Hirokazu Kore-eda’s New Film Explores Grief and Technology

Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film, Sheep in the Box, opens in U.S. theaters this Friday. The film tells the story of a grieving couple who turn to technology to recreate their lost son. They commission a humanoid in his exact likeness to cope with their loss.

The title Sheep in the Box is inspired by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s children’s book, The Little Prince. In the book, a sheep is imagined to be hidden in a box, suggesting that valuable things in life may be intangible and sustained by unseen connections. Kore-eda’s film, a family drama set in the near future, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year.

Kore-eda, born in Tokyo in 1962, began his career directing documentaries after graduating from Waseda University. His films often center on complex family dynamics. In Like Father, Like Son (2013), he explored the theme of fatherhood through a story about babies switched at birth. This film earned the Jury Prize at Cannes. His 2018 film, Shoplifters, portrayed a poverty-stricken family surviving through shoplifting. It won the Palme d’Or and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

In 2019, Kore-eda expanded his work internationally by directing French actors Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche in The Truth. His 2022 film, Broker, featured Korean actors, including Song Kang-ho, who won Best Actor at Cannes. Despite the intense demands of his productions, Kore-eda is dedicated to creating a positive working environment. He has been vocal against harassment in the industry, which is often associated with long hours and low pay, particularly in Japan.

Kore-eda’s commitment to a supportive filmmaking atmosphere is notable. Harassment is not tolerated on his sets, and anyone found harassing others is removed immediately. This approach is critical given that his films frequently feature children as leading characters. For example, his 2004 film Nobody Knows depicted children managing without adult supervision, with Yuya Yagira winning Best Actor at Cannes at the age of 14.

Sheep in the Box showcases a compelling performance by child actor Rimu Kuwaki, playing a robot in his first feature-film role. Kore-eda emphasizes the importance of portraying adults positively, as they may be among the first adults the child actors encounter outside their family and school.

Despite the serious themes in his work, Kore-eda is known for his easygoing nature. When asked about the essence of filmmaking, he reflected that movies are the only hobby he ever had, one that became his life and work. He expressed gratitude for his career, stating, “I am so blessed.”

Movies are the only hobby I’ve ever had. That became my job. Thinking about that hobby 24 hours a day became my life and my job. I am so blessed.