Watch Like Someone in Love

Like Someone in Love is a poignant and meticulously crafted film by the renowned Iranian director, Abbas Kiarostami. Released in 2012, this Japanese-language drama stars Rin Takanashi, Tadashi Okuno, and Ryo Kase in leading roles, and it intricately explores themes of connection, isolation, and the human craving for intimacy amidst the bustling backdrop of Tokyo.

The narrative unfolds over the span of twenty-four hours and revolves around the life of a young woman named Akiko (played by Rin Takanashi), who is juggling her university studies with her job as a high-end escort to support herself financially. The film provides an introspective look at Akiko's complex personal life, drawing on her strained relationship with her overly possessive boyfriend, Noriaki (played by Ryo Kase), as well as her disconnected engagement with her grandmother and her academic pursuits.

The plot intensifies when Akiko is sent by her agency to meet a new client – an elderly and enigmatic retired sociology professor named Takashi (portrayed by Tadashi Okuno). Takashi, living a solitary existence, is immediately taken with Akiko's youth and beauty but shows an unexpectedly tender, almost paternal interest in her well-being. What was meant to be a typical transactional encounter leads to a unique and unconventional bond between these two very different individuals.

As the evening progresses, Akiko and Takashi share a number of seemingly mundane but deeply profound experiences that subtly reveal their vulnerabilities and desires. With a grandfatherly affection, Takashi seems to evoke an emotional response in Akiko that contrasts sharply with her other relationships. The film meticulously captures the nuances of their interaction, played out in conversations that feel simultaneously guarded and revealing. The interactions are captured through Kiarostami's signature long takes and lingering camera work, emphasizing the emotional landscape of the characters.

Things take a turn when Noriaki, who is unaware of Akiko's escort work, becomes entangled in this unusual dynamic—mistaking Takashi for Akiko's grandfather. Noriaki, who harbors his own intentions and insecurities, unwittingly enters an intricate play of misunderstandings and mistaken identities that drive the film toward an exploration of how people perceive and relate to each other within societal constructs.

Like Someone in Love is a testament to Abbas Kiarostami's exceptional ability to tell stories that connect with audiences on a visceral level. The film refrains from explicit judgments on the characters and their choices; instead, it opts for a more observational approach, inviting viewers to draw their own conclusions about the characters and their circumstances. The dialogues are meticulously crafted to carry layers of meaning, and the silences between lines are just as powerful, packed with emotional resonance that speaks volumes about the characters' internal states.

As characteristic of Kiarostami's style, the movie heavily makes use of reflections and frames within frames, creating a visual commentary on the complexity of human relationships and the often blurred lines between reality and perception. The Tokyo setting is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative; the city’s vibrant, chaotic energy mirrors the internal chaos of the characters, while its quiet moments of tranquility offer a stark contrast and a space for reflection.

Despite being set in Japan and dealing with Japanese characters, Like Someone in Love features the universal themes that have marked Kiarostami's oeuvre. It delves into the intricacies of human connection in a world where such a bond is increasingly commoditized and superficial. It’s a subtly haunting movie that lingers with the viewer, prompting introspection about the nature of love and companionship and the roles we play in each other's lives.

The film doesn't rely on typical narrative structures or climaxes; instead, it finds beauty and tension in everyday moments, creating a rhythm that represents the unpredictable nature of life itself. The performances by Rin Takanashi and Tadashi Okuno are compelling and understated, allowing their characters’ complexity to come forth without melodrama.

In Like Someone in Love, Kiarostami once again demonstrates why he was one of cinema's most celebrated auteurs. The movie is an intellectual and emotional experience that resonates with a quiet and potent intensity. It’s a nuanced, minimalistic, and thought-provoking piece that challenges viewers to ponder long after the credits roll, about the connections we make and the semblance of understanding we reach for in our shared moments of vulnerability.

Like Someone in Love is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 76.