True Mothers

True Mothers

Year: 2021

Runtime: 140 min

Language: English

Director: Naomi Kawase

Drama

Satoko and her husband experience the joy of parenthood with their son, Asato, after struggling with infertility. Their peaceful life is disrupted when Hikari, a young woman, unexpectedly reappears, claiming to be Asato's biological mother. The revelation creates significant tension and challenges Satoko’s sense of family and her own identity as she fights to protect what she believes is hers.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – True Mothers (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of True Mothers (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film captures contemporary themes of parenthood and identity, reflecting current societal issues surrounding adoption and motherhood. The narrative includes flashbacks that provide insight into the characters' past struggles and triumphs, portraying a realistic timeline of events leading to their present situations.

Location

Baby Baton, Kindergarten, Zoo, City

Baby Baton is a nonprofit organization that assists infertile couples by connecting them with mothers who are unable to care for their biological children. The story also involves a kindergarten setting where children learn and socialize, and a zoo that symbolizes family outings and joy. The urban environment plays a crucial role as characters navigate their lives and relationships within the city.

🏢 Organization 🏫 Education 🦓 Recreation 🌆 Urban

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Main Characters – True Mothers (2021)

Meet the key characters of True Mothers (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Satoko Kurihara

Satoko is a devoted mother who initially struggles with the complexities of adoption. As she navigates the challenges that come with raising Asato, her character embodies resilience and love, highlighting her internal conflicts about identity and motherhood. Throughout the film, Satoko evolves and becomes a source of strength for her family.

👩‍👦 Motherhood 💔 Emotional 🌟 Resilient

Kiyokazu

Kiyokazu is a loving and patient father who stands by Satoko throughout their journey of parenting. Despite facing challenges with infertility, his character showcases unwavering support for his family. Kiyokazu's love for Asato strengthens the family bond and reflects the theme of sacrifice.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 👫 Family 💪 Supportive

Asato Kurihara

Asato is the adopted son of Satoko and Kiyokazu, who represents both innocence and the struggles of understanding his identity. His experiences at kindergarten and the ensuing conflicts with his biological mother lead to profound emotional revelations. He symbolizes the connection between adoptive and biological families.

👶 Adoption 💙 Innocence 🌱 Growth

Hikari Katakura

Hikari is a complex character portrayed with depth, as she grapples with her identity as a young mother and the decisions that lead to her child's adoption. Her character showcases vulnerability and resilience, driven by love and regret, which ultimately leads her to confront her past. Hikari's struggles highlight the emotional weight of motherhood.

👩‍👦 Young Mother 😢 Vulnerable 💔 Emotional

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Major Themes – True Mothers (2021)

Explore the central themes of True Mothers (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Motherhood

The theme of motherhood is central to the film, exploring the emotional complexities of being a mother, whether biological or adoptive. Satoko's journey emphasizes her sacrifices and love for Asato, while Hikari's narrative unveils the struggles faced by young mothers. The film poignantly highlights the unique sacrifices and emotional turmoil associated with motherhood, affirming it as a profound and often challenging experience.

🔄 Identity

Identity is a recurring theme as the characters grapple with their past and present roles. Satoko questions her identity as an adoptive mother when faced with Hikari's reappearance. Hikari's quest for her identity and connection with Asato reflects a yearning for belonging and the complexities of familial ties, making identity a crucial element in the narrative.

🕊️ Sacrifice

Sacrifice permeates the film, showcasing the lengths to which parents will go for their child's happiness. Satoko and Kiyokazu's decision to adopt stems from their longing for a family, while Hikari’s journey reveals her selflessness, despite her struggles. The emotional climax showcases how love often necessitates sacrifice, leading to a powerful resolution.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:03

Unlock the Full Story of True Mothers

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

True Mothers Summary

Read a complete plot summary of True Mothers, 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.

True Mothers Summary

True Mothers Timeline

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

True Mothers Timeline

More About True Mothers

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about True Mothers: 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 True Mothers

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