Course Description

Instructor: Scott Phillips

Deep Dive Film Discussion: Director Hirokazu Kore-eda
Friday, January 16

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking Deep Dive discussion exploring the work of acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda. Together, we’ll examine two of his most celebrated films: Like Father, Like Son and Shoplifters.

Kore-eda is known for his intimate storytelling, humanistic lens, and ability to uncover the quiet yet powerful emotional truths within family relationships. In this session, we’ll reflect on recurring themes such as identity, connection, moral ambiguity, and what truly makes a family.

Participants are encouraged to watch both films beforehand to fully enjoy the conversation. Bring your insights, questions, and observations as we explore Kore-eda’s artistry, cinematic style, and the cultural contexts that shape his stories.

A wonderful opportunity for film lovers to dive deeper into two modern masterpieces.

BIO: Scott Phillips: Currently working for Forbes, I published my first film review in 1988 when I was a student at the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism. For the last three years, I’ve reviewed films and written about filmmakers for two CBS affiliates with audiences stretching across Alabama, Florida and Georgia. I'm currently the President of the Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA).  I’m a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and have memberships in the Atlanta Film Critics Circle, the Georgia Film Critics Association, and the Online Film Critics Society. I scour the festival circuit every year looking for those under-the-radar gems that so often get overlooked. I’ve spent years recommending quality films so my readers can spend their precious spare time watching films instead of hunting for them.