Manbiki Kazoku Apr 2026

The film (released internationally as Shoplifters ) is a widely acclaimed 2018 Japanese drama directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda . It famously won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards . Plot Overview

: The audience is put in a position of empathizing with characters who are technically kidnappers and thieves, forcing a choice between legal morality and human compassion . Performances and Style

“Shoplifters is the story of a group of frightened, damaged people who have made common cause with each other... until they realise they have been making the worst of things.” The Guardian · 7 years ago Film Review: 'Shoplifters' (Manbiki Kazoku) - Variety Manbiki kazoku

The story follows a makeshift family of social outcasts living in a cramped home on the outskirts of Tokyo. They survive through a combination of low-wage work and a "pyramid scheme" of petty crimes, primarily shoplifting .

: The late legendary actress is "delightfully devilish" as the family’s wily matriarch. The film (released internationally as Shoplifters ) is

Critics from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter highly praised the naturalistic performances:

“Absolutely amazing, moving, thought provoking .... and depressing.” Godalming Film Society Performances and Style “Shoplifters is the story of

: The film’s tone shifts dramatically in the final act. An unforeseen incident leads the police to uncover the family’s secrets, revealing that their bonds are based on shared trauma and mutual benefit rather than blood . Critical Themes