Like Someone in Love

In the 2012 drama Like Someone in Love, directed by Abbas Kiarostami, the boundaries of intimacy and the complexities of human connection are explored through a chance encounter in the bustling city of Tokyo. The film follows Akiko, a young woman who, navigating the demands of her life as a college student and part-time escort, meets Takashi, an elderly professor who initially believes he knows more about her than he actually does. Their relationship unfolds over the course of just twenty-four hours, weaving a delicate tapestry of misunderstandings, secrets, and unspoken desires that challenges their perceptions of each other and themselves.

What makes Like Someone in Love particularly captivating is its exploration of themes such as loneliness, identity, and the masks people wear in their daily lives. Both Akiko and Takashi are portrayed with a palpable depth that invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences of connection and alienation. As their relationship unfolds, Kiarostami masterfully uses the urban landscape and subtle cinematic language to enhance the emotional weight of their encounter. The film is a poignant meditation on the nature of relationships, suggesting that even fleeting moments can leave lasting impressions, making it an evocative watch for anyone intrigued by the intricacies of human interaction.