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Awix (3310 KP) rated Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazuko) (2018) in Movies

Dec 3, 2018 (Updated Dec 3, 2018)  
Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazuko) (2018)
Shoplifters (Manbiki Kazuko) (2018)
2018 | Drama
9
8.8 (4 Ratings)
Movie Rating
Got to admit, feels a bit odd to be giving a Palm d'Or winning film only a 9 out of 10, but you have to call them as you see them. A loving but totally amoral family make a living from various types of fraud and petty crime; when they find an abused child lives not far from them they end up benevolently and accidentally kidnapping her. Not one of those films which is really driven by plot (until close to the end, at least), but an examination of the idea of family and its importance at all levels of society.

A notably warm and non-judgemental film, no matter how bleak the subject matter may sound, driven along by understated storytelling and with excellent performances from the 'parents' of the shoplifter family. The compassion of the director towards all of the characters is palpable, even when they are at their worst (which can be pretty bad). If the film never completely resolves the moral ambiguities at its heart, then it is surely wholly intentional. Probably no-one's idea of mainstream entertainment, but a notably fine and moving film nevertheless.