Shoplifters

first introduction to kore-eda and well, a really pleasant film to start off with. the family dynamic presented in this film is definitely a strange one to explore, with this family living through poverty yet are seemingly happier than other families and marriages we see in the film. one would typically assume that the connections between the family members are ones that have been strengthened through adversity, however, with the final act of the film, we discover the superficial nature of this dynamic once the family face the consequences of actions made in the past. aki does point to it when her and osamu discussing what is the spark that keeps his marriage alive. i don’t think anything could have prepared me for the final 40 minutes of the film, it was honestly so saddening. as funny as the shoplifting scenes were, it really shows the desperation of us as humans, doing everything necessary to survive. i do find it interesting that they choose to involve both shota and yuri in these issues regarding the household’s welfare with the shoplifting, rather than choosing to protect the kids. somehow, the two felt comfort throughout most of the film. even from the house’s design, which is extremely cramped and run-down, there’s always an element of serenity during the scenes here, which is honestly beautiful if anything. touching film in many regards p.s. that scene where yuri was wiping away nobuyo’s tears oh my word my heart she is such an adorable kid