A child humanoid leads Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film

A child humanoid leads Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film, Sheep in the Box, which opens in U.S. theaters this week. The film follows a grieving couple whose son has died and who turn to advanced technology to recreate what they have lost. At the heart of the story is a humanoid robot designed to resemble the deceased boy, serving as both a technological marvel and a poignant symbol of emotional connection. Sheep in the Box premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, marking yet another milestone in Kore-eda’s career. The film blends science fiction elements with deeply human emotions, exploring how a couple attempts to rebuild their relationship with their child through artificial means. According to Kore-eda, the narrative aligns with his previous work, focusing on complex familial dynamics and the challenges of navigating loss and memory. Born in Tokyo in 1962, Kore-eda began his journey in documentary filmmaking after graduating from Waseda University. Known for his meticulous approach, he typically handles all aspects of production, writing, directing, editing, giving him complete creative control. His ability to balance personal storytelling with universal themes has earned him international acclaim. Kore-eda’s 2013 film Like Father, Like Son won the Jury Prize at Cannes, delving into the emotional turmoil of two families whose children were swapped at birth. His 2018 film Shoplifters received even greater recognition, winning the Palme d’Or and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The film depicted a struggling family surviving through petty theft, highlighting the harsh realities of economic hardship. In 2019, Kore-eda directed The Truth, featuring French actresses Catherine Deneuve and Juliette Binoche. The following year, he worked with Korean actors, including Song Kang-ho, in Broker, which showcased his growing influence in global cinema. Song Kang-ho’s performance earned him the Best Actor award at Cannes, further cementing Kore-eda’s reputation as a master storyteller. Kore-eda is also known for fostering a respectful and supportive environment on set. He has consistently opposed harassment within the industry, implementing strict policies to ensure a safe workplace. Any individual found engaging in inappropriate behavior during his productions is immediately dismissed, reflecting his commitment to ethical filmmaking. This ethos extends to his treatment of young actors, a common theme in his films. In Nobody Knows (2004), children lived independently, scavenging for food and surviving without basic amenities. The film launched the career of Yuya Yagira, who went on to win the Cannes Best Actor award at age 14. Yagira remains an active actor today, continuing to contribute to Japanese cinema. Sheep in the Box features another standout performance by child actor Rimu Kuwaki, who takes on the challenging role of portraying a robot in his feature-film debut. Despite the difficulty of the role, Kuwaki’s portrayal adds depth to the film’s exploration of identity and memory. Kore-eda has stated that while he does not see children as a necessity in his films, he finds value in using their perspective to examine the adult world. He acknowledges the weight of responsibility that comes with working with minors, emphasizing the importance of creating positive experiences for young performers. Kore-eda’s approach to filmmaking is both rigorous and heartfelt. He admits that his work is driven by passion rather than profit, describing filmmaking as his sole hobby turned profession. When asked about the purpose of his craft, he humorously referenced Akira Kurosawa’s famous response: “If you take movies away from me, I am left with nothing.” Kore-eda offered his own version, expressing gratitude for the life and work he has built around cinema.