Trailer Link

Release Date:

January 17, 2014

Synopsis:

From IMDb: “Ryota Nonomiya is a successful businessman driven by money. When he learns that his biological son was switched with another child after birth, he must make a life-changing decision and choose his true son or the boy he raised as his own.”

Trailer: D / C-

Review: I’ve never quite understood why English-language posters are always so different and in many cases duller than their foreign counterparts. This is dull beyond words. Yes, it plays into the paternal title, but it entirely betrays the premise of the film. The second poster is better, showcasing all families and children, but doesn’t ask much from the viewer.

Trailer: B-

Review: The trailer is constructed such that you are certain the film will be emotionally manipulative, but it tackles a topic that might be considered uniquely American…at least to Americans. Therefore, the ability for American audiences to understand the issues at hand is increased, which keeps the trailer from feeling too original, which is a detriment. There’s likely a great film to be had, but it seems confused as to whether it wants to peak out or not.

Oscar Prospects:

The film is getting strong reviews and might be a Best Foreign Language Film Oscar contender if it is eligible when the category opens up for entries later this year.

Revisions:

(January 12, 2014) Original