Like Father, Like Son

This storyline isn't as far-fetched as you might think — only this week a South African court has ruled on a case of two babies accidentally switched at birth. One of the fathers was sued for maintenance by his estranged wife. He denied paternity and the switch came to light after DNA tests. One of the mothers wanted to swap back and the other didn't. The court ruled that the children should stay with the mothers who had raised them. With a few minutes searching on-line you can find several other cases. Although I must admit that you can also find many reports of extra-terrestrial alien abductions

Anyway, I found it believable. If an English nurse can poison dozens of patients — and this has happened a few times in my memory — I don't see what's so unlikely about a Japanese nurse switching a couple of babies.

There's an interview with the director here: http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/hirokazu-koreeda-on-like-father-like-son where he talks about his methods and working with child actors.

What a wonderful piece of storytelling — and ultimately satisfying as Ryota comes to learn the error of his ways. Money isn't everything —  learn to fly a kite and use a soldering iron.

Feedback score was 87%:

A
A
A	Lovely film, beautifully acted
A	A poignant film with lots of strands about homan relationships. My attention didn't wander at all. Beautifully filmed
A
A	It creates a lot of questions. Very good story, well performed.
A	Beautiful film & wonderfully acting. Heart wrenching & unsolvable
A	Awkward situation. Father improved as a father. Good acting from everyone, esp. children
A
A
A	The sort of film you don't want to end – although I was pleased when it finished so I could restore feelings in my nether regions.
B
B	Great film. Gripping storyline.
B
B	Compelling viewing: Makes you think and contemplate your position in life. (Now and in the past — even into the future)
B
B	Another group of amazing young performers. Very touching and emotional.
B	Oh dear, hankie needed.
B	Very good film, great acting. Really kept my attention!
B	I can't imagine the situation would ever arise. Far fetched, but well done.
B
B	A thought provoking dilemma. Will they ever adopt?
C
D	Not convinced! Ending unsatisfactory.

On-line:
Mark Kermode in the Observer - "Kore-eda's facility for casting and directing young performers is spine-tingling"
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/20/like-father-like-son-review

Telegraph “Hirokazu Kore-eda's playful family drama has Robbie Collin squeaking with joy":
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/10066000/Like-Father-Like-Son-review.html

IMDB – 7.8 of 10.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2331143/

Rotten Tomatoes (87% audience rating)
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/like_father_like_son_2013/

Film4 interview with the director:
http://www.film4.com/special-features/interviews/hirokazu-koreeda-on-like-father-like-son