Watch True Mothers

True Mothers is a 2020 Japanese drama film directed by Naomi Kawase. The film tells the story of a couple who adopt a child, but years later, the birth mother comes back to claim her child. The film begins with Satoko (Hiromi Nagasaku) and her husband Kiyokazu (Arata Iura) adopting a baby boy named Asato. Satoko had always wanted children, but she was unable to conceive, so the couple turned to adoption. They raise Asato with love and care, building a happy family life.

Years later, a woman named Hikari (Aju Makita) shows up at their doorstep claiming to be Asato's birth mother. She tells Satoko and Kiyokazu that she had an affair with Asato's biological father, and when she became pregnant, they decided to give the child up for adoption. Hikari says that she has since gotten her life back on track and wants to be a part of her son's life.

Satoko and Kiyokazu are shocked and conflicted. They had always believed that Asato was their son, and the idea of giving him up is painful. However, they also sympathize with Hikari's situation and want to do the right thing.

The film explores the complex emotions of motherhood and the bonds between children and their parents. Satoko struggles with the idea of losing her son, while Hikari grapples with her guilt over giving him up. Asato, meanwhile, is caught in the middle, trying to understand who he truly belongs to.

The film also touches on the societal pressures surrounding motherhood and family. Satoko is constantly judged and criticized by her in-laws and society for not being able to conceive a child naturally. Hikari, too, carries a burden of shame for giving up her child, even though she was in a difficult situation.

The performances by the lead actors are poignant and compelling. Hiromi Nagasaku and Arata Iura bring a depth of emotion to their roles as the adoptive parents, while Aju Makita conveys a sense of desperation and longing as the birth mother. The film's cinematography is also breathtaking, capturing the beauty of the Japanese countryside where much of the story takes place.

Overall, True Mothers is a thought-provoking and emotional film that explores the complexities of motherhood and the bonds that tie families together. It is a must-see for anyone who has ever grappled with the question of what it means to be a parent.

True Mothers is a 2020 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 64.