From Oscar Win to Tokyo Drama: Brendan Fraser Shines in Rental Family
Rental Family follows a lonely American actor living in Tokyo who begins working for a Japanese rental family service, taking on stand-in roles in other people's lives. Throughout his journey, he discovers surprising connections and unexpected joys within this new family.
The film stars Brendan Fraser as Phillip Vandarploeug, an American who has found success with a commercial in Japan but is currently struggling to secure his next role. He suddenly comes across an opportunity that he hopes will change his life around.
It is worth noting that this film focuses on Japanese culture rather than Western culture. This distinction aids viewers in grasping the context and point of entry in the story. Fraser anchors Rental Family with a performance that is both tender and wounded. Playing Philip, a stranded foreign actor in Tokyo who stumbles into the business of “rental families,” Fraser delivers quiet heartbreak in every glance. His stillness, hesitations, and gentle humor make him endlessly watchable.
Director Hikari builds Tokyo into a living backdrop—both dazzling and isolating. Not only does the audience get to experience the modern sensation that is Tokyo, but they also get to experience the beautiful countryside, which is more tranquil, helping them get a real feel for the country.
Takehiro Hira, as Shinji, the rental family agency owner, is at first presented as a business owner, but soon it is revealed that the agency is more than a business for him.
Mari Yamamoto as Aiko is the heart of the film. She is the bridge between Shinji and Philip, helping them understand the culture of Japan while informing them that some traditions need to change. Shannon Mahina Gorman as Mia Kawasaki is absolutely darling. She may be the biggest teacher among all the Rental Family clients, reminding the adults that kids may be young, but they aren’t naive.
