They Say Nothing Stays the Same (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The story takes place along a serene river where a humble ferryman named Toichi works. The river serves as both a means of livelihood and a mystical backdrop representing the thin line between life and death. A nearby forest holds deep spiritual significance as the final resting place for community elders. The riverside community itself is on the brink of transformation due to the construction of a new bridge.

• river setting
• ferryman
• forest
• riverside community
• spiritual setting

The bridge represents progress and modernization, but it also threatens a traditional way of life. Its construction creates tension between those embracing change and those protecting ancient traditions. For Toichi, the bridge directly challenges his role as a ferryman, symbolizing how progress can render traditional occupations obsolete.

• bridge symbolism
• progress vs tradition
• modernization
• ferryman role

The film is set in an unspecified period during the late 20th century, a transitional time when small communities began experiencing the impact of modern developments like bridge construction. This era highlights the clash between nature and manmade progress, illustrating how traditional ways of life struggle against an evolving world.

• time period
• late 20th century
• transitional era
• modernization

The supernatural element centers on a ghostly figure, a young woman named Foo, who appears in the river. She represents the thin veil between life and death, forcing characters to confront their choices and the consequences of tampering with fate. Her eerie presence creates an atmosphere of foreboding throughout the film.

• ghost
• supernatural
• Foo
• river spirit
• life and death

The film explores tragedy through families torn apart by unexpected deaths and the haunting memories they leave behind. Toichi grapples with the ramifications of his actions when faced with loss, demonstrating how quickly life can spiral into despair. The tragic events culminate in irreversible decisions that dramatically alter the characters' lives.

• tragedy
• loss
• death
• family
• irreversible consequences

Choices serve as the central theme, showing how seemingly small decisions can lead to monumental consequences. Toichi's decision to rescue the ghostly girl sets off a chain of tragic outcomes, questioning the morality behind his desire to save her. The film prompts viewers to reflect on the weight of their choices and the lives they impact.

• choices
• consequences
• morality
• decisions
• fate

Toichi is a humble ferryman whose life revolves around the river he navigates daily. He possesses a nurturing side, as shown by his decision to care for the ghostly girl he discovers. However, his choices lead to dire consequences, revealing his inner conflict and the heavy weight of responsibility he bears as events unfold.

• Toichi
• ferryman
• protagonist
• caretaker
• responsibility

Foo is a mysterious young woman who embodies silence and intrigue. Her ethereal presence raises questions about her past and the tragedy she embodies due to her connection with the river. Throughout the film, she remains an enigma, symbolizing lost lives and the weight of unfinished stories.

• Foo
• mysterious girl
• ghost
• lost lives
• symbolism

Genzo is Toichi's young neighbor who often serves as a catalyst for dark thoughts and reckless ideas. His arrogance and desire for revenge reveal a lack of foresight, creating a stark contrast to Toichi's more contemplative nature. As events unfold, he becomes a tragic figure whose decisions lead to his own demise.

• Genzo
• neighbor
• revenge
• arrogance
• tragic figure

Nihei's Father is a respected elder who passes away with a poignant final wish, reflecting the themes of respect for tradition and filial duty. His character adds depth to the community and serves as a moral compass for Toichi, whose actions are influenced by the elder's selflessness.

• Nihei's Father
• elder
• tradition
• moral compass
• community

The central conflict stems from the bridge's construction, which threatens Toichi's traditional role as a ferryman while promising to connect previously isolated villages. This represents the broader tension between preserving ancient ways of life and embracing the progress that modern development brings. The story examines whether progress justifies the loss of tradition.

• tradition vs modernity
• progress
• bridge
• ferryman
• conflict