Like Father Like Son (2013) (Japanese)

Like Father Like Son is a tale of parenthood and for some very good reasons it proves that parenting is not about how much wealth you posses in the bank but the love that you carry in side your heart. Directed by the well-known Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda this story is brilliantly woven and will give you a tear or two on the way. But its so beautiful that you will see the beauty of human nature and the unending love parents posses for their children no matter how stiff they may seem from outside.

When Mr. and Mrs. Nonomia discovers that the only son they have and love so dearly is not their own they face the most painful decision of their life. After raising a child for 6 years and giving him so much love and making so much dreams for his future, Ryota Nonomia the successful businessman is struck by the discovery that his own blood is elsewhere. With his wife Midori he must find a way to let go of his son and welcome the true son to their lives. But in the process children suffers more than adults.

Like Father Like Son is beautifully directed. It’s subtle and less noisy throughout and the script is kept to a minimal with more emotion filled faces makes the story. The director makes the viewer feel the tragedy of the characters lives and at the same time it keeps the viewer guessing of the ending. With good cinematography and power filled performances this movie is capable of touching the viewers heart and mind.

Genre: Drama

Original title: Soshite chichi ni naru

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Rating: 4/5

-Priyantha Bandara