Still Walking

Still Walking

Year: 2009

Runtime: 114 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Drama

Fifteen years after the tragic drowning of their son Junpei, the Yokoyama family comes together to commemorate the anniversary of his death. As the siblings reunite with their spouses and children, long-buried grief and unresolved emotions come to the surface. Over the course of a single day filled with shared meals and storytelling, they confront their lingering pain, rediscover family bonds, and find solace in remembering the boy they lost.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Still Walking (2009)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Still Walking (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie unfolds during contemporary times, focusing on the family's present-day interactions while peppered with memories of the past. This juxtaposition of history and the present allows for exploration of grief, remembrance, and the evolving relationships within the family.

Location

Yokohama

Yokohama is a vibrant port city in Japan known for its historical significance and cultural diversity. It is a place where the modern skyline meets the rich heritage of early foreign trade. The setting provides a backdrop for family reunions and deep emotional connections, representing both nostalgia and the complexities of familial ties.

🏙️ City 🏡 Home

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

Main Characters – Still Walking (2009)

Meet the key characters of Still Walking (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kyohei

Kyohei is the retired doctor and father figure, depicted as deeply entrenched in his grief over the loss of his eldest son. His bitterness towards Ryota's career choice and constant comparison with Junpei reveal his struggles with acceptance. Though stern and seemingly distant, Kyohei's emotions reflect the complexity of love and loss within familial relationships.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor 😞 Grief

Toshiko

Toshiko, the mother, embodies a nurturing yet tormented spirit, trying to keep the memory of her son alive. Her attachment to Junpei's belongings illustrates her difficulty moving on. Throughout the film, her relationship with Kyohei also reveals vulnerabilities and the heartache that accompanies enduring love amid tragedy.

👩‍👧 Mother 💔 Heartache

Ryota

Ryota, the surviving son, grapples with his identity as he compares himself to his deceased brother. His struggle for validation and acceptance from his father underscores familial expectations and the weight of legacy. As he navigates his role as a husband and stepfather, Ryota's character captures the nuances of familial love and societal pressure.

👨‍🎨 Artist 🤔 Reflection

Yukari

Yukari, Ryota's wife, represents a bridge between past sorrows and future hopes. Initially met with skepticism by Kyohei and Toshiko, her kindness gradually earns their acceptance, reflecting the complexities of blending families. Through her interactions, Yukari cultivates warmth and understanding within the family unit.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🌼 Acceptance

Atsushi

Atsushi, Yukari's young son, navigates his new family dynamics with shyness and innocence. His presence serves as a reminder of the potential for new beginnings and the importance of nurturing relationships. As the family contemplates the future, Atsushi symbolizes hope amid lingering grief.

👦 Child 🌱 Hope

Chinami

Chinami, Ryota's sister, provides a lighter touch to family gatherings, serving as a grounding presence amid the heaviness of past memories. Her family responsibilities showcase the importance of interdependence and support while underscoring the shared history that binds them all together.

👩 Sister 💪 Support

Yoshio

Yoshio, the boy saved by Junpei, introduces a complicated layer of conflicting emotions to the family dynamics. As a reminder of their son's sacrifice, he creates tension and evokes both resentment and empathy within the Yokoyama family. His aimlessness reflects struggles faced by those grappling with past traumas.

👨‍🦱 Visitor 🌧️ Conflict

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

Major Themes – Still Walking (2009)

Explore the central themes of Still Walking (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Grief

Grief is a central theme, deeply affecting each family member in their unique ways. The annual reunion is shrouded in sorrow, as they come together to honor the memory of Junpei, whose loss continues to shape their lives. The movie poignantly explores how grief transforms relationships, revealing underlying tensions and unresolved issues.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Dynamics

The film delves into complex family dynamics, highlighting generational differences, expectations, and the burdens of legacy. Each character navigates their roles within the family, revealing resentment and love intertwined. The reunion serves as a catalyst for confronting these issues, illuminating the struggles of acceptance and understanding.

🔄 Tradition

Tradition plays a vital role in the narrative, illustrating how family rituals can foster connections or exacerbate tensions. The annual gathering not only honors the past but also emphasizes the importance of continuity and the transmission of values across generations. This theme weaves through the characters' interactions, shaping their identities and aspirations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

Unlock the Full Story of Still Walking

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

Still Walking Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Still Walking, 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.

Still Walking Summary

Still Walking Timeline

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

Still Walking Timeline

Still Walking Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Still Walking that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Still Walking Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Still Walking

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

Explore More About Movie Still Walking

Still Walking (2009) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Still Walking (2009) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Still Walking (2009) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow