Shoplifters, though on the slower side, will definitely endure as a classic film about family.
Writer & Director Hirokazu Koreeda's portrayal of a family with a difference, marginals, holding down lowly poorly paid jobs, surviving by shoplifting, living on their wits, but when they take in a newcomer to their heart, the story unfolds. What follows is almost a utopic vision of family life, especially perhaps the idyllic outing to the seaside.
Director Hirokazu Koreeda uses lots of close-ups where the profound humanity and truth of the characters rises to the surface of their faces. The effect overall is that of a stage play; there is a wonderful closeness or intimacy about this film on every level, physical and emotional. But there is much more to these marginalised characters and their relationships than is readily apparent. After the boy, Shota, is caught shoplifting their lives and stories begin to unravel in a surprising way altogether.
Cinematography is pristinely good, especially the lowly placed shots. Screenplay is slow, but has a soul on its and the story blooms through its characters. Though a little bit on the lengthy side, editing is wonderfully crafted. Production design, costumes and makeup are brilliant. Music is subtle and used sparingly. All the actors played their parts quite convincingly, none of them trying to out perform each other. In short, together they looked like a family.
Overall, Shoplifters is a clever and subversive film which asks profound questions about what makes a family, and what are the bonds that join us, while casting a wry eye on Japanese society. It is a film of immense tenderness compassion humanity and wisdom, which will not fail to move you. The film feels simultaneously hopeful and uplifting as well as harsh and depressing. The working class poor he depicts aren't cliched and downtrodden, They are bright and playful, canny and insightful, thoughtful and even philosophical. The movie will not be suitable to everyone, but for those who don't mind a slow burn, it is definitely worth a try. 7.3 stars out of 10 for bringing out several hidden themes & layers within.
Writer & Director Hirokazu Koreeda's portrayal of a family with a difference, marginals, holding down lowly poorly paid jobs, surviving by shoplifting, living on their wits, but when they take in a newcomer to their heart, the story unfolds. What follows is almost a utopic vision of family life, especially perhaps the idyllic outing to the seaside.
Director Hirokazu Koreeda uses lots of close-ups where the profound humanity and truth of the characters rises to the surface of their faces. The effect overall is that of a stage play; there is a wonderful closeness or intimacy about this film on every level, physical and emotional. But there is much more to these marginalised characters and their relationships than is readily apparent. After the boy, Shota, is caught shoplifting their lives and stories begin to unravel in a surprising way altogether.
Cinematography is pristinely good, especially the lowly placed shots. Screenplay is slow, but has a soul on its and the story blooms through its characters. Though a little bit on the lengthy side, editing is wonderfully crafted. Production design, costumes and makeup are brilliant. Music is subtle and used sparingly. All the actors played their parts quite convincingly, none of them trying to out perform each other. In short, together they looked like a family.
Overall, Shoplifters is a clever and subversive film which asks profound questions about what makes a family, and what are the bonds that join us, while casting a wry eye on Japanese society. It is a film of immense tenderness compassion humanity and wisdom, which will not fail to move you. The film feels simultaneously hopeful and uplifting as well as harsh and depressing. The working class poor he depicts aren't cliched and downtrodden, They are bright and playful, canny and insightful, thoughtful and even philosophical. The movie will not be suitable to everyone, but for those who don't mind a slow burn, it is definitely worth a try. 7.3 stars out of 10 for bringing out several hidden themes & layers within.