Review of Like Someone in Love (2012) by Miguel A — 09 Aug 2013

Unlike anything I've seen at the movies - hypnotic, strange to be sure and oddly, romantic without romantic love.

The film opens with Akiko (Rin Takanashi) sitting in a café, lots of activity around her as she chats via phone with a seemingly jealous boyfriend. Enter a co-worker who insist she meet his friend (the great Tadashi Okuno) outside of Tokyo. She protest, but ultimately must go. Their chance encounter will reveal hidden secrets, the key to happiness and the threat of violence. Many in their 20's feel pulled between family duty, career, school and love. The film does not go easy on her; when the elderly man and her boyfriend meet, the tension revs up not knowing if it will lead to violence or the path to eternal happiness. The film is directed by Abbas Kiarostami, an Irani director who directed the 2010 French romantic drama with Juliette Binoche, Certified Copy. Here is provides another unique look into a torn and complicated woman. The film's abrupt ending left me wondering the fate of one of the characters and not knowing why Akiko wore so many different mask. A bit more character development there would've increased the drama, but overall it's complicated, but effective.