Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Shoplifters" won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2018, and its exploration of a mother's love for her son is a significant reason why. The film tells the story of the Hirayama family, who live a precarious existence, and their complex relationships with one another. As the mother, Hirayama (Yuko Tanaka), navigates her role in the family, her love for her son, Osamu (Kazuaki Hirata), is revealed, showcasing a fierce devotion that transcends traditional notions of motherhood.
For more information about these movies, I encourage you to look them up.
Japanese cinematic mothers are rarely loud or dramatic; their love is shown through daily rituals, home-cooked meals, and silent endurance. japanese mother deep love with own son movies best
7. Her Love Boils Bathwater (Yu o Wakasu Hodo no Atsui Ai, 2016)
This uniquely Japanese psychological concept refers to a state of dependence where one expects benevolence and indulgence from an authority figure—most commonly, a mother. Many Japanese films depict sons who, no matter how old, retain a sense of amae toward their mothers. Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Shoplifters" won the Palme d'Or at
Ame is sickly, timid, and struggles deeply with his dual identity. Hana’s profound love is shown through her willingness to uproot her entire life, moving to a remote rural area so her son can safely discover his true path. The film beautifully captures the ultimate act of maternal love: nurturing a son with everything you have, only to find the strength to let him walk into his own world when the time comes. 5. Monster (Kaibutsu, 2023) Hirokazu Kore-eda Core Theme: Protection against a broken system.
Yōjirō Takita's "Departures" won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2009, and its exploration of a mother's love for her son is a significant reason why. The film tells the story of Daigo Kobayashi (Masaharu Fukuyama), a young cellist who returns to his hometown and takes a job as an "encoffineur," a traditional Japanese funeral director. As Daigo navigates his new role, we see flashbacks of his childhood, where his mother, played by Yuko Tanaka, shows unwavering support and love for her son. The film's portrayal of their bond is both poignant and powerful, highlighting the enduring nature of a mother's devotion. For more information about these movies, I encourage
| Theme | Best Film | |--------|------------| | Classic, subtle sacrifice | Tokyo Story | | Abandonment + real love | Nobody Knows | | Non-biological mother love | Like Father, Like Son , Shoplifters | | Obsessive / codependent love | Mothers | | Extreme self-sacrifice | The Ballad of Narayama | | Chosen family / surrogate | Sweet Bean , Our Little Sister |
Hirokazu Kore-eda's "Like Father, Like Son" tells the story of two families, the Miyawakis and the Sonodas. The film centers around the relationship between Ryota Miyawaki and his wife, Yukari, and their son, Keita. However, it is revealed that Keita was mistakenly switched with another child at the hospital, and the Sonoda family has been raising him as their own. The movie explores the themes of family, identity, and the deep love a mother has for her son.
This article guides you through the best Japanese movies that explore this timeless theme, from golden-era classics to modern masterpieces.
Mothers in these films rarely make grand, explosive speeches. Instead, their love is conveyed through daily rituals—preparing bento boxes, quiet observations, and enduring societal shame to shield their children.