On December 1, Peking University's Centennial Memorial Hall Auditorium hosted the China premiere of Like Father, Like Son, a critically acclaimed film that won the Jury Prize and Palme d'Or nomination at the 66th Cannes Film Festival. Esteemed director Hirokazu Kore-eda and lead actor Lily Franky attended the premiere and participated in an insightful post-screening dialogue with Professor Dai Jinhua from the Department of Chinese Language and Literature and host Chen Luyu.
The film “Like Father, Like Son” delves into the complex dynamics of familial bonds, blood ties, and identity, telling the story of two families whose lives are irrevocably changed by a hospital mix-up at birth. The film’s delicate emotions, subtle narrative, and incisive portrayal of middle-class family struggles deeply resonated with the audience.
During the post-screening dialogue, Director Kore-eda shared behind-the-scenes insights, and delved into the socio-economic background of the character Ryōta Nonomiya and the symbolic representation of East Asia’s "success-driven" culture. Lead actor Masaharu Fukuyamaa, who was unable to attend in person, expressed his gratitude through a video message, reflecting on the timeless and universal appeal of exceptional cinema. Professor Dai Jinhua emphasized the film’s exploration of the boundaries between blood ties and emotional connections, as well as its introspective look at fatherhood. The event was met with enthusiastic responses, with actress Zhou Dongyu, present as a guest, sharing her admiration and heartfelt appreciation for the film and its creators.
The evening concluded with student representatives from Peking University presenting a specially made cake to express gratitude to the director and actors. This premiere not only facilitated a vibrant exchange of cinematic ideas on campus but also provided students and faculty with a deeper understanding of the global film culture.
