By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 5 cats
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Starring: Kirin Kiki | Lily Franky | Mayu Matsuoka | Sakura Andô
Original language title: Manbiki Kazoku
Country: japan
Year: 2018
Running time: 121
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8075192/reference
Chris says: “Naming a favorite film by Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda is like doing the same for his closest progenitor, Yasujiro Ozu–nearly impossible, given their tendencies to revisit and refine themes of domesticity and humanism while maintaining a higher-than-average consistency. SHOPLIFTERS may have finally won Kore-eda the Palme d’Orat Cannes this year, but I could name at least three earlier titles of his equally deserving of the prize.
“This film hews most closely to one of those three, NOBODY KNOWS, in its focus on an impoverished family; only here, it includes adults and children and stretches the notion of what a”family” is. With that in mind, SHOPLIFTERS explores the concept of give and take and how illegal activities such as the titular past time are weighed against both their moral implications and whether or not they serve the greater good. You sense Kore-eda sincerely pushing for the latter but also keeping in mind the former’s importance, which is what makes the film so heartbreaking once its increasingly precarious house of cards begins to topple.
“SHOPLIFTERS’ seemingly effortless look at the human condition via fully recognizable, relatable characters and situations is one of its most admirable qualities. The cast is typically solid for a Kore-eda picture; the standout, as usual, is Kirin Kiki as the family matriarch–her character arc here is especially poignant, given the actress’s recent passing. But there’s so much to love about this film, not least of which is its kindhearted but fair depiction of how ordinary, flawed people attempt to survive. On occasion, they may even seek solace in each other; arguably, the real tragedy occurs when everyone is unable or unwilling to reciprocate. 5 cats”
Brett says: “SHOPLIFTERS is a film that offers some unusual circumstances and improbable plot devices that gel so well that we end up finding paradoxical truths attached to the unlikely. At its core is a struggle from a family to make ends meet. The definition of “family” is at the heart of the film, however, as the struggle of a couple who shoplifts to make ends meet extends itself to a troubled teen, a young boy, and an elder in the last stages of life. To maximize the humanity and attachment to the characters, this group effort takes on an extra sentimental dimension when an abused little girl is welcomed into the fold. There have been many films that feature the ‘haves’ versus the ‘have nots,’ but there is an extra auteuresque fingerprint left on the narrative here that feels unlike any of the class struggle films yet released. The understated nature of the microcosm that makes up the central ‘family’ in the film is quite poetic as it relates to the bigger picture that we might find outside our own windows and around the world as well. Questions about the meaning of family and the unconventional realignment of modern morality really hover over the plot at every turn. It’s avoidance of being too “preachy” allows the viewer to experience both the plight and the daily minor victories of the characters without feeling obligated to feel attached to them. It’s an authentic approach that stands out at one of the year’s best.”
Michael says: “Holy Cow! That Hirokazu Koreeda never misses a beat. His films are consistently works of such craft and heart that it’s hard to believe. He rarely misses the very high expectations I have for his work, and in some cases, like SHOPLIFTERS, his latest American release, he surpasses them. Koreeda loves to explore family, what it means, and the intricate structures that form it. In SHOPLIFTERS, he really takes a look at the families we choose as opposed to the families we are born into. The extended family that we meet in SHOPLIFTERS takes a little while to understand, and it isn’t until the denouement of the film that he reveals everything. For much of the film I enjoyed the little moments that this unorthodox, down-on-their-luck, but generally happy family share. Then as the truth is revealed, the emotional wallop Koreeda serves us is shattering.
“Written and directed by Koreeda, the screenplay in incredibly intricate, well-paced, and emotional. The characters are lovingly drawn, and it’s a big family of six. Each has their moment, and the relationships between all of them are explored. The direction is incredibly strong as well, with gorgeous shots, beautiful echoes, and together, the writing and directing truly elevate this film to amazing heights. Then add to that the powerful acting, particularly Sakura Andô, as Nobuyo, is stellar. Kirin Kiki, last year’s winner of the BestSupporting Actress award for AFTER THE STORM, puts in another beautiful performance in SHOPLIFTERS. Kiki regretfully passed away this year.
“SHOPLIFTERS is playing this week at the Coolidge Corner Theatre inBrookline, so if you have a chance here, or wherever you live, please don’t miss it. I think it’s my top film of the year so far. 5 cats”
Marilyn says: “Great show…fun…lots of heart. I loved it. Best foreign language film I think.”