Trailers
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Teaser
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Description
In the outskirts of Tokyo, a poor but close-knit group living on the fringes of society survives through shoplifting and odd jobs. When Osamu and his son take in a neglected young girl, their already fragile existence begins to unravel. As the family grows attached to her, buried secrets surface, forcing them to confront the true meaning of love, belonging, and what makes a family.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Shoplifters is widely celebrated for its profound and empathetic exploration of non-traditional family structures, challenging societal definitions of kinship through the lens of poverty. While most viewers find the film deeply moving and masterfully layered, a small minority of critics reject its moral ambiguity, labeling the narrative as manipulative or ideologically flawed.
| Acting | The ensemble cast delivers naturalistic and highly compelling performances that foster deep viewer empathy. | |
| Direction | Kore-eda utilizes a quiet, documentary-style aesthetic that allows the family's inner rhythm and emotional core to take center stage. | |
| Pacing | The narrative successfully shifts from a gentle, meditative tone to a poignant, tragic examination of social and moral consequences. | |
| Theme | The film’s exploration of what constitutes a 'true' family—challenging blood ties versus intentional affection—is deeply resonant and thought-provoking. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided: supporters laud its seamless, unpredictable storytelling, while detractors find its moral stance on criminal behavior problematic and unconvincing. |