Korkoro

Korkoro

Year: 2011

Runtime: 111 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Tony Gatlif

Drama

In 20th-century Japan, a story of guilt and redemption emerges. Nobuchi's impulsive proposal to Shizu deeply wounds his friend Kaji, leading to a tragic suicide. Haunted by his actions, Nobuchi seeks spiritual solace. However, his past resurfaces when a young student becomes his protégé, forcing him to confront the pain of betrayal and regret, and ultimately seek a path toward healing and understanding.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Korkoro yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Korkoro (2011) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Korkoro (2011), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

The film takes place during World War II in the rural setting of Vichy France, beginning with a nine-year-old French boy named Claude (Mathias Laliberté) who escapes from an orphanage. Seeking to evade state protection, he encounters a Romani caravan comprising an extended family of twenty men, women, and children. They welcome Claude into their fold, nicknaming him Korkoro, meaning the free one. Captivated by their nomadic way of life, Claude opts to stay with them.

The caravan makes camp near a small wine-growing village, in search of seasonal work in the vineyards and a market for their goods. However, the village is divided, with one faction welcoming the Romani and another viewing them as unwelcome intruders. Among the compassionate villagers are Théodore Rosier (Marc Lavoine), the village mayor and veterinarian, and Mademoiselle Lundi (Marie-Josée Croze), a school teacher and clerk at city hall. The local gendarmerie, aligned with the oppressive Vichy regime, monitors the citizens’ movements through passport documentation, posing a significant threat to the Romani. In a courageous act, Lundi forges their passports, erasing details pertaining to their movements.

When Rosier suffers an accident outside the village, he is saved by the Romani, who use their traditional healing methods to care for him. Grateful for their help, he sells them his father’s house to shield them from the fascist policies aimed at imprisoning the homeless. Lundi also enrolls the Romani children in her school, as they try to adapt. The freedom-loving Romani appreciate the intentions of their French benefactors, yet they grapple with the constraints of living in one place and adhering to the formal rules of education.

As the Nazis invade, Rosier and Lundi’s true identities as members of the French Resistance are revealed, leading to their arrest and brutal torture during interrogation. The Nazis begin rounding up the Romani, sending them to concentration camps. In an act of solidarity and loyalty, Claude, who has been cared for by Rosier, chooses to accompany the Romani as they face the impending doom together.

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:06

Unlock the Full Story of Korkoro

Don't stop at just watching — explore Korkoro 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 Korkoro is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Korkoro Timeline

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

Korkoro Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Korkoro

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Korkoro. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Korkoro

More About Korkoro

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Korkoro: 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 Korkoro

Similar Movies to Korkoro

Discover movies like Korkoro that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.