Chain of Flowers
Chain of Flowers

Chain of Flowers

2013Movie100 minJapanese

Based upon the novel by Minato Kanae. The story is about three women who all live in the same countryside town but who never interact with one another even though they are all tied by the same tragedy. While newly-unemployed Rika tries to get her ailing grandmother to take a needed surgery, she also struggles to come up with the money to pay for it. A mysterious benefactor known to her only as "K" might be able to help, but her grandmother is steadfast in telling her to decline it. As Rika searches for clues as to who this "K" is, she increasingly finds that she and two other women are linked not only by a tragedy but a chain of flowers as well.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes96%
Metacritic83/100
Google Users94%
Director: Anna MuylaertGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows a young woman from a humble background who works as a housekeeper for a wealthy family in Rio de Janeiro. As she navigates the complexities of her service, she finds herself increasingly entangled in the lives of her employers, leading to unexpected relationships and emotional challenges. The narrative explores themes of class, identity, and the blurred lines between personal and professional lives within a Brazilian context.

Critical Reception

Chain of Flowers (original title: Que Horas Ela Volta?) garnered widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of social dynamics and its powerful performances, particularly from its lead actress. It was praised for its sensitive handling of complex themes and its ability to provoke thought and empathy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its insightful look at class and family dynamics in contemporary Brazil.
  • Lauded for strong performances, especially Leandra Leal's central role.
  • Noted for its subtle yet impactful storytelling and emotional resonance.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's sensitive and realistic depiction of social issues, finding the story compelling and the characters relatable. Many highlighted the film's ability to spark meaningful conversations about class differences and human connection.

Awards & Accolades

Winner of the Special Jury Award for Acting (Leandra Leal) and the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival. Also won awards at the Berlin International Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Anna Muylaert was inspired to make the film after her own daughter was cared for by a nanny, prompting her to explore the relationships between domestic workers and the families they serve.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review