Making just his second film outside of his native Iran, Abbas Kiarostami continues his practice of letting his films unfold at their own pace with little in the way of context or resolution. Filmed in Tokyo, and featuring a largely unknown all-Japanese cast, Like Someone in Love explores the growing relationship between Akiko (Rin Takanashi), a student and part-time escort, and Takashi (Tadashi Okuno) a client and elderly grandfather with whom she forms an unlikely bond.

As the film begins, Akiko is in a crowded Tokyo bar engaged in a heated cell phone conversation with her over protective boyfriend (Ryo Kase). Sent out by her easy going pimp to meet an important client (a politician, Akiko assumes), she melancholically listens to a series of answering machine messages left by her visiting grandmother, whom she has had to miss due to the client appointment. Reaching her destination, Akiko is surprised to find not a politician, but a kindly professor who spends his days translating texts and drinking fine wine. The older man never actually propositions Akiko. Instead, he has made her some soup, which she declines, Akiko ends up falling asleep on Takashi’s couch, and he gives her a ride to college the next morning, There, he is confronted by Akiko’s jealous boyfriend, and finds himself taking on the role of protective grandfather.

Kiarostami doesn’t use the traditional narrative style, with the story, moving from A to point B. While the characters do things, the director seems more concerned with creating a certain space on screen, and just letting his characters live in it. Where the characters are located on screen appears almost as important as what they have to say. Kiarostami uses close ups and long shots in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of the story, In one of the best shots of the film, Akiko is in the taxi to go meet her client. As we know, she had to ditch her visiting grandmother to make the appointment. As Akiko passes by their would be meeting place, she strains to see her relative. Kiarostami lets the wide shot carry on as both Akiko and the audience can barely make out the old woman. Just as she becomes visible, she’s obscured by passing cars. It’s truly heartbreaking.

The ending might disappoint. As I stated earlier, there is no resolution. None of the questions raised are answered. Kiarostami simply observes what’s happening in the now and leaves it up to viewers to decide what will happen in the future. Like Someone in Love is about people who would like to be in love, but thus far can only find artificial substitutes.

Presented in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio, this is a beautiful looking Blu-ray. The image quality is nearly flawless, sporting tight lines and consistent contrast. Colors are vibrant and never overblown. Depth is present throughout, and there are no digital anomalies to speak of.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 3.0 soundtrack is as solid as the transfer. A dialogue driven film, there isn’t a lot of separation, but it’s not vital given the material. There is a nice sense of depth when needed. The original Japanese dialogue is clean and crisp throughout.

English subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Making of Someone in Love (HD, 47:01) The director explains the inspiration behind the film, discusses his work with the actors, his camera preferences, and more. This is a must-see for fans of the film.
  • Trailer (HD, 2:10) A music only trailer.
  • Booklet: Features an essay by film scholar and critic Nico Baumbach.
  • DVD of the film and all extras.