Komorebi – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Ending explained

I describe Komorebi as a coming-out film, but the irony is that Jhe-Ming never feels comfortable enough to come out in the end. He inches his way out of the closet by testing the waters. However, the mom's reception doesn't seem positive, so he goes back into hiding again. Jhe-Ming doesn't conclude the movie waving the pride flag and attending PFLAG marches with his mother. Despite the story's relentless positivity, his character is still afraid to reveal his sexuality in the ending.

Unfortunately, Jhe-Ming's situation is prevalent in society. He's an avatar for many gay men and women who cannot be out to their families. Look at the facts without the context of his sexuality. He's an adult man in a committed relationship to his partner of seven years. Yet, he still doesn't feel comfortable enough to disclose his marriage to his mother. There's a problem here, but the blame doesn't fall solely with Jhe-Ming. The fault also lies with his mother, her heteronormative views, and the close-mindedness of society.

I would love for the movie to end with Jhe-Ming honest about his relationship with Jheng. However, it's also understandable why he backtracked in the last second after sensing apprehension from his mom. Some may call it cowardice, but many will relate to his practicality. Komorebi is a candid film about how not every LGBT protagonist can come out. Instead, they maintain the status quo and wait for another opportunity in the future. It's not satisfying from a narrative point of view, but Jhe-Ming's experiences are shared by many viewers, I'm sure.

Komorebi meaning

In the final scene, Jhe-Ming's mom explains the meaning behind the movie's title. Komorebi (木漏れ日) is a Japanese term used to describe the gentle warmth of sunshine as it filters through the trees. Imagine if it's a bright sunny day outside, but you stand under a tree where only a partial beam of sunlight appears visible. You're in a delicate position between light and shadow, where you can see some of the sun, but not the full picture. The komorebi term states this feeling is very cozy and comfortable.

Komorebi describes Jhe-Ming's situation with his mom at the end of the film. He gives a tiny hint about his relationship with Jheng, hypothetical enough to leave room for interpretation. His mom has a vague idea of what he means, but she never gets complete confirmation. Both characters are content with this partial version of the truth, as the movie suggests it's the best arrangement for them right now. They're exposed to some of the sunlight without directly confronting all the visibility at once.

Not every coming-out process can be as quick and straightforward as, "Hey mom, I'm gay!" It might be more of a gradual journey for some people, easing your parents into the idea slowly and surely. Maybe one day, both Jhe-Ming and his mom will feel comfortable enough to step out of the shadows, basking in the full warmth of the sunlight together.

Ending symbolism

The movie uses a metaphor to demonstrate the concept of komorebi. The final scene involves Jhe-Ming, his mom, and Jheng taking a selfie together with an old candid camera. Jheng suggests that he'll get the photos developed right away. However, the mom tells him to hold off until they finish using the film. It's an old camera anyway, and she doesn't mind waiting to see the pictures later. There's no rush.

This quick moment is symbolic of Jiao's mindset towards her son's sexuality. Basically, she isn't ready right now. She doesn't want to see the truth about her son's gay relationship yet. So, let the picture sit inside the camera a little longer. Allow her to enjoy the gentle comfort of komorebi, where she can maintain a peaceful relationship and avoid drama with her son.

Happy ending

Komorebi doesn't have a traditional happy ending since Jhe-Ming never comes out to his mother. The movie finishes with him in the closet, still hiding the marriage. However, the film contains an uplifting message that implies all the characters are happy, even without telling the truth. The final scene shows Jhe-Ming chatting lightheartedly with his mother & husband. Jiao might not know about their relationship, but she's comfortable spending time with Jheng. Had he come out, maybe they wouldn't enjoy this blissful moment together.

It's possible the mom already knows about her son's relationship. Jiao has shown she's quite observant, picking up subtle cues like her son's wedding ring. Maybe she pretends to play dumb, not wanting to voice her disapproval and hurt the relationship with her child. Or perhaps she honestly doesn't know about them, remaining in blissful ignorance. Either way, Jiao is content right now and doesn't wish to disturb the status quo.

The final exchange in the film confirms Jiao's mindset. "Don't you want to see if you like it or not?" Jhe-Ming asks his mom about developing the pictures in the camera. "I'm happy if you're happy," she replies with a smile. The statement implies that she doesn't need to know all the details of his relationship. Jhe-Ming can stop worrying about when to come out to his mother. There's no urgency or pressure from her. The timing can be now, or preferably later, or possibly never. As long as he has a fulfilling life, that's enough to satisfy his mom.