A child humanoid leads Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s latest film
Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda brings his latest work to theaters this Friday. Titled Sheep in the Box, the film explores the complex emotional landscape of a grieving couple who commission a humanoid version of their deceased son to cope with their loss. The story is a family drama set in a future that feels close to our own. It marks another project for the director who is known for his grounded approach to storytelling.
Kore-eda wrote, directed, and edited the feature. He draws inspiration from the classic children's book The Little Prince. He suggests that the most meaningful aspects of life often exist out of sight, held together by connections that remain invisible. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year and serves as a continuation of his interest in how people navigate broken family structures.
Working with child actors is a staple of his production style. The film features a performance by Rimu Kuwaki, who plays a robot in their feature-film debut. Kore-eda states that he enjoys taking the perspective of a child to look at the adult world. He notes that the production process carries a heavy weight because the set is often one of the first professional environments these young actors experience.
Beyond his filmography, Kore-eda remains a vocal critic of industry standards. He maintains strict rules regarding set conduct, including the immediate removal of anyone found harassing others. This stance is significant in an industry where long hours and low pay are common. He prioritizes a stable environment, noting that he wants his young actors to go home feeling that the adults on set were hardworking.
When asked about the purpose of his career, Kore-eda laughs at the comparison to Akira Kurosawa. While Kurosawa once remarked that he would have nothing without his films, Kore-eda describes his work as a lifelong hobby. He spends his time thinking about his craft, which he views as a professional privilege.