After suffering through a long and unsuccessful series of fertility treatments, Satoko and her husband Kiyokazu make the decision to adopt a child. Six years after adopting a boy they named Asato, Satoko has quit her job to concentrate fully on her husband and son. The family lives a peaceful existence until the arrival of a stranger.
A couple struggling with infertility decides to adopt a child, finding a young birth mother who agrees to the arrangement. Five years later, the birth mother unexpectedly reappears, threatening the family's fragile peace. The film delves into the complex emotional landscapes of motherhood, identity, and the societal pressures surrounding adoption in Japan.
True Mothers received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive portrayal of complex themes and strong performances, particularly from its lead actresses. While some found its pacing deliberate, most lauded its emotional depth and nuanced exploration of family and belonging.
Google audience: Google users generally appreciated the film's sensitive handling of difficult themes related to adoption and the complexities of maternal bonds, highlighting the compelling performances and emotional narrative.
Selected as Japan's official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 93rd Academy Awards.
Director Naomi Kawase initially conceived the film based on an essay written by Mizuki Tsujimura about her own experiences with adoption.
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