Shoplifters is a 2018 Japanese drama that follows a mismatched family of crooks who' lives are completely changed when they find a little girl who sparks a new perspective on their lives. I honestly really enjoyed this movie. The concept of a bunch of misfits and thieves with a caring family dynamic was really intriguing for me. The acting was great and I was very invested in each character's storylines. The open ending was a great choice and I felt it was fitting to leave the interpretation up to the viewer. Overall, a very well developed film and would watch again. 5 Stars
@Ruby_Tuesday of the Hamilton Public Library's Teen Review Board

Funny, sad and heartwarming. This one stayed with me for days after viewing.

what comprises a family? genetics, circumstance, codependency, love? the answer is not straightforward in this movie. darker than some of koreeda's earlier works, his ability to find such natural and gifted children is quite amazing.

This is a very deep movie.

What seems at first like a close-knit family of semi-grifters struggling to make ends meet with signs of greater dysfunction around them quickly unravels into something else. Some aspects of this reminded me of Parasite, which is a more crafted/balanced film, but the family in Shoplifters just falls apart on its own. It's sad but you understand why it was inevitable and that's also the message in Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" (1958)

It was a dramatization of complex psychosocial issues, the consciously or unconsciously neglect of elderly and children and the money-and-social-status oriented society. It left the audience with unresolved problems and unanswered questions. However, it was interesting to watch the relationship between the adopted family members which became the focal point of this film.

Interesting film, good portrayal of the characters. Clearly showed the affection and bonds between the members of this alternative family.

I found this movie interesting but there were some things in the end that I am still confused about. Maybe it's the language difference.

I usually like Hirokazu Kore-eda's movies, but this one is very slow paced, unbelievable, and boring! It won awards? Really? Thumbs down.

~A topic that I've never seen addressed. A family formed by elder choice, bond, sans being blood. Are we who we are due to who raised us? Perhaps likely. A twisted, touching tale, with an ending that inquires "Who truly inspire's an individuals life? What is just, after witnessing the abuse of a child? Are parents that wish they never were, deserving of said title?" Love, affection, guidance & bonding is but one recipe for a family. Compelled to watch twice, just to further catch the tales twist's & turns performed by these talented actors. Give this one a shot, well worth watching.