Ainu Mosir 2020

Drama

Runtime

84 min

Language

Japanese

Directed by

Takeshi Fukunaga

Made by

ARRAY Releasing

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Ainu Mosir Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Ainu Mosir (2020). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.

Kanto, a 14-year-old Ainu boy, grapples with his identity while living in a tranquil town in Hokkaido. His life has been upended following the death of his father, leaving his mother to manage their family’s Ainu gift shop. This traditional community, steeped in Ainu custom and reliant on the tourism industry, often makes Kanto feel trapped. Filled with discontent, he dreams of escaping to a bustling modern city, believing it to be a better life far removed from his Ainu roots.

In the wake of his father’s passing, Kanto finds guidance in Debo, an Ainu elder played by Debo Akibe. Debo imparts wisdom about their cultural traditions, providing Kanto with a sense of belonging as he grapples with his feelings. The community is on the brink of reviving the Iomante, a highly debated bear-sacrifice ritual, igniting discussions and differing opinions among the residents.

During his time in the forest, Kanto unexpectedly befriends a bear, which propels him to confront his views regarding the upcoming ritual. The arrival of a Japanese journalist, portrayed by Lily Franky, adds further complexity as she comes to document the community’s practices and the Iomante rite. Her presence brings new perspectives and challenges Kanto’s preconceptions.

As the tension rises around the bear’s fate, Kanto embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He discovers videotapes showcasing past Iomante rites, immersing himself deeper into Ainu culture and its mystical facets. Surprisingly, what starts as aversion gradually transforms into a nuanced understanding, enabling Kanto to appreciate the rituals that define his heritage. This introspective journey ultimately leads him to the difficult conclusion that he stands against the killing of the bear, igniting a conflict within himself and within his community.

Through Kanto’s experiences, the film paints a vivid picture of the struggle between modernity and tradition, exploring themes of cultural identity and the harsh but beautiful realities of life as an Ainu in contemporary Japan.

Ainu Mosir Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Ainu Mosir (2020) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.

Kanto's Life in Hokkaido

Kanto is a fourteen-year-old boy navigating the complexities of adolescence. Living in a traditional Ainu community in Hokkaido, he feels a deep sense of dissatisfaction with his life and yearns to escape to a modern city.

Hokkaido

Loss of Kanto's Father

The death of Kanto's father leaves a palpable void in his life and significantly impacts his perspective. His mother takes over the family gift shop, which serves as a reminder of their cultural heritage.

Ainu gift shop, Hokkaido

Mentorship with Debo

Following his father's death, Kanto begins to receive guidance from Debo, an elder in the Ainu community. Debo introduces him to Ainu traditions and instills a sense of responsibility towards their cultural heritage.

Ainu community, Hokkaido

Controversy Over Iomante Ritual

The community ignites with discussions around Iomante, a controversial bear-sacrifice ritual that revives ancient traditions. This debate reflects the struggle between preserving culture and facing modern ethical dilemmas.

Ainu village, Hokkaido

Encounter with the Bear

In a pivotal turn of events, Kanto discovers a bear in the forest, sparking a personal conflict regarding the Iomante ritual. This friendship challenges his understanding of life, nature, and the customs of his people.

Forest, Hokkaido

Journalist's Arrival

A Japanese journalist, interested in documenting the Ainu community and the Iomante rite, arrives in the town. His arrival brings outside perspectives and questions about cultural practices to the forefront.

Ainu village, Hokkaido

Kanto's Decision Against Bear Killing

After much deliberation and emotional turmoil, Kanto makes a conscious decision to oppose bear killing as part of the Iomante ritual. This marks a significant moment in his maturation and understanding of ethical choices.

Ainu community, Hokkaido

Exploring Iomante Videotapes

Kanto stumbles upon videotapes documenting previous Iomante rites, which prompt him to delve deeper into his heritage. These films become informative and transformative as he grapples with Ainu customs.

Kanto's home, Hokkaido

Discovering Mystical Elements of Ainu Culture

Through his exploration of the tapes, Kanto begins to uncover the more mystical aspects of Ainu culture. This newfound knowledge enhances his appreciation for the traditions of his ancestors.

Kanto's home, Hokkaido

Cultural Reflection and Growth

As the story unfolds, Kanto reflects on his identity and the contrasting worlds of tradition and modernity. His journey through loss, mentorship, and cultural discovery leads to a profound personal growth.

Hokkaido

Community Aftermath and Future

The Ainu community, influenced by Kanto's evolving perspective, begins to reconsider its approach to Iomante and traditions. Kanto’s stance not only affects his life but also the cultural landscape of the community.

Ainu village, Hokkaido

Ainu Mosir Characters

Explore all characters from Ainu Mosir (2020). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.

Kanto

Kanto is a fourteen-year-old boy navigating the complexities of adolescence within a traditional Ainu community. Following the death of his father, he becomes disenchanted with his life and harbors dreams of escaping to a bustling city. Through mentorship from Debo and his subsequent experiences, Kanto evolves from a resentful youth to a more culturally aware individual who values his heritage.

👦 Young Adult 🌿 Ainu Culture 🎓 Growth

Debo

Debo is an Ainu elder who serves as a mentor to Kanto, guiding him through the complexities of Ainu traditions and the significance of their cultural practices. His character embodies wisdom and cultural knowledge, providing a counterbalance to Kanto's youthful skepticism. Through Debo, the viewer gains insight into the importance of preserving Ainu heritage amid modern challenges.

👴 Elder 🦉 Wisdom 🌄 Tradition

Journalist

The Japanese journalist documents the Ainu community and their rituals, serving as a bridge between the traditional Ainu life and the outside world. Through his perspective, the film explores themes of cultural representation and the challenges faced by indigenous people in an evolving society. The journalist’s presence also sparks discussions about the ethics of observing and documenting cultural practices.

📝 Reporting 👁️ Observer 🌏 Culture

Ainu Mosir Settings

Learn where and when Ainu Mosir (2020) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.

Time period

The story seems to take place in contemporary times, as it involves modern-day conflicts around cultural preservation and the impact of tourism on traditional ways of life. The exploration of old customs like Iomante alongside modern influences showcases a bridge between past and present.

Location

Hokkaido

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands and is known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich Ainu culture. The region is home to traditional Ainu villages where ancient customs and rituals are preserved. Hokkaido is also a popular destination for tourism, drawing visitors who are curious about indigenous traditions and the area's beautiful vistas.

🏔️ Nature 🏘️ Community

Ainu Mosir Themes

Discover the main themes in Ainu Mosir (2020). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.

🌍

Cultural Identity

The theme of cultural identity pervades the narrative, as Kanto grapples with his Ainu heritage while being influenced by modern society. His journey involves understanding the significance of traditions in shaping one’s identity and the impact of external perceptions. The film highlights the struggle between embracing one's roots and the allure of contemporary life.

🐻

Tradition vs. Modernity

The conflict between tradition and modernity is central to the story, emphasized through the controversial Iomante ritual. Kanto's internal struggle reflects broader societal debates on cultural practices in a changing world. Ultimately, the film invites viewers to ponder the relevance of traditional customs in an evolving society.

💔

Loss and Acceptance

Kanto's journey is profoundly shaped by the loss of his father, which ignites his initial discontent and disconnect from his culture. Through his relationships and experiences, he goes through a process of acceptance and understanding, learning to appreciate the rites that define his community's history and values.

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