Hirokazu Kore-eda is one of Japan's most renowned filmmakers, screenwriters, and producers, known for his profound exploration of human relationships and the meaning of family. Born in Tokyo in 1962, he graduated from Waseda University and began his career directing documentaries before transitioning into feature films, eventually becoming a celebrated figure in global cinema.
Kore-eda made a spectacular debut with his 1995 feature film Maborosi, which won the Golden Osella at the Venice International Film Festival. His 1998 film After Life gained international recognition, being distributed in over 30 countries, while his 2004 film Nobody Knows garnered worldwide attention for winning the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival, with Yuya Yagira becoming the youngest-ever recipient of this honor.
Kore-eda's works are characterized by their delicate examination of the complexities of human relationships and the meaning of family. Like Father, Like Son (2013) won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival, among other accolades, and became a global hit. In particular, Shoplifters (2018) won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards, sparking widespread acclaim.
In his most recent work, Broker (2022), Kore-eda directed his first Korean film, exploring themes of adoption, emotional connections, and the redefinition of family. The film received significant attention at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was praised for its portrayal of contemporary Korean society. Another recent film, Monster (2023), was selected for competition at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and delves into the imagination of children and the social prejudices they face. Through this film, Kore-eda presents the message that "truths are not singular but can be multiple," presenting a unique structure that contrasts the perspectives of children with the viewpoints of adults.
Beyond filmmaking, Kore-eda has also worked in television and documentary production, and he has supported the development of emerging filmmakers, contributing to the growth of the Japanese film industry. Through his films, he has touched audiences worldwide, offering not only emotional storytelling but also deep reflections on the world we live in.