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Like Father, Like Son

Name: Like Father, Like Son
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Released: 2013
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

6.1/10

Good

2013

Not Rated

Director

Hirokazu Kore-eda

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Like Father, Like Son is a sophisticated exploration of kinship that prioritizes thematic depth over broad demographic representation. Using a hospital mix-up, the film questions the permanence of biological ties versus social constructs. It moves beyond simple family dynamics to challenge the idea of fixed biological truths. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its refusal to offer straightforward moral solutions, focusing instead on the subjective experiences of its characters.

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Category Breakdown

Does Like Father, Like Son have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on straight relationships and does not include LGBTQ+ characters or narratives that challenge traditional norms.

How does Like Father, Like Son portray gender?

Fair

The story provides a nuanced look at gender roles, contrasting the protagonist's capitalist mindset with the emotional influence of maternal figures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Like Father, Like Son?

Limited

The film centers on a homogeneous Japanese middle-class society, emphasizing socioeconomic differences rather than diverse ethnic backgrounds.

How does Like Father, Like Son represent religion and culture?

Excellent

Kore-eda challenges the traditional nuclear family ideal, presenting identity as a construct rather than something inherited.

Does Like Father, Like Son include disability representation?

Fair

The film explores psychological vulnerability and the emotional impact of losing one's identity, without depicting visible or neurodivergent disabilities.

Present on Screen

Sophisticated examination of biological versus socially constructed kinship.
Nuanced critique of traditional masculine roles and capitalist values.
Intellectually strong questioning of the traditional nuclear family structure.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-cisgender identities.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity within the social context.
No specific, character-driven narratives involving disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Ryota Nonomiya is a successful businessman driven by money. He learns that his biological son was switched with another child after birth. He must make a life-changing decision and choose his true son or the boy he raised as his own.

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