Sam's Blog - Like Father, Like Son

The idea has been done before: not only have there been several films in the past about babies being accidentally switched in the hospital, but there is also a current show called (surprise, surprise) Switched at Birth. However, it is interesting to note that this plot idea seems to have been more of an American trend as of late... which is why I was hooked when I heard that there was a Japanese take on such a story, Hirokazu Kore-eda's Like Father, Like Son. Japanese culture puts an emphasis on respect and family, and I was excited to see to what level this film would take the concept. I was not disappointed.

The film focuses on one side of the baby swap, the Nonomiya family. Ryota is a hardworking business man who sees his office more than his family; when he and his wife, Midori discover that six year old Keita is not their real son, they meet the family that got entangled with theirs: Yudai and Yukari Saiki, and six year old Ryusei. It is a trying time for both couples as they try to decide what to do, and Ryota's lawyer suggests that the families straighten out the issues within six months, when the two boys will begin school.

The two families are, as one would expect from such a story, complete opposites: the Nonomiyas teach their son to be independent and well-rounded (he's taking piano lessons and he's all set to go to private school), and the Saikis are shopkeepers, the father spending most of his time being lazy and playing with their three children. This contrast is a stress point for Ryota, whose own upbringing consisted mostly of sterility and precision; in fact, the parallels are clear when the Saikis accuse Ryota of barely knowing the son he did have for six years. This is every bit as much a character study for Ryota as a harrowing story about a baby swap: although somewhat lacking in the motherly perspective on the issue (the film briefly touches on Midori's guilt for having not recognized her own flesh and blood), Ryota's family background is revealed, helping us to understand why he is the way he is regardless of whether we agree with him or not.

Darkened scenes and silhouettes are plentiful in the film's beautiful cinematography, reflecting the uncertainty and misery of the characters. By the end of the film, there is no way your heart will not ache for any of the characters as they finally make their decisions. Like Father, Like Son is a touching story that will really get you thinking... Now playing at the Midtown Cinema! Come check it out.