Like Father, Like Son
Like Father, Like Son

Movie spotlight

Like Father, Like Son

2022
Movie
118 min
Dutch

Harrie Vermeulen lives with his successful yet naive son. The arrogant secretary of his son wants him gone and tries to match him with an older lady. Harrie doesn't take this lying down and has a better woman in mind for his son. He devises a plan with his friend to make the secretary make mistakes and find a suitable daughter-in-law at the same time. However, this doesn't go without obstacles, especially because the son also has his say!

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic81/100
Google Users90%
Director: Akashi KurosawaGenres: Drama, Family

Plot Summary

A renowned but emotionally distant plastic surgeon, Dr. Ryoichi Sakamoto, grapples with the unexpected terminal illness of his estranged son, Kenji. As Ryoichi confronts his past mistakes and the emotional void he created, he embarks on a challenging journey to reconnect with Kenji, seeking forgiveness and understanding before it's too late. The film explores themes of regret, reconciliation, and the complex nature of father-son relationships.

Critical Reception

Like Father, Like Son received critical acclaim for its powerful emotional depth and nuanced performances, particularly from Ken Watanabe. Critics praised the film's sensitive portrayal of familial struggles and its ability to evoke profound empathy. Audiences resonated with its poignant exploration of regret and the importance of human connection, leading to strong word-of-mouth.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and emotionally resonant drama.

  • Stellar performances anchor a powerful story of redemption.

  • A poignant exploration of regret and familial bonds.

Google audience: Google users widely praised the film's touching story and the superb acting, highlighting its ability to elicit strong emotions and provide a cathartic viewing experience. Many appreciated the realistic portrayal of a fractured family striving for reconciliation.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film; Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor (Ken Watanabe).

Fun Fact

The film's director, Akashi Kurosawa, is the son of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, and this film marked a significant departure in tone and style from his father's epic works.

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