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Film Studies Center Hosts Award-Winning Filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda

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Film Studies Center Hosts Award-Winning Filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda
  • The Film Studies Center hosted renowned Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda to discuss his empathetic storytelling and his films' themes of family, community, and the human condition, which have earned him widespread acclaim.
  • Kore-eda's films, such as *Distance* and *Our Little Sister*, explore the creation of community through shared memories and experiences, emphasizing cinematic storytelling as a repository for memories that bond viewers and characters alike.
  • In his latest film *Monster*, Kore-eda collaborates with screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto, maintaining his signature humanist style while exploring multiple perspectives, with music by Ryuichi Sakamoto enhancing the narrative's emotional depth and emphasizing empathy and transformation.

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On October 18, the Film Studies Center welcomed renowned Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda for an engaging and insightful talk at the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts. This event marked a significant milestone in the world of film studies, bringing together scholars, students, and film enthusiasts to discuss the nuances of cinema and community, as embodied by Kore-eda’s work.

The Master of Humanist Drama

Hirokazu Kore-eda is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of our time, known for his delicate and empathetic storytelling. He began his career in the 1990s as a director of documentaries, which laid the groundwork for his incisive feature filmmaking. His films often explore themes of family, community, and the human condition, earning him widespread acclaim and numerous awards, including the Palme d'Or for his film Shoplifters (2018).

A Journey Through Film Techniques

Kore-eda’s films are not just stories; they are meticulously crafted experiences that delve into the complexities of human relationships. His approach to filmmaking is deeply rooted in the concept of community, as explained by Professor Marc Yamada in his 2024 P. A. Christensen Lecture. Yamada highlighted how Kore-eda’s films serve as a repository for memories, and the process of recording and viewing cinematic images replicates the process of remembering, both personally and communally.

Memory and Community in Kore-eda's Films

One of the key aspects of Kore-eda’s filmmaking is his ability to create worlds that encourage community. This is evident in films like Distance (2001), where five people related to members of a terrorist organization gather to memorialize their family members and reenact the night of the attack. This reenactment forms a bond between them as they reflect on their memories and form a community amidst their grief and ostracism from society.

Similarly, in Our Little Sister (2015), the bond between three sisters grieving their father’s death and their younger half-sister, Suzu, is forged through their physical experiences and shared moments. This creates an opportunity for the audience to bond with the sisters, imagining their journey and seeing how their emotions reflect in their physical labor.

The Collaborative Process

Kore-eda’s latest film, Monster, marks a significant departure from his previous works as he collaborated with screenwriter Yuji Sakamoto for the first time. This collaboration was over three years in the making, with both filmmakers engaging in regular discussions to develop the script. The process was intense and detailed, with Kore-eda ensuring that every line written by Sakamoto remained intact during filming.

Innovation and Tradition

Despite collaborating with another screenwriter, Kore-eda’s signature style remains intact. His films continue to be characterized by their textured, humanist approach. In Monster, the story unfolds through multiple perspectives, including those of Minato, his widowed mother, and his teacher, Mr. Hori. The final chapter reveals the inner world of the children, challenging adult perceptions and highlighting the importance of empathy in understanding the complexities of childhood.

The Significance of Ryuichi Sakamoto's Music

The film Monster also features the final pieces of music composed by the late Ryuichi Sakamoto. The music adds a poignant layer to the story, reflecting the emotional depth of the narrative. It is a testament to Kore-eda’s dedication to incorporating elements that enhance the cinematic experience, ensuring that each film is not just a story but an emotional journey.

The Art of Filmmaking

Kore-eda’s approach to filmmaking is distinct from television, as he believes that cinema offers a unique experience. When you leave the theater, the world looks different, and that’s what makes film so special. This theme is evident in Monster, where the storm at the end prompts the children to question whether they have changed or are still the same. It is a reflection on the world being reborn, and it is the children who affirm themselves by being true to who they are. The world around them needs to change, but it is the children who hold the key to this transformation.

Conclusion

The event hosted by the Film Studies Center was a celebration of cinema and community, highlighting the contributions of Hirokazu Kore-eda to the world of filmmaking. His films are not just stories; they are experiences that delve into the complexities of human relationships and the interconnectedness of memory, film, and community. As filmmakers continue to push boundaries and explore new themes, Kore-eda’s work serves as a beacon of excellence in humanist drama, reminding us of the power of cinema to inspire, to educate, and to bring people together.


References

  • Hirokazu Kore-eda on Monster | The Big Interview - Picturehouse
  • Organizational Life and Cinematic Communities: Insights from Kore-eda Hirokazu
  • Interview: Hirokazu Kore-eda on Monster - Film Comment