Ume kiranu baka
2021 [JAPANESE]
Action / Drama
80%
AUDIENCE
6.3/10
131
Plot summary
An old house stands amongst newly built buildings, as if it has been left behind. Tamako, a popular fortune teller, has been living there alone with her son, Tadao, for years. Because he has intellectual disability and autism, their neighbors often complain about his unpredictable behaviors. One day, Tamako is informed that a room is available in a group home owned by a company that runs the community workshop Tadao works at. Residents there all have intellectual disability but are living together to be independent from their families. Tamako decides to let Tadao move into the group home, but the sudden change of environment confuses him.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLU 720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
Movie Reviews
The Lone Ume Tree is a touching social
A poignant story
This is a poignant story mostly about an aging single mother's love for her adult autistic son, despite the static they get from some of their neighbors, and her hopes that he can transition to a group home. The mother, played by Mariko Kaga, who has been a movie star in Japan since 1962(!), was the anchor of this movie, while Muga Tsukaji, as her son "Chu-san," was heartbreakingly true to life as a gentle man who wouldn't hurt a flea, yet seemed to be blamed for every misfortune suffered by the neighbors. Then a new family moves in next door and things come to a head. It's a short film (77 minutes) but a memorable one.