Shoplifters (2018)

万引き家族 Shoplifters is a 2018 Japanese drama film directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda. The film follows the lives of a poor, unconventional family who rely on shoplifting to make ends meet. The family includes an elderly grandmother, a couple in their 30s, a teenage girl and a young boy, all of whom live together in a small apartment in Tokyo. When they come across a young girl who appears to be homeless, they take her in and their dynamic changes, as they struggle to keep their unconventional family together.

Review:

Shoplifters is a poignant and emotionally powerful film that explores themes of family, love, and survival. The film’s strength lies in its ability to portray complex and flawed characters with empathy and nuance, and to evoke a sense of intimacy and vulnerability that draws the viewer into their world.

The performances by the cast are outstanding, particularly Sakura Ando and Kirin Kiki, who bring depth and nuance to their characters. The film’s pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing the characters and their relationships to develop in a natural and authentic way.

The film’s exploration of poverty and survival is nuanced and sensitive, painting a realistic and empathetic portrait of those who struggle to make ends meet in a society that often neglects them. The film also explores the meaning of family and the ways in which unconventional families can be just as loving and supportive as traditional ones.

Overall, Shoplifters is a powerful and emotionally resonant film that deserves to be seen. It is a testament to the power of empathy and compassion in building connections and finding meaning in a world that often seems indifferent to those who struggle.

Awards:

Shoplifters received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Japanese film to do so since 1997. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. The film won several other awards, including the Best Foreign Language Film award at the Golden Globe Awards and the BAFTA Awards.