Shoplifters

                This Japanese import was written and directed by famed Japanese filmmaker, Hirokasu Kore-eda. It is a soul stirring drama about a makeshift family of shoplifters living on the poverty line in Tokyo. While the "father and mother" have menial day jobs, they really get by shoplifting food and other necessities. They live with their young "son" Shota, another young woman, Aki and their "grandmother", Hatsue. 

                As the film begins Shota and his "father" discover a 5 year old girl, Yuri hiding near their building. A victim of abuse, they take her in, rename her and teach her the "family" business. The young actors who play Shota and Yuri are terrific considering it's their first time acting.

               Mr. Kore-eda juxtaposes the hard life of poverty with the warmth of this close knit makeshift family. The film can be heartbreaking and harsh at times but is also bittersweet, filled with a sense of humanity that bonds the "family" together. 

                The film moves slowly and deliberately through the mundane day to day lives of these people. Too slow maybe for some, but once you find the rhythm of the story, the pace should no longer be a concern.  The humanistic nature of the film will shine through.