“Amidst the advancement of AI technology, we must ask ourselves, ‘What defines humanity?'”
Japanese master director Hirokazu Kore-eda visited Cannes, France, for his new film ‘Sheep in the Box,’ which was invited to the competition section of the 79th Cannes Film Festival. During a press conference on the 17th (local time), he shared the core themes of the movie.
‘Sheep in the Box’ tells the story of a young couple who lose their young son and welcome a humanoid—a robot with a human appearance—into their family. This humanoid looks exactly like their son and has his memories transplanted into it.
Director Kore-eda revealed that the idea for ‘Sheep in the Box’ came after he learned about AI research aimed at bringing back the appearance of deceased people.
He mentioned cases where generative AI is used to recreate the looks and voices of the dead, noting, “I found out that there are businesses in China using AI technology to recreate the appearance of people who have passed away.”
He added, “It has become possible for those who have lost loved ones to communicate and reconnect with the deceased,” while reflecting on whether there are “ethical and moral issues with the living manipulating the memories of the dead.”
The film explores how deeply those suffering from loss can bond with a humanoid implanted with the memories of a loved one.
It also presents various possibilities regarding relationships and care by combining the concept of alternative families with humanoids.
Director Kore-eda explained, “The couple in the movie believes that technology will help them overcome the grief of losing their son. The humanoid with their son’s memories opens up a new possibility for them to return to their daily lives.”
Famous Japanese actress Ayase Haruka, who plays the mother, Otone, said, “In the film, Otone lives as if time has stopped after losing her son, becoming unable to feel emotions. However, she begins to overcome her hardships through emotional exchange with the humanoid.”
She further introduced the meaning of the film, saying, “The humanoid that looks like the son isn’t actually the real son, nor is it a real person, but this kind of AI makes us question our relationships.”
‘Sheep in the Box’ marks Director Kore-eda’s eighth time entering the competition section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Director Kore-eda won the Jury Prize for ‘Like Father, Like Son’ in 2013 and the Palme d’Or for ‘Shoplifters’ in 2018. His film ‘Monster’ won both the Queer Palm and the Best Screenplay award in 2023.
‘Sheep in the Box’ is set to be released in Korea on the 10th of next month.
Director Kore-eda and child actor Kuwaki Rimu will visit Korea on the 4th of next month for an official press conference, followed by stage greetings and a Guest Visit (GV) session with fans through the 5th.
