An old man and a young woman meet in Tokyo. She knows nothing about him, he thinks he knows her. He welcomes her into his home, she offers him her body. But the web that is woven between them in the space of twenty four hours bears no relation to the circumstances of their encounter.
Like Someone in Love is a 2012 film directed by Abbas Kiarostami, set in Tokyo, Japan. The narrative follows Akiko (Rin Takanashi), a university student who supplements her income by working as an escort. She is tasked with meeting Takashi (Tadashi Okuno), an elderly widower and retired professor, who has requested her company for the evening. As the night unfolds, Akiko’s fiancé, Noriaki (Ryo Kase), unexpectedly arrives in Tokyo, leading to a series of misunderstandings and emotional revelations.
Kiarostami employs his signature minimalist style, focusing on subtle interactions and the unspoken emotions between characters. The film’s deliberate pacing and long takes create a contemplative atmosphere, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the characters’ internal worlds. The narrative’s open-ended nature invites multiple interpretations, leaving the audience to ponder the true nature of the relationships depicted.
Four Main Themes in Like Someone in Love
- Illusion and Reality:
- The film explores the blurred lines between appearance and truth, particularly in relationships. Akiko’s dual life as a student and an escort exemplifies this theme, highlighting the facades people maintain and the realities they conceal. The characters’ interactions often reveal the disparity between their public personas and private selves.
- Isolation and Loneliness:
- Despite being surrounded by others, the characters experience profound isolation. Akiko’s work as an escort underscores her emotional detachment, while Takashi’s widowhood and Noriaki’s possessiveness further emphasize the theme of solitude. The film poignantly portrays the human desire for connection amidst a disconnected society.
- Generational Differences:
- The interactions between Akiko and Takashi highlight the contrasts between youth and age, tradition and modernity. Their relationship serves as a microcosm of societal shifts, reflecting changing values and expectations across generations. This dynamic adds depth to the narrative, offering insights into cultural and personal transformations.
- Perception and Misunderstanding:
- The film delves into how individuals perceive and misinterpret each other’s actions and intentions. The misunderstandings between Akiko, Takashi, and Noriaki drive the narrative, illustrating the complexities of human communication and the ease with which assumptions can be made. This theme underscores the challenges of truly understanding another person.
Impact of the Movie
Like Someone in Love received critical acclaim for its nuanced storytelling and masterful direction. It was praised for its delicate portrayal of complex emotions and relationships, with particular attention to its cinematography and pacing. The film’s exploration of universal themes through a culturally specific lens resonated with audiences and critics alike, solidifying Kiarostami’s reputation as a filmmaker capable of profound emotional depth.
7 Reasons to Watch Like Someone in Love
- Masterful Direction by Abbas Kiarostami:
- Kiarostami’s direction is characterized by subtlety and restraint, allowing the story to unfold naturally. His minimalist approach invites viewers to engage deeply with the characters and themes, creating a contemplative viewing experience. The film’s pacing and composition reflect his mastery in storytelling.
- Stunning Cinematography:
- The film’s cinematography captures the essence of Tokyo, blending urban landscapes with intimate character moments. The use of natural lighting and long takes enhances the film’s immersive quality, drawing viewers into the characters’ world. The visual style complements the narrative’s contemplative tone.
- Complex Character Development:
- The characters are portrayed with depth and nuance, making them relatable and multifaceted. Akiko’s internal conflict and Takashi’s quiet wisdom are explored through subtle interactions and expressions, offering a rich character study. Their development is central to the film’s emotional impact.
- Exploration of Universal Themes:
- The film delves into themes of illusion, isolation, and generational differences, offering insights into the human condition. Its exploration of these themes through the lens of Japanese culture provides a universal perspective on relationships and identity. The thematic depth adds layers to the narrative.
- Authentic Portrayal of Japanese Society:
- Set in Tokyo, the film offers a glimpse into Japanese society, highlighting cultural nuances and social dynamics. The depiction of urban life and interpersonal relationships provides a window into a different cultural context, enriching the viewing experience. This authenticity enhances the film’s realism.
- Thought-Provoking Narrative Structure:
- The film’s open-ended narrative encourages viewers to interpret the story and characters in their own way. This ambiguity fosters discussion and reflection, making it a film that lingers in the mind long after viewing. The narrative’s structure invites multiple interpretations.
- Emotional Resonance:
- Despite its understated approach, the film evokes a range of emotions, from empathy to melancholy. The subtlety of the performances and direction allows for a deep emotional connection with the characters, making their journeys compelling and moving.
How Will You Feel After Watching Like Someone in Love?
After watching Like Someone in Love, you may feel a sense of quiet contemplation and introspection. The film’s slow pacing and minimalist style allow for deep emotional reflection, and the subtle performances by the cast will leave you pondering the complexities of human relationships. The film’s open-ended nature might provoke a sense of ambiguity, leaving you to reflect on the characters’ motivations and the themes of illusion, isolation, and generational differences long after the credits roll.
You might also experience a sense of emotional distance, yet with a lingering connection to the characters. The film does not offer easy resolutions or clear answers, and this can be both unsettling and thought-provoking. As the narrative unfolds, you may find yourself questioning the nature of the relationships portrayed, especially the ambiguous dynamic between Akiko and Takashi. The film’s quiet moments and understated dialogue create a meditative atmosphere, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the emotional undercurrents of the story.
Additionally, Like Someone in Love may evoke feelings of empathy for the characters, particularly Akiko, whose struggle with her identity and emotional disconnect resonates on a universal level. The way the film explores loneliness, isolation, and the human desire for connection might leave you reflecting on your own experiences with relationships and self-perception.
Overall, the film’s emotional depth, combined with its thought-provoking themes, will likely leave you with a sense of quiet unease, but also a deeper understanding of the complexities of human interaction. You may find yourself reflecting on the idea of authenticity in relationships and the ways in which people navigate their personal lives amidst societal expectations.
