Recent Watching: Like Father, Like Son

The idea of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s 2013 picture goes something like the following. One day a couple is asked to visit a hospital. Once in the room they are informed that their six year old son is not their biological son because they brought home the wrong baby; another couple has their child and they have that child’s couple. From this simple idea, Kore-eda explores the question of whether family is defined by genetics or by the people who raised you. The director also explores issues of class and how they interact with family and children. Kore-eda attempts to answer similar questions in his more recent picture Shoplifters which might be an even better picture.

Some call Kore-eda the successor to Ozu. I am not sure what that means other than to say that I have seen at least five of Kore-eda’s pictures and they have all been great. And every Ozu picture I have seen is also great. So, if you get a chance, then you should watch Like Father, Like Son. Enough said.