This family drama, like many successful Japanese films, takes place in the post-World War II era, a desperate time that still looms large over Japanese culture today. An adaptation of writer Yasushi Inoue’s autobiography, Chronicle of My Mother portrays the relationship between three generations—three big names, Koji Yakusho (Shall We Dance?), Kirin Kiki (Tokyo Tower) and Aoi Miyasaki (Nana)—set against the backdrop of the post-war struggle.
It’s told through the eyes of the middle-aged Kosaku Igami (Yakusho), a successful but self-centered writer who owns a small publishing company in Tokyo, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. Much of Kosaku’s writing is inspired by his belief that he’s not his mother Yae’s (Kiki) favorite child, having grown up under the care of his grandmother. Called in to visit his father on his deathbed, Kosaku is once again confronted with his mother, who he discovers is now suffering from Alzheimer’s. Kosaku’s youngest daughter wants to take care of her grandmother, knowing full well that her strict father might not approve. Yet as Yae’s memory diminishes further, Kosaku opens his mind to the idea as it gives him the opportunity to learn the truth he has yearned for his whole life.
It doesn’t require any advanced skill to guess where the film is headed; there are no major plot twists or sub-plots. In fact, Chronicle of My Mother is simply an everyday portrayal of one family, emphasizing the imperfections of its three generations. There’s the aging mother who’s lived through the tough times of a major war, the middle-aged son who is forced by cultural norms to take care of his parents, and who as a father keeps a tight leash on his daughter without asking what she wants in life. Resolution is not what we’re looking for in this film; the simplicity of the storyline unfolds in minute details, meaningful dialogue and muted symbolism, so that even though you’ve prepared for the climax, it will still move you to the brink of tears.
The one possible letdown is the sheer enormity of the cast. While it’s understandable to want to accurately portray the Asian tradition of living together as one big family, it can be difficult to keep track of all the characters, meaning some scenes are not as touching as they could be. On the other hand, the cinematography is outstanding, courtesy of Akiko Ashi, who was rewarded with the Best Cinematography gong at the 2012 Mainichi Film Awards, and was also behind the beautiful scenery of Tokyo Tower (2008). If you’re afraid that this film will leave you drowning in tears, fear not, the overall seriousness is counterbalanced by funny moments that will put a smile on your face. And when all’s over, Chronicle of My Mother will have you hastily running back home to hug your own mom like you haven’t seen her in years.
