The Lone Ume Tree

This is a poignant story mostly about an aging single mother's love for her adult autistic son, despite the static they get from some of their neighbors, and her hopes that he can transition to a group home. The mother, played by Mariko Kaga, who has been a movie star in Japan since 1962(!), was the anchor of this movie, while Muga Tsukaji, as her son "Chu-san," was heartbreakingly true to life as a gentle man who wouldn't hurt a flea, yet seemed to be blamed for every misfortune suffered by the neighbors. Then a new family moves in next door and things come to a head. It's a short film (77 minutes) but a memorable one.