The narrative follows two brothers, Edward Elric ( Ryosuke Yamada) and Alphonse Elric ( Atomu Mizuishi), whose loyal relationship keeps them alive (literally). Written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa, the original manga was released from 2001 to 2010, with 27 volumes total. The 2017 live-action fantasy action film Fullmetal Alchemist is an adaptation of the fan-favorite manga and anime.
While a lot of the film is focused on the son, Mother also puts a spotlight on Akiko’s issues, and how her mental illness is only amplified by the fact that she was never taught how to be a good mother or responsible human. Even when a social worker finds him and his younger sister, offering them a new, better life, he just can’t leave Akiko behind.
Despite constantly facing struggles, whether emotionally, economically, or physically, Shuhei is unable to separate himself from the mother he loves so much. The story follows Shuhei from his early years being raised by his inattentive single mother, through to his teenage years. Daiken Okudaira plays the son, Shuhei (played by Sho Gunji as a young boy), while Masami Nagasawa plays Akiko Misumi, his mother. Released in 2020 and directed by Tatsushi Omori, Mother is the story of a boy’s unbreakable love for his mother, no matter how much she puts him through. Cast: Masami Nagasawa, Daiken Okudaira, Sadao Abe, Kaho, Sarutoki Minagawa