Like Father, Like Son
Year: 2014
Runtime: 121 min
Language: Japanese
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
In modern Japan, architect Ryota’s meticulously planned life is thrown into turmoil when he learns his infant son was swapped at birth with another family’s child. Forced to confront this unexpected truth, Ryota must navigate a complex moral and emotional crisis, grappling with questions of identity, responsibility, and the very definition of family. As he interacts with the other family and his biological son, Ryota's rigid worldview begins to soften, leading to a profound understanding of human connection and the enduring power of love.
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Like Father, Like Son (2014) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Read the complete plot breakdown of Like Father, Like Son (2014), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Ryōta Nonomiya is a talented architect whose dedication to his career has led him to inadvertently neglect his wife, Midori, and their son, Keita. One day, Midori receives an alarming call from the hospital where Keita was born, and Ryōta immediately feels a sense of dread. Upon their arrival at the hospital, they are informed that due to a mix-up, their biological son, Ryūsei, was switched at birth with Keita. This shocking revelation forces the couple into a heart-wrenching dilemma: should they keep the son they have raised or reclaim their biological child?
As Ryōta and Midori delve deeper into this emotional turmoil, they meet Yukari and Yūdai Saiki, the other parents involved in this shocking mix-up. The Saikis, embodying a simpler and more grounded lifestyle, have a rich understanding of parental bonds and love. They share photographs and, for the first time, Ryōta and Midori catch a glimpse of their biological son, Ryūsei. After several emotional encounters, they decide to take a bold step and exchange children for just one Saturday. That day marks the beginning of a complex relationship structured by love and loss.
As time progresses, continued exchanges lead to the ultimate decision to swap children permanently. However, this decision is laden with emotional challenges as both families struggle to cope with the loss of their respective sons. Ryūsei experiences emotional turmoil and eventually runs away back to his biological family, prompting Ryōta to intervene and bring him back home.
In the thick of this challenge, Ryōta starts to form a bond with his biological son, Ryūsei, who gradually opens up to them as a family. However, amidst this healing, Ryōta discovers a touching series of photographs on Keita’s camera — images showcasing Ryōta in vulnerable moments, including many while he was asleep. This discovery overwhelms him with emotion, leading him to break down in tears.
The story culminates as Ryōta, now burdened with the weight of lost connections, returns to the Saiki family alongside his sons. As the families converge, hope emerges; they are not only returning to one another but also slowly stitching the bonds that have been torn apart. The film closes on a poignant note, with both families stepping back into the home, signaling the beginning of a new chapter for everyone involved.
Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:26
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