Manbiki kazoku (2018)

A family of small-time crooks take in a child they find on the street.

Director:

Hirokazu Koreeda

Writer:

Hirokazu Koreeda

Stars:

Kirin Kiki, Lily Franky, Moemi Katayama

5 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Kirin Kiki	...	Hatsue Shibata
Lily Franky	...	Osamu Shibata
Moemi Katayama
Sôsuke Ikematsu	...	4 ban-san
Sakura Andô	...	Nobuyo Shibata
Yôko Moriguchi
Mayu Matsuoka	...	Aki Shibata
Jyo Kairi	...	Shota Shibata
Yûki Yamada	...	(as Yuki Yamada)
Akira Emoto
Miyu Sasaki	...	Yuri
Kengo Kôra	...	Takumi Maezono
Chizuru Ikewaki	...	Kie Miyabe
Naoto Ogata

Storyline

A Japanese couple stuck with part-time jobs and hence inadequate incomes avail themselves of the fruits of shoplifting to make ends meet. They are not alone in this behaviour. The younger and the older of the household are in on the act. The unusual routine is about to change from care-free and matter-of-fact to something more dramatic, however, as the couple open their doors to a beleaguered teenager. The reasons for the family and friends' habit and their motivations come under the microscope.

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Plot Keywords:

almond eyes | little girl | family relationships | tokyo | poverty | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some sexual content and nudity

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [Japan]

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

23 November 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Shoplifters

Filming Locations:

Japan

Company Credits

Production Co:

AOI Promotion,Fuji Television Network,GAGA

Technical Specs

Runtime:

121 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original title of the film, Manbiki Kazoku, literally translates as Shoplifting Family.

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Connections

Referenced in ARfRA: The House That Jack Built Controversy (2018)

User Reviews

Subtle and nuanced

For this stunning masterpiece Shoplifters, Hirokazu Koreeda should win the Academy Award for Best Director. It is unbelievable that the rather complicated characters and their relationships are depicted in just two hours. The approach is mild, understated, low-profile, subtle and nuanced. Much room, space and thought are left to the viewers. The direction is simply super smart.

The cinematography is extraordinary, with some surprising long shots, close-ups and beautiful shots from tight angles. The editing is speechless, connecting numerous scenes just seamlessly. Not a single minute is wasted, and the film is largely intense and arresting. Together with the brilliant performances from the ensemble cast, the result is a satisfying and deeply affecting drama on lower class in Japan.