Japan

Brendan Fraser stars in this unusual story about a middle-age American actor living in Tokyo, trying to eke out a living. When he is offered a job by a “Rental Family” business, he is a bit apprehensive at first, but the money is good so he takes it. Rental Family takes viewers on an emotional journey not only for Phillip (Fraser), but also for those involved in his “acting” jobs.

So, what does this business known as “Rental Family” actually do? It employs actors to role play as various people to help make dreams come true and to help people with situations in their lives where an actual person is not available. Strange, but true.

For instance, his first gig is to “act” as the groom in a traditional Japanese wedding. The “bride” needs to show her family a traditional ceremony and Phillip fits the bill. After the ceremony she explains to her family that the couple will be moving to Canada to live. The bride simply wants to move away from the restrictions and traditions in her family and country and live her life freely, which can only be done if she is away.

By giving her parents a memory to hold onto, even though it is fake but they think it is real, the agency provides them with satisfaction that their daughter is happily married. And the client, aka the bride, gets a legitimate way to leave her family and country and live the life she desires.

That is just one of their services. Phillip is initially apprehensive about deceiving people, however when it is explained to him that he is providing a useful service and helping the clients, then he begins to ease into the job. As the “token white man” in the agency, his services become very useful in several situations.

When an aging actor feels useless and forgotten, Phillip takes on the role of a magazine writer assigned to write an article about the man. This gives the old man hope that his legacy will live on.

Perhaps the most emotional role Phillip undertakes is that of a father to a young (and adorable) girl whose mother hires him in order to portray a united family to impress the admissions board at a prestigious school. The little girl, Mia (Shannon Mahina Gorman), is introduced to her estranged father, aka Phillip, and as the two get to know each other, their bond becomes real. No longer does Phillip feel as though he is simply playing a role. He genuinely connects and loves Mia, and vice versa.

Therein lies the problem with this agency. Yes, the actors know they are simply playing a part in peoples’ lives, but for Phillip, and eventually some others, the aspect of keeping it professional and not getting personally involved with those they are working with, or acting with, is not easy. How can it not get personal? Especially for Phillip who is a sensitive guy and goes out of his way to fulfill the desires and wishes of those he is with.

The story is unusual, however viewers might be surprised to learn it is based on some realities in Japan. Besides several deleted scenes, there is a bonus “making of” featurette delving into the origin of the story and the characters and actors who brought it to the screen.

Director Hikari brought a sensitive story to light, and the Japanese cast, along with Fraser, discuss the story and the emotions involved.

As viewers watch the scenarios of the old man and the little girl unfold, they will definitely feel the tug of emotion that Phillip feels as he carries out his job as an actor while at the same time bringing his humanity to the situations.

This is definitely a different story that will pull at the heartstrings of viewers while also immersing them in Japanese ways. The story is about human connections, emotions, belonging, and life itself. It is now available on digital and Blu-ray.

Rental Family is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some strong language, and suggestive material.

About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.