Synopsis

“The latest from Japanese master Hirokazu Kore-eda (Nobody Knows) begins with the mischief and intrigue of a heist movie, but Shoplifters is much more. Osamu (Lily Franky), a middle-aged man, and Shota (Kairi Jyo), a young boy, walk into a grocery store. They play it cool, not speaking but, rather, signalling to each other with their hands and eyes. One provides cover while the other snatches goods. They stroll out the door with a hidden bounty before anyone notices. Osamu and Shota then find four-year-old Juri (Miyu Sasaki) freezing on a balcony and take her back to their poor but happy home. And though Osamu’s wife doesn’t want another mouth to feed, any plans to return Juri to her parents are given the kibosh after signs of abuse are discovered on the little girl’s body. If they’re not demanding a ransom, how could this be a kidnapping?“ (Toronto International Film Festival)

Around The World in 14 Films 2018, presented by Edward Berger

Credits

+++ Berlin Premiere +++

Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Screenplay: Hirokazu Kore-eda
OT: Manbiki kazoku
Country: Japan 2018
Production: Aoi Pro. Inc.
Cast: Lily Franky, Sakura Ando, Mayu Matsuoka, Kirin Kiki, Kairi Jyo
Format: DCP / coulour
Length: 121 min.
Language: Japanese OV / German subtitles
Distribution Germany: Wild Bunch Germany
Festivals: Cannes, Sydney, Munich, Taipeh, Odessa, Melbourne, Telluride, Toronto, New York, Antalya etc.
Awards: Cannes Golden Palme, Munich ARRI/Osram, International Cinephile Society Awards, Antalya Best Director etc.

“Shoplifters” is Japan’s 2019 Oscar® Entry (“Best Foreign Language Film”).