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Mulberry Child 2012

A biographical drama portrays Jian Ping's compelling journey, leaving war-torn China for a new life in America. As she shares her turbulent past with her daughter, born in this new world, she grapples with the cultural differences that separate them. Through recounting her experiences, Jian seeks to bridge the emotional distance between mother and daughter, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

A biographical drama portrays Jian Ping's compelling journey, leaving war-torn China for a new life in America. As she shares her turbulent past with her daughter, born in this new world, she grapples with the cultural differences that separate them. Through recounting her experiences, Jian seeks to bridge the emotional distance between mother and daughter, ultimately fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding.

Does Mulberry Child have end credit scenes?

No!

Mulberry Child does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of Mulberry Child

Explore the complete cast of Mulberry Child, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


No actors found

Ratings and Reviews for Mulberry Child

See how Mulberry Child is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Mulberry Child stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Metacritic

54

Metascore

tbd

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

33%

TOMATOMETER

review

0%

User Score

IMDb

7.9 /10

IMDb Rating

Take the Ultimate Mulberry Child Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of Mulberry Child with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


Mulberry Child Quiz: Test your knowledge on the poignant story of Jian Ping and her experiences during China's tumultuous history.

In which year was Jian Ping born?

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for Mulberry Child

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Read the complete plot summary of Mulberry Child, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


Jian Ping was born in 1960 in China, amidst a devastating famine resulting from the economic turmoil brought on by Mao Zedong’s Great Leap Forward. In this challenging period, tens of millions faced starvation, just prior to the onset of Mao’s severe and oppressive Cultural Revolution, which lasted from 1966 to 1976. The climate of fear intensified as Mao encouraged the youth to rebel, leading to rampant chaos where individuals faced persecution, humiliation, and violence from those empowered to act with impunity.

Jian was a premature and frail child, often neglected by her overwhelmed mother, who had three other children to care for. Consequently, she was raised by her grandmother, Nainai, who played a pivotal role in her survival during those harsh times. Despite the presence of care, expressions of affection were chastised under the Communist regime, making love feel unspoken and elusive.

Her parents were staunch supporters of the Party, with her mother prioritizing her allegiance to Mao above the welfare of her children. Jian’s father, having endured torture during his youth at the hands of Japanese forces, was later vindicated but became a dedicated Party member. He eventually rose to the position of Deputy Governor of Baicheng, showing resilience amid tragedy.

As societal tensions peaked, neighbors turned against one another, fostering an atmosphere rife with mistrust. Jian’s father was arrested without warning, becoming a victim of political machinations and branded a ‘Big Traitor.’ Meanwhile, her mother, also caught in the oppressive grip of the state, was coerced into writing self-incriminating statements. Demonstrating remarkable strength, she resisted demands from the Red Guards to renounce her husband and refused to let her children grow up without their father.

The situation worsened as Jian’s older siblings were sent away for “re-education” in rural areas, and she, along with Nainai, found themselves displaced in a remote and crude dwelling that offered little protection against the brutal cold. The oppressive years stretched on until 1976 when the Cultural Revolution finally subsided with Mao’s death. As an eight-year-old, Jian vividly recalls dodging insults and stones as she made her way to visit her father in prison. This instilled in her a belief in maintaining composure, hiding any fragility from those who might exploit it while trying not to burden her loved ones with her pain.

With time, as China began to heal and evolve, Jian returned to education, eventually obtaining an undergraduate degree in English before immigrating to the United States. There, she pursued and achieved two master’s degrees. Jian’s journey continued as she married and became a mother to her daughter, Lisa, who joined her in the U.S. when she was five years old. In her pursuit to establish a middle-class existence for her family, Jian felt an ironic sense of disconnection growing between her and Lisa. This prompted Jian to embark on an eight-year journey writing her memoir, Mulberry Child, a heartfelt project born out of her desire to unveil her history and share her Chinese lineage with Lisa. However, she encountered disappointment when Lisa expressed little interest in her mother’s story.

The landscape shifted when Jian Ping and Lisa returned to China for a poignant family reunion during the impactful 2008 Beijing Olympics. It was during this trip that Lisa agreed to read her mother’s manuscript. As she delved into the narrative of their family’s history, Lisa began to recognize her mother in a new light, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of her own heritage.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Cars Featured in Mulberry Child

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Explore all cars featured in Mulberry Child, including their makes, models, scenes they appear in, and their significance to the plot. A must-read for car enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.


Chevrolet

2006

Equinox

Chevrolet

2006

Monte Carlo

Chevrolet

2007

Tahoe

Ford

2007

Crown Victoria

Ford

2009

Crown Victoria

Ford

2011

E-150

Ford

2006

E-250

Ford

1999

Expedition

Ford

2009

Mustang

Ford

2000

Taurus

Movie Themes and Keywords

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