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Kore-eda explores grief and AI in new film 'Sheep in the Box'
🇰🇼 Kuwait /Culture & Society

Kore-eda explores grief and AI in new film 'Sheep in the Box'

From Arab Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda's new film, "Sheep in the Box," explores grief and technology through a couple who commission an AI replica of their deceased son.
  • The film, which premiered at Cannes, uses the title's reference to "The Little Prince" to suggest that intangible connections hold life's most valuable aspects.
  • Kore-eda, known for his humanistic family dramas, maintains a strong focus on child actors and advocates for safe, respectful sets, implementing strict policies against harassment.

Acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda delves into the complexities of grief and remembrance in his latest film, "Sheep in the Box." The movie, opening in U.S. theaters, centers on a couple grappling with the death of their son, who turn to advanced technology to cope by commissioning a humanoid replica of him.

The film's title is an allusion to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's "The Little Prince," where a sheep is imagined inside a box. Kore-eda uses this reference to explore the idea that life's most precious elements are often intangible, sustained by unseen connections. "Sheep in the Box" is a family drama set in the near future, which previously premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

It explores how a couple tries to rework their relationship with their child, and so it's not that different from the stories I've explored in my past works.

— Hirokazu Kore-edaDiscussing the thematic continuity in his filmography.

"It explores how a couple tries to rework their relationship with their child, and so it's not that different from the stories I've explored in my past works," Kore-eda told The Associated Press. The director, born in Tokyo in 1962, is known for his meticulous approach, often writing, directing, and editing his films to maintain creative control. His previous works, such as "Like Father, Like Son" (2013) and the Palme d'Or-winning "Shoplifters" (2018), have also explored profound family dynamics and societal issues.

Kore-eda is also recognized for fostering a positive and respectful working environment on his sets, a notable contrast to industry norms often characterized by long hours and low pay, particularly in Japan. He has been a vocal opponent of harassment and enforces a zero-tolerance policy, immediately removing anyone found engaging in such behavior. This commitment is particularly important given that his films frequently feature children. "It's a heavy responsibility. We may be the first adults besides parents and teachers these children may come in contact with," he said regarding working with young actors. "Sheep in the Box" features a notable performance by child actor Rimu Kuwaki, who plays a robot in his feature film debut.

It's a heavy responsibility. We may be the first adults besides parents and teachers these children may come in contact with.

— Hirokazu Kore-edaReflecting on the responsibility of working with child actors.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Arab Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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