Like Father, Like Son

Like Father, Like Son

Year: 2014

Runtime: 121 min

Language: Japanese

Director: Hirokazu Koreeda

Drama

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.

Bittersweet
Bittersweet ending
Emotionally heavy
Medium intensity
Slow pacing
Moderate complexity

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Like Father, Like Son (2014)

Trace every key event in Like Father, Like Son (2014) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Ryōta's Professional Dedication

Ryōta Nonomiya is introduced as a highly devoted architect whose passion for his career leads him to neglect his family. This sets the stage for the emotional strife that ensues as the dynamics of his family life come into play.

2

Alarm at the Hospital

One day, Midori receives a distressing call from the hospital where Keita was born, triggering instant concern. Ryōta feels a wave of dread wash over him as they both rush to find out what has happened.

Hospital
3

The Shocking Revelation

Upon their arrival at the hospital, Ryōta and Midori learn of a devastating mix-up: their biological son, Ryūsei, was switched at birth with Keita. This revelation plunges the couple into an emotional crisis, forcing them to confront their parenting choices.

Hospital
4

Meeting the Saiki Family

As Ryōta and Midori navigate their tumultuous emotions, they meet Yukari and Yūdai Saiki, the other parents involved in the switch. The Saikis embody a more grounding approach to parenthood, instilling warmth and understanding in the midst of chaos.

5

First Glimpse of Ryūsei

After sharing photographs, Ryōta and Midori finally catch a glimpse of their biological son, Ryūsei. This moment ignites a mix of love, longing, and confusion, as it brings the reality of their situation into sharper focus.

6

The First Child Exchange

Deciding to explore their complex feelings, Ryōta and Midori agree to exchange children with the Saikis for one Saturday. This day marks the beginning of a delicate relationship intertwined with love and loss as both families experience new dynamics.

Saturday
7

Permanent Child Swap Decision

As the exchanges continue, both families struggle with the overwhelming emotions and ultimately decide to swap children permanently. This decision brings forth a new set of challenges as they grapple with loss and familial bonds.

8

Ryūsei's Emotional Turmoil

Ryūsei, feeling the weight of the switch, begins to experience emotional turmoil, leading him to run away to his original family. This prompts Ryōta to intervene, showcasing the intense bond and struggle for connection.

9

Building a Bond

Through challenges and shared moments, Ryōta begins to form a bond with Ryūsei as he gradually opens up to their family. This relationship flourishes as they navigate their complicated circumstances together.

10

The Discovery on Keita's Camera

While exploring Keita's camera, Ryōta discovers poignant photographs that capture his vulnerable moments, many taken while he slept. This emotional revelation leaves him overwhelmed, emphasizing his feelings of guilt and sadness.

11

Confrontation with Loss

Filled with regret and emotion, Ryōta grapples with the weight of lost connections with both sons. The struggle to reconcile his past and present becomes palpable, leading to introspection about his role as a father.

12

Return to the Saiki Family

In a bid for closure and healing, Ryōta returns to the Saiki family with his sons. This visit marks a turning point as the families begin the process of healing and reconnecting with one another.

13

Convergence of Families

As both families converge, a sense of hope emerges from the lingering emotional turmoil. Each family member starts to stitch back the bonds that were torn, realizing their connections are still intact.

14

A New Chapter Begins

The film closes with both families stepping into a shared space, signaling the start of a new chapter. Their collective journey embodies themes of love, forgiveness, and the complex nature of family ties.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 18:26

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Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread unfold with a deliberate pace, emphasizing character development and emotional states over complex plotting. The central conflict is often internal—a struggle with grief, acceptance, or a fractured relationship. The climax is typically not an explosive event, but a quiet moment of realization or connection that carries the cumulative emotional weight of the entire film.

Why These Movies?

These movies are united by their specific combination of slow pacing, heavy emotional weight, and a bittersweet tone. They create a similar viewing atmosphere that is contemplative, deeply moving, and focused on the gradual unfolding of human emotion.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Like Father, Like Son

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