“LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON” ****
A family formed of a successful father, a devoted mother and a lovely talented 6 year-old boy introduce themselves to the school’s authority in the opening scene of this memorable drama conceived by renowned Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda. Their description on the relationship they share in particular aspects between each other, testifies the harmonious connections of the young modern family. Later in the narrative, in a different situation, they will also be in the presence of authorities to face reality and social disturbance, in order to decide their future and how to survive a stormy emotional conflict over them. These two parallels will follow and haunt the characters: one of revealing who they really are, and how they communicate as a family, the other is dealing with the tragedy that came upon them as a devastating wind trying to blow them apart.
In his latest examination on family ties, Koreeda expresses the need of settlement through contempt, rejection and the inevitable surprises of the circle of life, in order to reinforce the struggle of protecting and securing the greatest institution of all. Through an existential crisis, both on father and son, the director manages to create an irresistible, heartwarming but also heartbreaking story that feels real and accurate. The idyllic atmosphere of home-sweet-home will collapse with a drastic revelation, when a doctor announces that their son was switched at birthplace. Following their principles and beliefs, they decide meeting their biological son and his family, leading themselves into a risky emotional confusion with precipitated consequences. They all become involved, allowing the director to focus on each character, each parent and child, investigating their distinct reaction, the reasons, motivations and fears, and as it becomes even more troubled, the viewer has a chance to figure out the situation based on the affection developed towards the characters, willing for their happiness. It’s impossible not to feel sorry for each one of them, creating an enthusiastic feeling of optimism. And as life usually is, the adults believe they have all the answers, putting up efforts to solve the matter, but actually hurting themselves and everyone else.
Koreeda’s deep, contemplative look on family values, natural love and dependence, proves his talent with the material he’s been studying throughout his career. His compassionate language, giving shelter and hope to his characters, makes him one of the most humane, sensible and complete directors of our time. It’s a great accomplishment about the relationship between parents and children, father and son, and it’s also a film about preserving the purity and innocence of love.
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