Shoplifters (Eng Sub)

About Shoplifters (Eng Sub)

The acclaimed 2018 film, Shoplifters, is a Japanese drama directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda. It tells the tale of a non-biological family that relies heavily on shoplifting to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Despite living in poverty and resorting to petty theft, they find joy and contentment in each other's companionship.

Making / Production

Directed by the renowned Hirokazu Kore-eda, Shoplifters was filmed in Tokyo, Japan. Kore-eda, known for his meticulous and detailed storytelling, beautifully portrays the complexity of human relationships and societal norms through this film.

Actors

• Lily Franky as Osamu Shibata: He plays the role of the patriarch who teaches the children shoplifting. Franky delivers a heartfelt performance, showcasing clever charm under his character's rough exterior.
• Ando Sakura as Nobuyo Shibata: Sakura, acting as the mother, provides a strong emotional core for the movie as she navigates the difficult circumstances her family faces.
• Matsuoka Mayu as Aki Shibata: Mayu's character brings a sense of youthfulness and naiveté, providing a contrasting perspective to the more seasoned shoplifters.
• Kairi Jō as Shota Shibata: Shota, portrayed by Kairi Jō, plays the young prodigy, juggling between childhood innocence and a confusing moral compass.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Director Hirokazu Kore-eda wrote the script inspired by real events covered in the news.
• The house used in the film was built from scratch at a vacant lot, designed carefully to depict a space lived in for years.
• The film became Japan's official submission for the Best Foreign Language category at the 91st Academy Awards.

Awards

Shoplifters gained much critical acclaim and won the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Japanese film to do so since 1997. It was also nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "Sometimes it's better to choose your own family."
• "Shoplifting is criminal, but what about a society that allows its children to go hungry?"

Music, Soundtrack

• The score composed by Haruomi Hosono provides a perfect emotional backdrop, highlighting the film's poignant moments.
• The ambient sounds successfully emulate the gritty reality of lives on the outskirts of society, strengthening the film's immersive feel.