Like Someone in Love 2013
Directed by
Abbas Kiarostami
Made by
IFC Films
Plot Summary
In the bustling city of Tokyo, a sociology student named Akiko, portrayed by the talented Rin Takanashi, leads a double life as a high-end escort. Despite her seemingly glamorous existence, she faces the constant scrutiny of her envious boyfriend, Noriaki, played by Ryō Kase, who harbors suspicions about her secretive sideline, oblivious to the full extent of her activities.
One fateful evening, Akiko is paired with Takashi, an elderly former professor brought to life by Tadashi Okuno. To everyone’s surprise, rather than engaging in their expected intimate encounter, Takashi chooses to prepare a dinner for her. The following day, he kindly drives her to school for her important exams. While waiting for her, Takashi mistakenly meets Noriaki, who falsely assumes that this older gentleman is Akiko’s grandfather. In a moment of vulnerability, Noriaki takes this encounter to propose his intentions to marry Akiko, an offer Takashi gently deflects by asserting he isn’t ready for such a commitment.
Once Akiko completes her test, the trio drives to a nearby bookstore. During their journey, Noriaki, keen-eyed as ever, diagnoses an issue with Takashi’s car and persuades him to stop by his garage for some repairs. While there, Akiko becomes increasingly anxious as one of Takashi’s former students appears, fearing that the truth about her profession might spill to Noriaki, shattering the fragile façade they’ve maintained.
When Takashi finally drops Akiko off at the bookstore and heads back home, he is soon jolted by a frantic phone call from her. Rushing back, he finds her in distress, her mouth injured yet she refuses to disclose what has happened. Instinctively, Takashi takes her back to his apartment. However, the situation escalates as Noriaki arrives, erupting with anger through the intercom and pounding on the door. Takashi nervously glances out the window, only to witness an object being hurled through it, causing him to collapse to the floor in shock.
Timeline
Akiko's Double Life
In the vibrant city of Tokyo, Akiko leads a dual existence. By day, she is a sociology student, but by night, she embraces the world of high-end escorting, a fact she keeps hidden from her boyfriend Noriaki.
Dinner with Takashi
On one serendipitous evening, Akiko meets Takashi, an elderly former professor. Unexpectedly, rather than the anticipated intimate rendezvous, Takashi opts to prepare a delightful dinner for her, setting a tone of genuine connection.
Meeting Noriaki
The following day, Takashi kindly drives Akiko to school for her crucial exams. During this journey, he unintentionally encounters her boyfriend Noriaki, who mistakenly perceives him as Akiko's grandfather.
Proposal from Noriaki
In a moment of vulnerability, Noriaki expresses his desire to marry Akiko during his conversation with Takashi. Takashi, feeling the weight of the situation, gently deflects this proposal, indicating he's not yet ready for such commitment.
Bookstore Visit
After Akiko finishes her exams, the trio heads to a nearby bookstore. The casual outing takes a turn when Noriaki, ever observant, detects a problem with Takashi’s car and convinces him to stop at his garage for repairs.
Growing Anxiety
While at the garage, Akiko's anxiety increases dramatically as one of Takashi’s former students unexpectedly appears. Fearing that her secret life might be uncovered, she becomes desperate to maintain the facade before Noriaki.
A Distressing Call
After being dropped off at the bookstore, Akiko suddenly calls Takashi in a panic. He quickly rushes back to her, discovering her injured and shaken, but she remains tight-lipped about the cause of her distress.
Takashi's Comfort
Instinctively, Takashi brings the wounded Akiko back to his apartment. This act of kindness underscores the bond they've formed, contrasting with her troubled relationship with Noriaki.
Noriaki's Rage
The tranquility of the moment is shattered when Noriaki arrives at Takashi's apartment, furious and demanding answers. He bombards them through the intercom with a torrent of anger, raising the tension between the trio.
Shocking Climax
As the confrontation escalates, Takashi anxiously peers out of the window. In a shocking turn of events, he witnesses an object being hurled into the apartment, causing him to collapse in disbelief at the violence unfolding.
Characters
Akiko (Rin Takanashi)
Akiko is a sociology student who leads a double life as an escort, navigating complex emotions and societal expectations. She is portrayed as resilient yet vulnerable, struggling with the facade she has created to manage her relationships and ambitions. Her character embodies the conflicts inherent in balancing personal desires with societal norms.
Noriaki (Ryō Kase)
Noriaki is Akiko’s envious boyfriend, who is blind to the full scope of her life. His character represents the themes of jealousy and insecurity, as he grapples with his assumptions about Akiko’s fidelity and intentions. His emotional volatility serves as a catalyst for conflict throughout the film.
Takashi (Tadashi Okuno)
Takashi is an elderly former professor whose kindness and wisdom create a stark contrast to the younger characters’ tumultuous lives. His character offers guidance and emotional support, reflecting themes of mentorship and compassion. He becomes an unexpected participant in Akiko’s complicated life, symbolizing the bridge between past and present.
Setting
Time period
The movie doesn't specify a distinct time period, focusing instead on contemporary society. It captures the essence of modern life in Tokyo, dealing with themes of love, deception, and the societal pressures that accompany personal choices. The interactions among the characters highlight the universal struggles faced in relationships today.
Location
Tokyo
Tokyo is a vibrant metropolis known for its bustling streets, eclectic neighborhoods, and rich cultural heritage. It serves as Japan's capital and is famed for its blend of traditional and contemporary influences, offering everything from serene temples to cutting-edge technology. In this movie, the city serves as a backdrop for the contrasting lives of the main characters, reflecting the complexity of modern existence.
Themes
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Duality
The theme of duality is prevalent throughout the film, as Akiko balances her life as a student and a high-end escort. This contrast illustrates the complexities of identity and choice in a modern urban setting. It explores the intricacies of personal secrets and the often-hidden layers of people's lives.
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Love & Trust
Love and trust are central to the narrative, showcasing the fragility of relationships as Noriaki grapples with jealousy and suspicion regarding Akiko's profession. The film delves into how misunderstandings can fracture bonds and highlights the inherent uncertainty in love.
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Isolation
Despite the bustling environment of Tokyo, the characters experience profound isolation stemming from their personal struggles. Akiko's secret life creates barriers in her relationships, influencing her emotional state. This theme emphasizes how societal expectations can lead to loneliness even amidst a crowd.
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