The 60th Chicago Film Festival will run from October 16-27, 2024, and will feature a retrospective of the acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda. Koreeda is known for his humanist and observational approach to storytelling, and his films often explore themes of family, loss, and the human condition.
The retrospective isn’t just a tribute to Koreeda’s work—it’s a reflection on life itself. His films delve into the choices we make, the relationships we build, and the lasting impact of our memories. Whether you’re a dedicated film lover or just enjoy a good story, Koreeda’s movies offer a thoughtful, lingering experience that stays with you well after the film ends.
The retrospective will showcase six of Koreeda’s most celebrated films:
- After Life (1998): This film follows the lives of recently deceased people who are given the chance to relive one day of their lives before moving on to the afterlife. The film is a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of life, death, and the importance of human connection.
- Nobody Knows (2004): This film tells the story of four abandoned children who are forced to fend for themselves in a cramped apartment in Tokyo. The film is a heartbreaking and realistic portrayal of child poverty and neglect.
- Like Father Like Son (2013): This film follows two families whose lives are upended when they discover that their newborn babies were switched at birth. The film is a moving and thought-provoking exploration of family, identity, and the meaning of parenthood.
- After the Storm (2016): This film tells the story of a struggling novelist who returns to his estranged family home after a typhoon. The film is a bittersweet and nostalgic exploration of family, loss, and the passage of time.
- Shoplifters (2018): This film won the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and tells the story of a family of shoplifters who take in a young girl who has been abandoned by her parents. The film is a powerful and moving exploration of family, love, and the human desire for belonging.
- Broker (2022): This film is Koreeda’s most recent film and tells the story of a group of people who help abandoned babies find new homes. The film is a heartwarming and thought-provoking exploration of family, love, and the human desire to help others.
Koreeda’s films are known for their observational style, their focus on human relationships, and their ability to evoke both laughter and tears. The retrospective at the 60th Chicago Film Festival is a rare opportunity to see these films on the big screen and to appreciate the artistry of one of the most talented filmmakers working today.
Koreeda’s films have been widely praised by critics and audiences alike. His films have won numerous awards, including the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival, and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Critics have praised Koreeda’s films for their realism, their humanity, and their ability to tell universal stories. The Guardian called After Life “a masterpiece of quiet observation,” and The New York Times called Nobody Knows “a devastatingly beautiful film.” Variety called Like Father Like Son “a masterwork of emotional intelligence,” and The Hollywood Reporter called After the Storm “a beautifully crafted and deeply moving film.”
Also, Read – All Hirokazu Koreeda Movies, Ranked
The Chicago Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the United States, and the retrospective of Hirokazu Koreeda is sure to be a highlight of the 60th edition. If you are a fan of Koreeda’s work, or if you are simply looking for a great film to see, this retrospective is not to be missed.
