Shoplifters (Japanese: Manbiki kazoku; direct translation “Shoplifting Family”) (2017)
Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
Watched: 3/19/19
Rating: 4/5
Koreeda’s back with his familiar family theme-
a family of misfits have kidnapped a girl they suspect is being abused.
To get by, they’ve enlisted the children in their scheme–
the self-chosen family of six benefits from the generous five-fingered discount!
Loving motives, but questionable means;
Unfit parents, according to Child Welfare Services.
Sentenced to years of incarceration- was it deserved or was it too extreme?
despite the poignantly heartfelt moments and marvelous performances,
pacing’s ineffectual, dull and superfluous parts, and ending’s a mixed unhappy-hopeful scene.