Like Father, Like Son
A quiet, devastating meditation on the definition of family. Amidst the gentle hum of daily life and the sharp lines of Tokyo architecture, a cruel mistake forces two fathers to choose between the blood in their veins and the love in their years.
Like Father, Like Son
Like Father, Like Son

そして父になる

"At what point does a father truly become a father?"

24 September 2013 Japan 120 min ⭐ 7.7 (776)
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Cast: Masaharu Fukuyama, Machiko Ono, Yoko Maki, Lily Franky, Jun Fubuki
Drama
Nature vs. Nurture Time vs. Money Class and Social Status Forgiveness and Redemption
Box Office: $19,978,961

Like Father, Like Son - Easter Eggs & Hidden Details

Easter Eggs

The Nurse's Motive

It is revealed that the nurse switched the babies not by accident, but out of envy. She saw Midori's 'perfect' wealthy life and wanted to disrupt it because she was miserable with her own step-children. This adds a layer of class commentary and the theme of unhappy parents affecting children.

Keita's Photos

The photos Ryota finds on his camera are not just plot devices; they are actual photos taken by the child actor, providing a genuine 'child's eye view' of the film's world.

Spiderman Reference

In a small dialogue, Keita asks if Spiderman is a spider. Ryota, detached from child culture, replies 'First heard' (or implies he doesn't know), highlighting his disconnection from his son's world compared to Yudai.