Chronicle of My Mother

 

 

 

Melwood Screening Room: May 13 @ 5:30PM 

Melwood Screening Room: May 19 @ 4:30PM

Passes not accepted on Opening/Closing Night. Please arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of start time to ensure availability of seating. Film schedule and Q & A's are subject to change.

2011/Japan/Director: Masato Herada/108 min.
Cast: Kôji Yakusho, Kaho Minami, Aoi Miyazaki, Rentarô Mikuni (Language: Japanese with English subtitles)
Festivals and Awards: Pusan (Closing Night), Montreal
 
Directed by Masato Harada, Chronicle of my Mother, draws its inspiration from an autobiographical novel by Yasushi Inoue that reflects the relationship between a man and his mother, whose health and mind are slowly fading. Told from the point of view of Kosaku, a successful writer who strictly rules a mostly female household, the film focuses on the tension between his career and the women in his life.
From a young age, Kosaku resents his mother for abandoning him before her post-war emigration to Taiwan. However, his bitterness and resentment blooms into inspiration for his best-selling work, in which he frequently references his mother and sisters members, despite their disapproval. When his father dies, Kosaku must provide his mother with long-term care and follow her through her mindless wanderings, both painful and funny alike.  
Meanwhile, Kosaku’s youngest daughter Kotoko, is largely ignored as she chronicles her father’s emotional journey with his ailing mother through photography. As the mother’s dementia worsens, Kosaku continues to struggle with his writing. Eventually, the family begins to reconcile and resolve their differences in order to help her. 
Set during the 1950s and 1960s in Shizuoka, Japan, the film beautifully captures the landscape and changing seasons in faded hues. Its subtle tones reflect the delicate emotions portrayed by the actors, which earned Kôji Yakusho a nomination for Best Actor at the 6th Asian Film Awards. 
This heartfelt film brings together generations and rejoices in relationship between parents and their children.