the moment she is introduced as having a crush on Jirō.

• toshimi
• jiro
• relationship
• loyalty

Jirō deliberately brings his mother Misayo to the summer home where Nanbara is with Etsuko so he can expose Nanbara as a philandering liar. This is a calculated act of revenge designed to humiliate Nanbara and potentially end his relationship with Misayo. Jirō gleefully exposes Nanbara, wanting to prove his moral corruption to his mother.

Foreshadowing: Jirō's earlier jealousy and resentment toward Nanbara, combined with his angry confrontation at home, build toward this moment of retaliation.

• jiro
• misayo
• nanbara
• expose affair

Jirō leaves his gang of high school delinquents after harassing a girl and getting into a heated argument with her. This confrontation forces him to leave the group, and he subsequently returns home to live with his single mother Misayo, where his troubles with the adult world begin.

Foreshadowing: This early conflict establishes Jirō's pattern of conflict with others and sets the stage for his later explosive behavior.

• jiro
• gang
• leaving
• shinjuku

In his final moment before crashing into the truck, Jirō screams out "Mom," revealing the deep emotional bond and unresolved issues he has with his mother Misayo. Despite his rebellious behavior, theft from her, and violent outburst against her lover, his final words show his fundamental need for maternal love and his guilt over his actions.

Foreshadowing: His jealousy over his mother's relationship with Nanbara and his theft of her money hint at his complicated feelings toward her.

• jiro
• mom
• dying word
• scream

Jirō remains mostly cool and distant toward Toshimi despite their intimate relationship, reflecting his growing alienation from others and his sense of grievance against the adult world. His emotional walls are up due to his anger over his mother's relationship and his general disillusionment. He uses the relationship physically but does not open up emotionally.

Foreshadowing: His pattern of conflict and withdrawal begins when he leaves the gang after the argument with the girl.

• jiro
• toshimi
• distance
• coldness