Review: Shoplifters (2018)

Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda

Starring: Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Kirin Kiki.

The plot follows a family that relies on shoplifting to cope with a life of poverty.

"Sometimes, It's better to choose your own family"

Catching up on all the foreign films nominated at the Academy Awards, so I decided to watch Hirokazu Kore-eda's Palm d'Or winning film Shoplifters. As expected, it was great.

The screenplay was crafted with heart and displays the harsh truth behind the lives of those who live in poverty in Japan. The film also displays the problem of child abuse in the nation. The direction was perfect, and Kore-eda has displayed his humanistic vision both in frame, and in his impressive screenplay. The characters were well-crafted and not forgettable. From the lazy father figure, to the want to be mother. The actors were perfect and their performances were both realistic and powerful. The film is joyful, touching, and heartbreaking.

The cinematography and camerawork was impressively done by Ryuto Kondo. The theme of both fatherhood and motherhood, is shown throughout the film, as the film leaves you with a bittersweet taste in your mouth with the impactful quote mentioned above. It is a slow burner film, but one that will touch your heart, similar to Roma, directed by Alfonso Cuaron.

While Shoplifters is incredible, I didn't feel as emotionally connected to the characters, as I did for the characters in Roma. Both films feel a lot similar in many ways, both are emotional slow-burners that are crafted with heart. There is no doubt, that Shoplifters deserves the Palm d'Or at Cannes Film Festival, as well as it's Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film (ultimately losing out to Cuaron's Roma). Although I am still disappointed Burning wasn't nominated. To which I have to admit that the foreign films last year were incredible, and were all deserving.

In conclusion, Shoplifters was great. A slow-burner that unveils the harsh reality of those living in poverty, while also being emotionally touching.

My rating: 9.0/10

#FilmReview #2018