Rental Family
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)
As our world shrinks through the power of the internet and social media, cultures tend to blend into a homogeneous reality that leaves people confused about who they are in their own homes. Yet the distinction between Eastern and Western cultures remains at odds in many areas, especially in the realm of cinema. Director Hikari (37 Seconds) taps into this curious divide with her latest creation starring Academy Award winner, Brendan Fraser (The Whale).
The former star of The Mummy franchise takes a different turn as American actor Phillip Vandarploeug, who has lived and worked in Japan for over seven years. Despite moderate success in commercials, he struggles to find steady work until he is hired by a firm named Rental Family. Company owner Shinji (Takehiro Hira) founded this unique operation that provides actors who stand in for family situations for families and individuals facing life challenges. As the 'token white guy,' Phillip fills in as a husband at a wedding, an audience member at a fake funeral, and the estranged father of a Hāfu (mixed-race) girl named Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman). The girl's mother, Hitomi (Shino Shinozaki), needs a father figure to help her get her daughter enrolled in an exclusive private school. Yet these personal situations pose challenges for all involved as their deception eventually comes to light.
At face value, this story seems to tap into an admirable profession for actors looking to help others while earning a living. Yet, in the end, Hikari's film shows that the truth is essential to any culture. Along the way, this creative filmmaker paints a beautiful picture of Japanese aestheticism and life that attempts to hide the tragic side of the human experience. As the strings are pulled on each individual's story, the stunning tapestry unravels, then seems to be rewoven into something even more attractive as the realities of life are added to the narrative montage. One may wrestle with the ethics of this on-screen industry. Still, the fascinating tales it engages with are worth holding on to until the final narrative yarn is tied off.
In the mix of this compelling drama is a cross-cultural exchange that is at once uncomfortable and refreshing. As Phillip Vandarploeug tries to immerse himself in Japanese culture, key factors from his upbringing inevitably surface. His character is not the only one who must adapt to this intersection of Eastern and Western cultures, as the company's clients and staff work to understand what is happening around them. Hikari showcases her aesthetic prowess by beautifully depicting Japanese culture while unearthing the troubles that lie beneath the surface's elegance. This story is driven forward by the subtle, masterful style of Brendan Fraser, whose humble naivety helps you to love his character and hope for an enlightenment that will benefit all involved.
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REEL DIALOGUE: If it is meant to help others, is a lie that bad?
"Lies beget more lies: once you start lying you have to keep lying more and more to hide the lies that you already told."
The work of the Rental Family group is admirable, and they help people to live better lives. Yet, as each story and character's life unfolds on-screen, they prove that lying always leaves someone as a victim. Looking back on your own life, you may be able to hear the words of your mother on the topic of lying.
One lie can set in motion a chain of events that only comes to a resolution when the truth comes out. Do not lie is not exclusive to the Bible. Still, it is a moral code that can save relationships, reputations and lives.
Regardless of the admirable intentions of the Rental Family staff that treats lying as a cottage industry, they seem to forget that there are consequences. What becomes evident in this unique cross-cultural storyline is the value and relief of the truth. It may be complex and painful, but it inevitably proves to be the best path for life and relationships.
