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.

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Timeline – Mulberry Child (2012)

Trace every key event in Mulberry Child (2012) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Birth of Jian Ping

Jian Ping was born in China in 1960 amidst a devastating famine caused by Mao Zedong's Great Leap Forward. This period marked one of the most tragic times in Chinese history, with tens of millions perishing due to starvation, setting the backdrop for her early life.

1960 China
2

Childhood Suffering

As a tiny, premature infant, Jian was often sick and seen as unwanted by her already overburdened mother. This situation led her to be cared for by her grandmother, Nainai, whose nurturing presence was crucial for her survival during these harsh early years.

3

Parental Loyalty to the Party

Jian's parents were fervently devoted to the Communist Party, prioritizing duty to Mao over familial ties. Her father, having survived torture during World War II, ultimately rose to become the Deputy Governor of Baicheng, representing the conflicting notions of loyalty and family loyalty.

Baicheng, China
4

Family Betrayal and Arrest

As societal chaos escalated under Mao's regime, Jian's family faced severe repercussions. Her father was arrested and publicly humiliated, his reputation destroyed as he was labeled a 'Big Traitor,' demonstrating the pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion during the Cultural Revolution.

5

Mother's Resistance

Jian's mother, a school administrator, was also detained, forced to write self-recriminations while enduring pressure from the Red Guards to denounce her husband. Her refusal to submit to their demands exemplified her strength and determination to protect her family.

6

Forced Separation

With escalating danger, Jian and her family faced brutal consequences. Her older siblings were sent away for re-education in the countryside, while Jian and her grandmother were exiled to a primitive mud hut, where they endured harsh living conditions.

7

Navigating Danger

At just eight years old, Jian made perilous trips to visit her father in prison. These moments were fraught with danger, as she navigated through hostility and violence directed her way, shaping her understanding of resilience and composure in the face of adversity.

Prison
8

End of the Cultural Revolution

The Cultural Revolution finally concluded in 1976 with the death of Mao Zedong. This significant event marked a turning point in China’s history and began to shift the narrative, allowing Jian to eventually seek education and a better life.

1976 China
9

Education and Immigration

Following the turmoil of her childhood, Jian pursued education, earning an undergraduate degree in English. Her quest for knowledge propelled her to immigrate to the United States, where she achieved two master's degrees, illustrating her determination to build a new life.

United States
10

Family Life in America

After settling in America, Jian married and had a daughter named Lisa. However, despite her efforts to provide a stable middle-class life, she began to sense a growing disconnection between herself and Lisa, highlighting the complexities of immigrant family dynamics.

11

Writing the Memoir

Driven by a need to reconcile her past and connect with her daughter's heritage, Jian embarked on an eight-year journey to write her memoir, 'Mulberry Child.' This work became a critical medium for revealing her experiences under Mao and bridging the gap between generations.

12

Journey Back to China

In a poignant family visit, Jian and Lisa returned to China during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This trip was not just a return to their roots but also a pivotal moment for Lisa, prompting her to begin reading her mother's manuscript and reconsider her understanding of their family history.

2008 China
13

A Shift in Perspective

As Lisa engaged with Jian's memoir, her perspective of her mother began to change. Through tracing their family's history, she started to embrace her Chinese heritage, marking a significant emotional connection between mother and daughter that had been previously strained.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Mulberry Child

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