「Shoplifters: A Deep Analysis of the Masterpiece Depicting the Bond of a Dysfunctional Family」

Shoplifters Overview
Firstly, Shoplifters is a Japanese film directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, released in 2018. In a sense, this film acts like a mirror.
The more you gaze into it, the more it encourages you to contemplate your own self. Alongside its hefty themes, you’ll be captivated by the delicate portrayal of a complex family and their humanity.
Plot
Shoplifters, a Japanese movie directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, stars notable actors such as Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, and child actors. The synopsis is as follows.
The story revolves around a family living in poverty. Their life is supported by actions unacceptable by societal norms, such as shoplifting and pension fraud. Yet, they live together, cherishing each other as a family.
One day, they find a girl freezing on the streets and take her home. She becomes a part of this family, but this action eventually leads to a significant trial for the family.
Shoplifters explore these themes through the daily life of a family that repeatedly deviates from social norms. Be careful if you haven’t seen the movie yet, as the following sections may contain spoilers.

Deep Analysis of the Screenplay
Let’s delve into the screenplay. Director Kore-eda intricately portrays the theme 「What is a family?」 in this film. He throws various questions to the audience, depicting a form of family formed not only by blood ties but by deep affection and understanding.
The characters become a 「family」 by understanding and supporting each other, forming the core of the narrative. However, the fact that these relationships are bound by illegal activities poses an ethical dilemma for the viewers.
Deep Analysis of the Acting
Next, let’s look at the acting. The performances by veteran actors like Lily Franky and Sakura Ando, along with the child actors, further enhance the reality of the story. In particular, the realistic acting of the children superbly depicts the underlying dysfunction and difficulties of the family.
Especially in the end, Lily Franky’s portrayal of the father figure is one of the highlights. His seemingly warm father figure hides the agony and despair towards the way he chose his family.

Deep Analysis of the Theme
The theme 「What is a family?」 provides an opportunity for many viewers to think about their own families. Director Kore-eda shows through this film that a family is formed not only by blood ties but by deep bonds and understanding. However, the fact that the family is bound by illegal activities poses an ethical dilemma to the audience.
Deep Analysis of the Camera Work
Director Kore-eda’s unique camera work is also a crucial element of this film. He skilfully uses close-ups and long shots to visually represent the gap between the family’s bond and the outside world. In particular, the depiction of landscapes reflecting the difficulty of life and close-ups capturing delicate emotional exchanges appeal directly to the audience’s emotions.

Conclusion and Question
「Shoplifters」 is an artistic work where various elements such as screenplay, acting, theme, and camera work merge. Each element intertwines with each other, providing the audience with deep emotion and posing questions about self and society.
Finally, let me throw a question at you.
How do you feel about the ethical dilemmas present in visual arts?
How has the image of the family depicted in 「Shoplifters」 influenced your understanding of 「family」?
Indeed, when we talk about films, the most important thing is 「how you felt」 .
More than someone’s reviews or a critic’s opinion, what matters most is what you felt and thought. Everyone, please share your thoughts in the comments.
By the way, isn’t it one of the joys of life to devour popcorn (especially caramel flavored) in front of the movie screen? That might be one of the reasons why I love films.

