In the outskirts of Tokyo, a poor but close-knit group living on the fringes of society survives through shoplifting and odd jobs. When Osamu and his son take in a neglected young girl, their already fragile existence begins to unravel. As the family grows attached to her, buried secrets surface, forcing them to confront the true meaning of love, belonging, and what makes a family.
In the bustling heart of Tokyo, a makeshift family of petty criminals survives by chance and necessity, relying on shoplifting and minor scams to make ends meet. When a crisis forces them to take in a young girl, their fragile existence is put to the test. Their unconventional bonds of love and loyalty are examined as the authorities begin to close in, questioning the true meaning of family and societal judgment.
Shoplifters received widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its poignant storytelling, nuanced performances, and empathetic exploration of poverty and human connection. It was praised for its moral ambiguity and its ability to evoke both warmth and unease, making it a standout film at the Cannes Film Festival.
Google audience: Audiences praised the film's powerful emotional impact, its realistic portrayal of characters often marginalized by society, and its sensitive handling of difficult themes. Many found the story deeply moving and the characters unforgettable, sparking discussions about morality and the nature of family.
Palme d'Or winner at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival; Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda drew inspiration for the film from real-life news reports of families living in poverty and engaging in shoplifting, aiming to portray their circumstances with empathy rather than judgment.
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