Suzu Hirose

In this sci-fi tinged story of young love and teenage turmoil, a mysterious glowing ball offers Norimichi a second chance at securing his dream date.

Before winning the Palm D’Or with Shoplifters, Hirokazu Koreeda directed this crime thriller filled with nuance and complexity. Defying genre conventions, its whodunit aspect quickly makes room for a deeper exploration of truth, memory and the power of stories that we tell ourselves and others.

The Boy and the Beast tells the story of Kyuta, a young orphan boy living on the streets. One day, Kyuta loses his way and stumbles into the world of beasts, where he meets Kumatetsu, a warrior beast in search of the perfect apprentice. Kyuta becomes his disciple and, after a stormy beginning, the pair forms a deep bond. But when a dark force threatens both worlds, their chance encounter becomes the ultimate test of strength, courage and friendship. From award-winning Japanese director Mamoru Hosoda (Wolf Children) and with a beautiful, seamless mix of classic hand-drawn animation and CGI, The Boy and the Beast is a heart-warming coming-of-age action fantasy tale that goes beyond your imagination.

From the prolific writer-director of the Palme d’Or-winning Shoplifters comes this tender family drama in the vein of Yasujirō Ozu or Mikio Naruse. Hirokazu Koreeda wisely assembles a series of vignettes of everyday moments to explore sisterly relationships and the deep bonds between families.