Like Father, Like Son
A driven Japanese father confronts the meaning of parenthood when a hospital error reveals that his six-year-old son is not biologically his.
Overview
A family's bond is tested when a shocking revelation turns their world upside down.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- None
- intimate
- melancholic
- thoughtful
- quiet evening
- reflective weekend
What critics said
Critics broadly regard the film as sensitively written, smartly directed, and powerfully performed, using familiar family-drama elements to pose thought-provoking questions about parenthood.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Ryota must decide how to respond after learning that his six-year-old son was switched at birth.
A hospital's baby-switching error destabilizes two households and forces them into an unwanted relationship.
Ryota's identity as a hard-working winner prevents him from fully recognizing the meaning of fatherhood.
Critical reception specifically highlights symmetrical framing, long shots, and child-eye perspectives as Kore-eda trademarks.
Films like Like Father, Like Son, and why
Shoplifters
shared intimate family drama, parenthood dilemmas, restrained emotion, and gradual moral transformation
Still Walking
shared japanese family drama, generational tension, quiet observation, and emotionally complex domestic relationships
Nobody Knows
shared child-centered family conflict, understated realism, and compassionate examination of parental responsibility
The Namesake
shared cross-cultural family identity crisis, parent child relationships, and bittersweet emotional restraint
Movie Details
- Director
- Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Release Date
- 2013-09-24
- Runtime
- 120 min
- Rating
- 7.7 / 10 (826)
Cast
- Masaharu Fukuyama
- Machiko Ono
- Yoko Maki
- Lily Franky
- Jun Fubuki
- Jun Kunimura
- Kirin Kiki
- Isao Natsuyagi
- Arata Iura
- Keita Ninomiya
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Like Father, Like Son about?
- A driven Japanese father confronts the meaning of parenthood when a hospital error reveals that his six-year-old son is not biologically his.
- What is Like Father, Like Son like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Like Father, Like Son as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Like Father, Like Son violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Like Father, Like Son.
- What did critics think of Like Father, Like Son?
- Critics broadly regard the film as sensitively written, smartly directed, and powerfully performed, using familiar family-drama elements to pose thought-provoking questions about parenthood.
- Which films are like Like Father, Like Son?
- Films with a similar feel include Shoplifters, Still Walking, Nobody Knows, and The Namesake.
- How long is Like Father, Like Son?
- Like Father, Like Son runs 120 minutes.
- Where can I watch Like Father, Like Son?
- In United States, Like Father, Like Son streams on Philo, AMC Plus Apple TV channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Roku Premium Channel, AMC+, Sundance Now.
