Mulberry Child

Mulberry Child

Year: 2012

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Susan Morgan Cooper

BiographyDramaFamilyDocumentary

In this poignant biographical drama, Jian Ping's remarkable journey from war-torn China to American freedom is intertwined with her struggle to connect with her own daughter, born in a new world. As she recounts her turbulent past and shares it with her child, Jian confronts the emotional chasm between their cultures, forging a deeper understanding and a sense of belonging for both mother and daughter.

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Timeline & Setting – Mulberry Child (2012)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Mulberry Child (2012). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1960-1976

Set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976, this era in China was defined by Mao Zedong's radical policies and a quest to enforce Communist ideology. It brought about a period of famine, widespread persecution, and severe societal disruption, deeply affecting the lives of countless families, including Jian's.

Location

China, United States

The movie primarily unfolds in China during the Cultural Revolution, a period marked by social upheaval and state terror. It later shifts to the United States, where Jian Ping strives to build a new life for herself and her daughter. These contrasting settings reflect Jian's journey from chaos and repression to the pursuit of freedom and identity.

🌏 China 🇺🇸 United States

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Main Characters – Mulberry Child (2012)
Meet the key characters of Mulberry Child (2012), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jian Ping

Jian Ping is a resilient and determined woman shaped by her traumatic childhood during China's Cultural Revolution. Her experiences of loss, repression, and her eventual migration to the United States profoundly impact her character as she seeks to provide a better life for her daughter while reconciling her past.

👩‍🎓 Education 🌍 Immigrant 💪 Resilience

Nainai

Nainai, Jian's grandmother, provides essential care and protection during Jian's early years. Her nurturing presence offers a sense of stability and love amidst the chaos of the era, illustrating the vital role of family support during difficult times.

👵 Grandparent 🏡 Caregiver ❤️ Love

Lisa

Lisa is Jian's daughter, who grapples with her identity as a Chinese-American. Throughout the film, her evolving relationship with her mother and discovery of her heritage reflect the broader themes of connection and cultural understanding.

👧 Child 🌱 Growth 📜 Heritage

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

Major Themes – Mulberry Child (2012)
Explore the central themes of Mulberry Child (2012), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

📖 Identity

The theme of identity is central to Jian Ping's narrative as she navigates her Chinese heritage and her experiences in America. Her memoir 'Mulberry Child' serves as a bridge between her past and her daughter's understanding of their family history.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role throughout the film. Jian's relationships with her parents, particularly the struggles and sacrifices they made during the Cultural Revolution, influence her own parenting style and connection with her daughter, Lisa.

💔 Struggle

The film explores the struggles of individuals against oppressive political regimes. Jian Ping's resilience in facing personal and societal challenges showcases the fight for survival and dignity during a tumultuous period in Chinese history.

Last Updated: May 13, 2025 at 17:27

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