The new film by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, titled “Sheep in the Box,” explores themes of loss and the desire to restore happiness through technology. The story follows a couple who, after the death of their son, decide to order the creation of an exact replica of him to overcome their emotional pain.
The film's title is a direct reference to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic work “The Little Prince,” in which a sheep is placed inside a box. According to Kore-eda, this symbol emphasizes that the most precious things in life are often intangible and are connected through invisible bonds.
Premiere and Artistic Style
The family drama, set in the near future, was premiered at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The director told the Associated Press that the film is an attempt by the couple to reimagine their relationship with the child, a theme he has explored in his previous works.
In “Sheep in the Box,” the performance of child actor Rimu Kuwaki is notable, making a debut in a complex role as a robot. Kore-eda noted that although he often works with children, he does not consider them a mandatory element, but rather seeks to view the world through their eyes. He emphasized the great responsibility he takes on: “Perhaps we are the first adults, besides parents and teachers, that these children meet.” The director added that he wants children to leave the film set with the conviction that all adults work hard and enjoy it.
A Director's Journey
Hirokazu Kore-eda, born in Tokyo in 1962, built his career through documentaries and gradually established himself as one of the most significant contemporary directors. He often writes, directs, and edits his own projects, which grants him full creative control.
Among his greatest successes are “Like Father, Like Son” (2013), which won the Jury Prize at Cannes, and “Shoplifters” (2018), winner of the Palme d'Or and an Oscar nominee. In his more recent projects, he has worked with international names such as Catherine Deneuve, Juliette Binoche, and the Korean actor Song Kang-ho, with whom he worked in “Broker” (2022).
One of the key moments in his career was the film “Nobody Knows” (2004), which made actor Yuya Yagira famous after he won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival at age 14. In this production, children must survive on their own, without supervision or basic amenities.
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In addition to his creative achievements, Kore-eda is known for his stance against harassment in the film industry. He actively works to create a pleasant working environment by implementing strict rules to remove anyone suspected of such behavior. This approach is particularly important in the Japanese film industry, which is known for difficult conditions, including long working hours and low wages. For Kore-eda, cinema is everything: “Cinema is the only hobby I have ever had. It became my job. Thinking about it 24/7 became my life and work. I feel blessed.”