After the Storm 2017

Drama

Box Office

$5.4M

Runtime

117 min

Language

English

Directed by

Hirokazu Koreeda

Made by

Film Movement

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Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for After the Storm (2017). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Dwelling on past fame as a once-celebrated author of a single novel, Ryota (Hiroshi Abe) struggles to find his footing in life. He squanders his modest earnings as a private detective on gambling, leaving him unable to support himself or provide child support for his son. To make quick cash, Ryota resorts to offering his detective services to clients or even blackmailing them. Although he’s presented with an opportunity to write for a manga series alongside an emerging artist, his pride holds him back from pursuing this new venture.

In the midst of his personal struggles, Ryota grapples with the recent loss of his father, while his elderly mother, Yoshiko (Kirin Kiki), seems to embrace a new chapter in life. Engaging in activities with a group of local elderly ladies, she appears to be moving forward. However, Ryota becomes suspicious of his sister Chinatsu’s frequent visits, fearing that she is trying to take advantage of their mother. This concern grows when he discovers that Yoshiko intends to use her social pension to finance her granddaughter’s figure skating lessons. Meanwhile, Chinatsu harbors suspicions about Ryota’s intentions, recalling a secret hiding spot where their mother once concealed money from their gambling father. When Ryota later investigates this old hiding place, he is momentarily pleased to think he has uncovered cash, only to be disappointed when he finds only cardboard and a note from his sister.

Amidst family tensions, Ryota yearns to reconcile with his ex-wife Kyoko (Yoko Maki), who has grown weary of his empty promises regarding child support payments. She threatens to limit his time with their young son Shingo ([Taiyo Yoshizawa]), a situation that worries Ryota as he knows Kyoko has moved on and may even remarry, possibly severing his connection with Shingo. During a tumultuous summer storm, Ryota finds himself with his family at his mother’s home. It is here that Kyoko delivers the crushing news that their time together is truly over, emphasizing that adult life requires more than just love—it demands planning and responsibility, traits Ryota has not demonstrated in the past. This conversation sparks a realization in Ryota: he must reclaim control over his life if he wishes to play a significant role in Shingo’s.

Determined to forge a deeper bond with his son, Ryota seizes the chance to recreate a cherished memory from his own childhood, seeking refuge from the storm in a local playground, much like he did with his father years ago. The following morning, the storm fades, but the journey of self-discovery and familial reconnection continues as they go about their lives with renewed hope and commitment.

Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of After the Storm (2017) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Ryota's Struggles as a Private Detective

Ryota, a once-recognized author, is now barely making ends meet with his work as a private detective. His small earnings are consumed by gambling, leaving him unable to support his son or pay child support. This sets the tone for his ongoing financial and personal struggles.

Failed Opportunity with Manga

Ryota receives an offer to write for a manga series that features an upcoming artist. However, his pride and inability to adapt to new opportunities prevent him from taking this chance, illustrating his deep-rooted issues with acceptance and change.

Mother's New Chapter

Following the death of their father, Ryota's mother, Yoshiko, starts to engage more with life through hobbies alongside local elderly ladies. This shift signals her attempt to move on, but it also highlights Ryota's own stagnation in life.

Sibling Suspicions

Ryota visits his mother frequently and becomes suspicious of his sister, Chinatsu, believing she is taking advantage of their mother's kindness. This reveals the underlying tensions and mistrust among family members in the face of financial hardships.

Funding Figure Skating Lessons

Ryota discovers that their mother is using her social pension to pay for his niece's figure skating lessons. This revelation complicates his feelings, as he is torn between familial responsibilities and his own failures in providing for his son.

The Old Hiding Place

Chinatsu reminds Ryota of a secret place where their mother used to hide money from their father. Motivated by desperation, Ryota checks the location, only to be disappointed to find it filled with cardboard and a note from his sister, highlighting his misguided hopes.

Strained Relationship with Kyoko

Ryota attempts to reconnect with his ex-wife, Kyoko, who is frustrated with his ongoing failures to support their son, Shingo. Her threats to limit his time with their son push Ryota to confront his shortcomings and fear of losing his child.

Kyoko's New Boyfriend

Ryota feels increasingly insecure as he suspects Kyoko is seeing someone new. The thought of her potential remarriage amplifies his anxiety about his relationship with Shingo and his role as a father.

Confrontation During the Storm

During a tumultuous night of a typhoon, Ryota and Kyoko confront their relationship's reality. Kyoko bluntly states that their relationship is truly over, emphasizing Ryota's inability to fulfill his responsibilities as a family man.

Stormy Summer Night Mother's Home

Bonding Experience

Amidst the chaos of the storm, Ryota tries to bond with Shingo by recreating a memorable experience he once had with his own father. This nostalgic attempt showcases his desire to connect with his son despite his own failings.

During the Storm Local Playground

Morning After

As the storm clears, Ryota and Shingo resume their daily lives, highlighting the cyclical nature of their struggles. This moment serves as a reminder that despite the tumultuous experiences, there is a possibility for new beginnings.

The Next Morning

Characters

Explore all characters from After the Storm (2017). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Ryota (Hiroshi Abe)

Ryota is a struggling private detective and former author who dwells on his past successes. His gambling habits and inability to provide for his son reveal his deeper insecurities and flaws. As the story progresses, he begins to seek redemption and a meaningful connection with his son.

👨‍👦 Fatherhood 📚 Struggle 💔 Regret

Yoshiko (Kirin Kiki)

Yoshiko is Ryota's aging mother, who finds solace in her new hobbies and the company of local friends. Her character represents the wisdom and strength of older generations, often contrasting with her son's struggles. She plays a crucial role in supporting her family while trying to maintain her independence.

👵 Family 💪 Resilience 🌼 Independence

Kyoko (Yoko Maki)

Kyoko is Ryota's ex-wife who has grown weary of his failures and excuses. Her character serves as a symbol of the need for stability and pragmatism in relationships. She is determined to ensure a secure future for their son, often at the expense of her feelings for Ryota.

💔 Relationships 👩‍👦 Motherhood 🔒 Security

Shingo (Taiyo Yoshizawa)

Shingo is Ryota's young son, representing innocence and the desire for connection. His relationship with his father is central to the narrative, showcasing the impact of adult choices on children's lives. Through their bond, the film emphasizes the importance of nurturing familial relationships.

👦 Childhood 🌈 Connection 💖 Innocence

Setting

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Time period

Contemporary

The story unfolds in contemporary Japan, amidst modern societal expectations and challenges. This time period is characterized by shifting family dynamics, the pressures of financial stability, and the struggle to maintain personal relationships. The characters grapple with contemporary issues such as parental responsibilities and personal aspirations.

Location

Japan

The movie primarily takes place in Japan, depicting both urban and suburban settings. The storm and the family home play significant roles in the story, creating a juxtaposition between the external chaos and the internal struggles of the characters. The home serves as a backdrop for pivotal family moments, reflecting Japanese culture and familial bonds.

🇯🇵 Japan 🌧️ Storm 🏠 Home

Themes

Discover the main themes in After the Storm (2017). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌧️

Familial Bonds

The movie explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly between a father and son. Ryota's attempts to reconnect with his son amidst personal failures highlight the theme of familial responsibility. The storm symbolizes both external turmoil and the internal conflict within the family, emphasizing the need for support and understanding.

🎭

Redemption

Ryota's journey reflects a struggle for personal redemption as he confronts his past mistakes. His efforts to reconnect with his son serve as a catalyst for change in his life. This theme underscores the importance of self-improvement and the possibility of change, even amidst challenges.

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