Kore-eda's 'No Crying' Rule for Kids

Kore-eda Hirokazu, celebrated for his authentic portrayal of child actors, has a firm rule: he never films children crying. Instead, he aims for audiences to recall their joyful moments. This principle guides his filmmaking, where he adapts scripts to match each child's unique personality and vocabulary, ensuring genuine performances.

His directorial techniques have evolved, becoming more flexible over time. For upcoming projects, including the 2026 films "Sheep in the Box" and "Look Back," Kore-eda is returning to his roots. "Sheep in the Box" delves into grief through a couple who integrate an AI robot based on their deceased son, while "Look Back" adapts a manga about young artists.

Kore-eda finds inspiration in the works of directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Ken Loach, learning to trust his instincts and adapt his approach on set. He believes in fostering a positive environment for child actors, ensuring shoots are enjoyable. He plans to shoot one of his new projects by 2026 or 2027.