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Kore-eda Debuts “Sheep in the Box” Amid AI Son Trial

5/16/2026

32 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kore-eda Premieres

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda premiered *Sheep in the Box* at Cannes 2026, starring Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto.
Architect Otone Komoto and carpenter Kensuke Komoto join REbirth’s free trial, receiving an AI humanoid replica of their late son Kakeru.
Critics note striking aerial shots and natural light and strong acting, yet call the story thematically woolly and overly sentimental.

Summary

Neon Distributes

Neon will distribute “Sheep in the Box” in the United States later in 2026.
The Cannes debut earned a five-minute standing ovation, during which James Franco applauded enthusiastically.
Rimu Kuwaki, chosen from over 200 candidates, will play the humanoid child and turns 10 during the festival.
The film opens in Japan on May 29 through Toho, making it potentially eligible for the Best International Feature Oscar under the new Academy rules.

History

Historical Context

In 1956 the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences created the Best Foreign Language Film award, inviting each country to submit one title; eight films entered and Italy’s La Strada won the inaugural prize. Renamed International Feature Film, the category has been presented annually, letting nations such as Japan compete. Kore-eda’s 2026 Japanese entry follows that legacy as it seeks Oscar eligibility.

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Kore-eda Premieres

Director Hirokazu Kore-eda premiered *Sheep in the Box* at Cannes 2026, starring Haruka Ayase and Daigo Yamamoto.
Architect Otone Komoto and carpenter Kensuke Komoto join REbirth’s free trial, receiving an AI humanoid replica of their late son Kakeru.
Critics note striking aerial shots and natural light and strong acting, yet call the story thematically woolly and overly sentimental.

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