Wolf Children
A poignant animated drama, this film tenderly explores the fierce, unconditional love of a mother raising two half-wolf children, painting a beautiful yet melancholic portrait of family, identity, and the difficult choices we make.
Wolf Children
Wolf Children

おおかみこどもの雨と雪

"Love wildly."

21 July 2012 Japan 117 min ⭐ 8.2 (2,380)
Director: Mamoru Hosoda
Cast: Haru Kuroki, Yukito Nishii, Aoi Miyazaki, Takao Osawa, Momoka Ohno
Drama Animation Family Fantasy
Motherhood and Parenthood Identity and Self-Discovery Nature vs. Civilization Family and Letting Go
Box Office: $55,262,158

Wolf Children - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

お父さんは、私に花の咲くように笑う子に育って欲しいって言ってた。辛い時でも、笑っていれば大抵のことは乗り越えられるって。

— Hana

Context:

Hana shares this with the Wolf Man early in their relationship, explaining the origin of her name and her outlook on life. This moment establishes her character and foreshadows the incredible strength she will need to raise her children alone.

Meaning:

This quote, which translates to "My dad wanted me to be a child who was always smiling, like the flowers. Even when things got hard, to just keep smiling, even if the smile became forced," encapsulates Hana's core philosophy and the strength she inherited from her father. It explains her resilience and positive attitude in the face of immense hardship and becomes the guiding principle for her journey as a mother.

森を知らずに生きてきたから、何も教えられない。だから、野生で生きろ。世界を知れ。

— Hana

Context:

Hana says this to Ame as he is about to leave and become the new guardian of the mountain. It is a heartbreaking yet beautiful moment of letting go, where she gives him her blessing to fully embrace his identity, even though it means their separation.

Meaning:

This translates to "I have lived knowing nothing of the forest so there is nothing I can teach you. Go into the wild. Know the world." This quote is a powerful expression of Hana's selfless love and her ultimate acceptance of Ame's choice to live as a wolf. It shows her recognition that she cannot guide him on his chosen path and that she must let him go to find his own way.