Like Father, Like Son is a 2013 Japanese drama film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The movie is about Ryota Nonomiya, played by actor Masaharu Fukuyama, who is successful in his job but not in his personal life. When he learns that his biological son was switched with another child after birth, he and his wife Midori, played by actress Machiko Ono, are forced to confront the consequences of the hospital's mistake.
The film presents the ethical and emotional dilemmas that the couple faces when they are asked to choose between the boy they have raised as their own for six years, Keita, and their biological son, Ryusei. The two families, who are from different social classes, initially attempt to exchange their sons for weekends, but as Ryota and Midori spend more time with Ryusei, they realize that they cannot live without him and that their hearts are with Keita, the boy they have raised.
The movie explores themes of parent-child relationships, identity, and social class. It examines how biological links, shared experiences, and emotional bonds define families. It highlights the importance of parental love and the sacrifices that can emerge from parental decisions. The movie was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and received critical acclaim for its performances and narrative depth.
