Family Values: Three Films by Hirokazu Kore-eda (Blu-ray)

Celebrated both at home in Japan and internationally - with a win and a nomination at Cannes - Hirokazu Kore-eda is beloved by both critics and audiences. His films often focus on family dynamics and recall the subtlety of masters Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse.

I Wish tells the story of a separated family - elder brother Koichi lives with his mother and grandparents, whilst younger Ryu lives with his deadbeat father. The boys hear a rumour that when two trains on the nearly completed Kyushu line pass each other a miracle will be granted and they hatch a plan to meet and bring their family back together.

Like Father, Like Son finds two families in turmoil as they discover their six-year-old sons were swapped at birth and they have been raising children who are not biologically their own. Worlds apart in many ways, the families come to question their roles and issues of nature vs nurture.Winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival 2013 and 21 other international film awards.

After the Storm once again focuses on a separated family; the father, Ryota, a struggling writer clutching at past glory is trying to reconnect with his family following the death of his father, causing him to evaluate his relationship with his son and his own role as a father. Nominated for the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes Film Festival 2016

Featuring perfectly measured screenplays and astonishing, naturalistic performances, Kore-eda's films are moving portraits of family life that superbly demonstrate the fragility and profundity of familial bonds.