The film True Mothers (2020), directed by Naomi Kawase, is a cinematic work rich with profound messages about life, love, and human relationships. Through the story of two women—Satoko, an adoptive mother, and Hikari, the birth mother—the film invites viewers to reflect on the true meaning of motherhood, family, and sacrifice. The messages conveyed in this film are not only personally relevant but also have a universal resonance that can touch anyone, regardless of their background or life experiences.
One of the main messages of True Mothers is that motherhood is not solely defined by biological ties. Satoko, though not Asato’s birth mother, has raised him with genuine love, care, and sacrifice. She has nurtured Asato since he was a baby, teaching him to walk, talk, and face the world. The love she gives is no less, or perhaps even greater, than the love a birth mother might provide. The film emphasizes that being a mother is about the acts of nurturing, loving, and sacrificing for a child, not just giving birth.
On the other hand, Hikari, though she gave birth to Asato, had to give him up due to difficult circumstances. Her decision to surrender her child is an extraordinary act of love and sacrifice. She chose to give Asato a better life, even though it meant letting go of her rights as his birth mother. Through Hikari’s character, the film shows that motherhood can also mean letting go, even when it is painful.
True Mothers also conveys the message that family is not always built by blood relations, but by bonds of love and commitment. Satoko and Kiyokazu may not be Asato’s biological parents, but they have built a family filled with love and warmth. They teach us that family is about who is there for us, who cares for us, and who loves us unconditionally.
The film challenges traditional views of family and invites viewers to see family from a more inclusive perspective. In an increasingly diverse world, where many families are formed through adoption, mixed marriages, or other non-traditional relationships, this message is highly relevant. True Mothers reminds us that the bonds of love and commitment are the strongest foundation of a family.
Through Hikari’s character, the film also delivers a message about the importance of empathy and understanding toward others. Hikari is a teenager who becomes pregnant out of wedlock and has to give up her child due to social pressure and financial inability. Her life is filled with hardship and despair, but she does the best she can in an unfavorable situation.
The film encourages viewers not to judge others, especially those in difficult circumstances. We never truly know what others have gone through, and the decisions they make are often based on limited choices. By showing Hikari’s human side, True Mothers teaches us to be more empathetic and to understand that everyone has their own story and struggles.
Another powerful message in the film is about acceptance and finding peace in the decisions we make. Both Satoko and Hikari must come to terms with their realities and find ways to move forward. Satoko ultimately accepts that her love for Asato is what matters most, regardless of their biological connection. Hikari, on the other hand, finds peace by letting go of Asato, knowing he is in a loving family.
The film teaches us that life is full of difficult decisions, and sometimes we must accept realities we cannot change. However, through acceptance, we can find peace and move forward with a lighter heart.
True Mothers is a film filled with profound messages about love, sacrifice, and the true meaning of motherhood. Through the stories of Satoko and Hikari, the film invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of family, empathy, and acceptance. These messages are not only personally relevant but also have a universal resonance that can touch anyone.
The film reminds us that love is the strongest foundation of a family and that sacrifice is a natural part of true love. Additionally, True Mothers teaches us to be more empathetic toward others and to accept life’s realities with an open heart. In a world often filled with judgment and conflict, these messages serve as an important reminder of humanity and the power of love.