Cottontail

After the death of his wife, Kenzaburo is left to fulfill her dying wish: to have her ashes scattered in a lake in England. Reluctantly, he allows his son Toshi and his young family to join the quest. The father-son journey paints a portrait of parenthood in crisis. Following in the footsteps of the Japanese master, England's rural vistas play an important role in shaping the atmosphere, and no less significant is the excellent performance he receives from the entire cast - both Japanese and British. Lily Franky, in the lead role, brings all the qualities that helped him become a standout actor in Koreeda's work: an emotional directness that radiates charisma and humanity. The result, which won first prize at the Rome Film Festival, offers compassion and grace.