The Japanese film Shoplifters (2018), directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a masterful exploration of family, morality, and survival on the margins of society. Winner of the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, this poignant drama delves into the complexities of human relationships and challenges conventional notions of what it means to belong.
The story revolves around a makeshift family living in poverty in Tokyo. Osamu Shibata (Lily Franky), the patriarch, and his wife Nobuyo (Sakura Ando) lead a precarious existence, relying on shoplifting and odd jobs to make ends meet. They share their modest home with Aki (Mayu Matsuoka), a young woman working in a hostess club, and Hatsue (Kirin Kiki), the elderly grandmother who provides financial support through her late husband’s pension. The family’s dynamic takes an unexpected turn when they take in Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), a neglected girl they find on the street.
Kore-eda’s direction is marked by its subtlety and empathy. He avoids overt sentimentality, instead allowing the characters’ actions and interactions to reveal their depth. Through quiet, intimate moments, the film paints a nuanced portrait of a family bound not by blood but by shared struggles and love. The director’s ability to draw such naturalistic performances from his cast is remarkable, creating a sense of authenticity that makes the story all the more impactful.
The performances in Shoplifters are uniformly excellent. Lily Franky brings a warmth and charm to Osamu, despite his morally questionable actions, while Sakura Ando delivers a powerhouse performance as Nobuyo, whose stoic exterior hides a deep reservoir of emotion. Kirin Kiki’s portrayal of the wily and resourceful Hatsue is both humorous and touching, providing a grounding presence amidst the family’s turmoil. The younger actors, Mayu Matsuoka and Miyu Sasaki, add layers of vulnerability and resilience to their characters, rounding out the ensemble with impressive skill.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ability to navigate complex moral terrain without passing judgment. Kore-eda presents the Shibata family’s choices as neither entirely right nor wrong, inviting the audience to consider the societal structures that force people into such circumstances. The film’s critique of Japan’s social and economic inequalities is subtle yet piercing, raising questions about the true nature of family, love, and responsibility.
Visually, Shoplifters is both understated and evocative. Ryuto Kondo’s cinematography captures the cramped, cluttered interiors of the Shibata home with an almost documentary-like realism, while the muted color palette reflects the characters’ struggles. In contrast, moments of warmth and connection are often bathed in soft, natural light, emphasizing the beauty of human connection amidst hardship.
The film’s pacing is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold organically. Kore-eda’s screenplay is meticulously crafted, balancing moments of quiet introspection with scenes of tension and revelation. The narrative builds to a heart-wrenching climax that challenges the audience’s understanding of the characters and their choices. The final scenes are particularly powerful, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the credits roll.
Shoplifters is more than just a film about poverty or crime; it is a deeply human story that resonates on a universal level. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. At its core, the film is a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that family is not defined solely by biology but by the bonds we choose to create.
Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Shoplifters is a triumph of contemporary cinema, blending social commentary with heartfelt storytelling. Its exploration of morality and the human condition is both timely and timeless, making it a film that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. For those seeking a deeply moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience, Shoplifters is an absolute must-watch.
In the end, Shoplifters challenges its audience to look beyond appearances and question their own assumptions about family and society. It is a film that not only entertains but also enlightens, offering a poignant reflection on the power of compassion and the enduring strength of human connection.