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Movie Info & Details
Release Year2008
Runtime2h 13m
LanguageJapanese
CertificationNR
GenresFamily, Drama
Votes41
DirectorYoji Yamada
WritersYoji Yamada, Emiko Hiramatsu
TypeFeature Film
Rating7.4 out of 10
Cast10 credited
Also Known AsKabei: Our Mother
About Kabei: Our Mother
Set in Tokyo in 1940, the peaceful life of the Nogami Family suddenly changes when the father, Shigeru, is arrested and accused of being a Communist. His wife Kayo works frantically from morning to night to maintain the household and bring up her two daughters with the support of Shigeru's sister Hisako and Shigeru's ex-student Yamazaki, but her husband does not return. WWII breaks out and casts dark shadows on the entire country, but Kayo still tries to keep her cheerful determination, and sustain the family with her love. This is an emotional drama of a mother and an eternal message for peace.
Directed by Yoji Yamada, Kabei: Our Mother leans on a strong ensemble — Mirai Shida, Tadanobu Asano, Chieko Baisho — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.
The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 2008.
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