Shoplifters (2018)

A family of small-time crooks take in a child they find outside in the cold.

Director:

Hirokazu Koreeda

Writers:

Hirokazu Koreeda (original story), Hirokazu Koreeda (screenplay)

Stars:

Lily Franky, Sakura Andô, Mayu Matsuoka

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 22 wins & 58 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lily Franky	...	Osamu Shibata
Sakura Andô	...	Nobuyo Shibata
Mayu Matsuoka	...	Aki Shibata
Jyo Kairi	...	Shota Shibata
Miyu Sasaki	...	Yuri Hojo
Sôsuke Ikematsu	...	4 ban-san
Yûki Yamada
Moemi Katayama
Daisuke Kuroda
Kazuaki Shimizu
Izumi Matsuoka
Katsuya Maiguma
Hajime Inoue
Aju Makita
Akira Emoto

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 young girl. The reasons for the family's habit and their motivations come under the microscope.

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Plot Keywords:

family relationships | poverty | boy | husband wife relationship | theft | 

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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:

Filmnegah.com (Persian) Official Site [Japan]

Country:

Japan

Language:

Japanese

Release Date:

23 November 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Shoplifters

Filming Locations:

Japan

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$89,264, 25 November 2018, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,044,337, 17 January 2019

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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Quotes

Nobuyo Shibata: If someone hits you and tells you they are doing it because they love you, they are a liar.
[Hugging Yuri]
Nobuyo Shibata: This is what someone does when they love you.

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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.