Culture

Rating: A+

Set in Japan, Like Father, Like Son tells the story of two families who, after raising their sons for six years, discover that their children were switched at birth. This revelation poses the families with a number of seemingly unanswerable questions: What makes someone family? To what degree are we unique and/or products of our parents? What makes a good parent? These profound questions are investigated throughout this unbelievably emotionally resonant film, in which no answers are ever found through storytelling tropes or clichés, but through the most palpably real character journeys I have ever seen.

We are offered a fascinating glimpse into the culture and conscience of Japan, and these influences affect the story greatly. However, the larger ideas at play are absolutely universal and will undoubtedly have viewers reflecting on their own relationships.

Director and writer Hirokazu Koreeda combines his beautiful script with what can only be described as a masterful use of cinema itself. Every frame captures the emotion and intention of that moment effortlessly; often lingering on a character’s face for just long enough that the emotional tension of the moment feels like the room on screen has had the oxygen sucked from it. These moments are enhanced by the soundtrack, which delivered entirely through piano ties in thematically to the film as much as it does accompany it.

Koreeda must be commended for writing and directing such convincing characters, but this cast deserves to be praised for the exceptional way in which they brought them to life. The greatest moments came from simply watching the characters experience emotion – it was often unnecessary for things to be said because these actors could say it all with the slightest expression. This is particularly praise-worthy considering how many children were involved. It’s hard to imagine how such truthful and evocative performances were elicited from actors this young.

Like Father, Like Son is one of those rare films that balance everything perfectly, creating an experience that is utterly engrossing, profoundly emotional and effortlessly thought provoking. It is as close to perfect as I can imagine drama being.