Mulberry Child

Mulberry Child

Year: 2012

Runtime: 85 min

Language: English

Director: Susan Morgan Cooper

BiographyDramaFamilyDocumentary

A biographical drama portrays Jian Ping's compelling journey, leaving war-torn China for a new life in America. As she shares her turbulent past with her daughter, born in this new world, she grapples with the cultural differences that separate them. Through recounting her experiences, Jian seeks to bridge the emotional distance between mother and daughter, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

Warning: spoilers below!

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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

Unlock the Full Story of Mulberry Child

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

Mulberry Child Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mulberry Child, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mulberry Child Summary

Mulberry Child Timeline

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

Mulberry Child Timeline

More About Mulberry Child

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

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