"Its strangely gentle and yet there's this real grit and underlining darkness behind it." Yup, that's Kore-eda all right. He has this way of making really cutting and honest humane films that can be both sweet and emotionally gratifying but without any cheap sentimentality. He really is a master. I'm hoping he really catches on so some of his earlier films get bluray releases here in the US.
I don't think I've ever seen a film where I liked the characters more than this one. The performances by the cast were great and the characters themselves where so believable and heartwarming to watch interact together that I felt like I could have watched their family dynamic for hours. One scene that particularly hit me is the one where the 'mother' is explaining to lin/juri "If they hit you then it was not your fault. If they hit you and said it was because they love you then they were lying. If they loved you they would do this, (embraces her) if they loved you they would do this.". Christ, that scene had me in a puddle on the floor.
Yeah same I sobbed after seeing Lin go back to her terrible parents, the Dad trying to make Shato let him go for his own good, and the mom going to jail selflessly...so much snot yikes. But also I fell in love with the characters I think on the 10 min mark or less, such amazing craftsmanship by the cinematographer, actors, writer & director.
@@whiistlingwinds I absolutely love your comments on this magnificent film!!! Though not having much dialogue throughout the movie, little Miyu Sasaki's character Yuri/Lin said so much with her eyes and facial expressions. I loved these characters so much. That scene with Sakura Ando and Sasaki Miyu's characters, when she explains what simple things people can do to express love is so heartwrenchingly beautiful, that I just cried like a baby😪. I love your comments on the film💖. Thank You🥰.
I agree wholeheartedly. Saw the film last night. Absolute masterpiece. Deeply affecting. The scene which you mentioned got to me too. I replayed that portion at least three times.
Saw it today, didn't know anything about the director or cast. Blown away by it to be honest. It is a film that moves very gently almost creeps from scene to scene and then whacks you with the enormity of its story. A part of japanese society laid bare. Must be seen
Great review by Kermode. I just finished Shoplifters and it floored me. Utterly brilliant from Koreeda yet again. The last 30 minutes are some of the most gutwrenchingly beautiful cinema minutes I have seen for years.
This movie broke my heart. I mean, the end....WOW! I never would have thought of something like that! It shook me so hard. It just...man, I cried so hard. A brilliant, absolutely BRILLIANT film!
Koreeda is one of my favorite filmakers working today and one of the most under known sadly, even among movie lovers he's nopt very well known. I always recommend his movies, they're for the soul. Can't wait to watch this.
Great review of a fabulous film. I just saw this on TV having seen Parasite at the movies a few days ago. I loved and was richly entertained by Parasite. Shoplifters is more grounded in reality and is incredibly moving., I think it is a wonderful film. I feel very privileged to be able to see films from around the world that are so well written and acted.
Magnificent film from beginning to end. I have been following Kore-eda's films for years, made a special trip to Boston just to see this one. Once watched, it resides in the psyche for quite a while.
Being a relatively poor student (and cheap) is this a good jumping on point for watching Koreeda's films? Can't find his earlier work (legally) and have heard that this is his best one thus far.
Does your library or school use Hoopla or Kanopy? I Wish, After the Storm and The Third Murder are all on Hoopla and After the Storm is also on Kanopy and Amazon Prime. And Maborosi is on Fandor. (US streaming availability that is) Shoplifters seems to be in line with a lot of his other family and children oriented dramas (which is a large part of his work) so I would think it's a solid starting point. I think Still Walking and After Life are his best personally, but I also love Our Little Sister which usually isn't considered a top film of his (but it's a real beauty). But to be honest I wouldn't fault someone from picking most of his filmography as their favorite; Nobody Knows, Maborosi, Like Father Like Son, and After the Storm are all fantastic as well. Really, just check out what you can when you can. After Life, Air Doll, Hana, and The Third Murder are kind of outliers of his work but I still think they're pretty solid (Hana being his weakest film) and like I said, After Life is one of my favorites, though I haven't ever had the chance to see Distance.
@@thetramp123 Thanks a lot for this thoughtful comment, I will spare it. I live in Europe, so I don't have most of those streaming services or programs, but if there's a will, there's a way.
I'd say, yes this is a good place to start on Koreeda, it is like synthesis of what his films are about, themes, style, characters, well, maybe he's looking at the concep of what constitute a family from a different point that what he has done before and for that I'd suggest to watch Still Walking (to me, his absolute best), Nobody Knows and Our Little Sister after Shoplifters, to see different angles of what's a family, and in a way is like Mike Leigh, he uses the same actors most of the time. His earlier work is more "experimental" so to speak, they're not so intimate, same themes but a broader approach . I think some of them were released under Curzon or Artificial Eye labels, if don't, download them
I'd only seen one of his other films and I loved this one so I'd say so yeah. I don't know if they have MUBI where you are but they've got a few on there and I'm pretty sure they do a free trial so that could be a way to do it.
Roma’s a bit more simple narratively and obviously technically more impressive but I find Shoplifters a lot more moving. Cold War’s about as good as either of them to me
As Asian dysfunctional family films go, forget that vastly over-rated Parasite, 'Shoplifters' is far superior. In Parasite you have no feelings for the characters at all, unlike 'Shoplifters', where the characters make you emotionally involved! A spot on review by Mark Kermode!
Hey Mark, there's a bunch of young dudes trying to drop some shade about you on their channel, I think you should head over there and let them know what's what! They're called Special Moves, video game reviews, discussions and stuff.
I just walked out of it 1 hour in. I've never walked out of a movie. Absolute rubbish and waste of money. They could have cut filming time by up to 45 minutes. Still rubbish though. I don't understand why people are raving about it!?!
its quite a subtle film and as Kermode said, its as much what they don't say as what they do say and there is a lot of, not vagueness exactly, but it's a movie that doesn't tell you what's going on, it shows you. You have to be drawn into it to be able to care enough about the characters to pay close attention and enjoy the great acting and dialog. Also, it's essentially a movie that has murder, family breakups, child abuse and neglect and child kidnapping and petty crime, so you can't exactly say it doesn't have any heavy themes. All of these themes are looked at in a realistic way but not dwelt on or done over the top or in your face. You're probably more of an explosions, superheros, meaningless plot and 2D character kid of girl. Nothing too taxing on the old brain cell and there's nothing wrong with that. To each his own. You should probably stay away from foreign movies and film festival winners in the future. You'll likely find them all to be "absolute rubbish" and a waste of money.
@@lbe your lack of constructive criticism made me think you were young. All u really specified was that it was too long which I didn't feel at all. If u cut 45 mins off it would be 1:15 minutes which would have made it impossible to fit in all the themes and character development as well as the denumon
"Its strangely gentle and yet there's this real grit and underlining darkness behind it."
Yup, that's Kore-eda all right. He has this way of making really cutting and honest humane films that can be both sweet and emotionally gratifying but without any cheap sentimentality. He really is a master. I'm hoping he really catches on so some of his earlier films get bluray releases here in the US.
The shot of grandma on the beach was especially stunning as she was reflecting on her life and seeing the kids just having fun
I don't think I've ever seen a film where I liked the characters more than this one. The performances by the cast were great and the characters themselves where so believable and heartwarming to watch interact together that I felt like I could have watched their family dynamic for hours.
One scene that particularly hit me is the one where the 'mother' is explaining to lin/juri "If they hit you then it was not your fault. If they hit you and said it was because they love you then they were lying. If they loved you they would do this, (embraces her) if they loved you they would do this.". Christ, that scene had me in a puddle on the floor.
Yeah same I sobbed after seeing Lin go back to her terrible parents, the Dad trying to make Shato let him go for his own good, and the mom going to jail selflessly...so much snot yikes. But also I fell in love with the characters I think on the 10 min mark or less, such amazing craftsmanship by the cinematographer, actors, writer & director.
@@whiistlingwinds I absolutely love your comments on this magnificent film!!! Though not having much dialogue throughout the movie, little Miyu Sasaki's character Yuri/Lin said so much with her eyes and facial expressions. I loved these characters so much. That scene with Sakura Ando and Sasaki Miyu's characters, when she explains what simple things people can do to express love is so heartwrenchingly beautiful, that I just cried like a baby😪. I love your comments on the film💖. Thank You🥰.
@@whiistlingwinds Sakura Ando should have won the Academy Award for her performance. She was magnificent!!!
Gerald Pribula yes she was increíble.
I agree wholeheartedly. Saw the film last night. Absolute masterpiece. Deeply affecting. The scene which you mentioned got to me too. I replayed that portion at least three times.
Saw it today, didn't know anything about the director or cast.
Blown away by it to be honest.
It is a film that moves very gently almost creeps from scene to scene and then whacks you with the enormity of its story.
A part of japanese society laid bare.
Must be seen
All of this director's films are worth a look. I would especially recommend Still Walking, Like Father Like Son and Our Little Sister.
Great review by Kermode. I just finished Shoplifters and it floored me. Utterly brilliant from Koreeda yet again. The last 30 minutes are some of the most gutwrenchingly beautiful cinema minutes I have seen for years.
left the theatre quietly crying/sobbing, bahaha. it really is so special...and tore at my heart and brain
I cried like a baby lol
This movie broke my heart. I mean, the end....WOW! I never would have thought of something like that! It shook me so hard. It just...man, I cried so hard. A brilliant, absolutely BRILLIANT film!
Koreeda is one of my favorite filmakers working today and one of the most under known sadly, even among movie lovers he's nopt very well known. I always recommend his movies, they're for the soul.
Can't wait to watch this.
It was released on Hulu!
Great review of a fabulous film. I just saw this on TV having seen Parasite at the movies a few days ago. I loved and was richly entertained by Parasite. Shoplifters is more grounded in reality and is incredibly moving., I think it is a wonderful film. I feel very privileged to be able to see films from around the world that are so well written and acted.
One one my favourite movies of the year!
of all time !!!!!
Me too. 😊
the last minute of this video where he talked about what cinema should be is absolutely perfect
Watched it now. Absolutely brilliant. One of my top 5 this year.
What's the rest of your top 5? Just curious, because I just saw this film and it's easily my number 1.
Every one of Koreeda’s movies breaks my heart. The man is a genius
Just saw shoplifters today. It is truly excellent. Great review once more Mark!!
Magnificent film from beginning to end. I have been following Kore-eda's films for years, made a special trip to Boston just to see this one. Once watched, it resides in the psyche for quite a while.
Looking forward to seeing it tonight.
This film is absolutely astonishingly beautiful!
Saw the movie last night. Absolute masterpiece. Deeply affecting.
Koreeda is one of my favourite directors of all time. After Life is the best film of the 90s.
Perfect film. Amazingly well acted. Ending is heartbreaking, saddest thing I've seen in years.
And now I want to watch After Life again ...
I adore After Life!
Only saw this yesterday. Reminded me a lot of Room. Which wad also pretty special. Shoplifters is one of the films of the year.
It kinda sounds like Tokyo Godfathers, I'm sure I'll love Shoplifting
That's exactly what I thought. Both are great.
well i guess you could say that in some ways
Film of the year.
So true. I don't get how everybody isn't raving about this as being the best film of the year. It's so beautiful.
Just got home from seeing this, it’s truly terrific!
I'll go and see this one, based on that review. Very interesting.
Absolutely beautiful film. Definite contender for my favourite film of the year.
I can't believe I still haven't seen this movie, I already knew I would love it but after hearing this review I know I will love it even more 😄
It’s a happy day when he drops another movie.
Being a relatively poor student (and cheap) is this a good jumping on point for watching Koreeda's films? Can't find his earlier work (legally) and have heard that this is his best one thus far.
Does your library or school use Hoopla or Kanopy? I Wish, After the Storm and The Third Murder are all on Hoopla and After the Storm is also on Kanopy and Amazon Prime. And Maborosi is on Fandor. (US streaming availability that is)
Shoplifters seems to be in line with a lot of his other family and children oriented dramas (which is a large part of his work) so I would think it's a solid starting point. I think Still Walking and After Life are his best personally, but I also love Our Little Sister which usually isn't considered a top film of his (but it's a real beauty). But to be honest I wouldn't fault someone from picking most of his filmography as their favorite; Nobody Knows, Maborosi, Like Father Like Son, and After the Storm are all fantastic as well. Really, just check out what you can when you can. After Life, Air Doll, Hana, and The Third Murder are kind of outliers of his work but I still think they're pretty solid (Hana being his weakest film) and like I said, After Life is one of my favorites, though I haven't ever had the chance to see Distance.
@@thetramp123 Thanks a lot for this thoughtful comment, I will spare it.
I live in Europe, so I don't have most of those streaming services or programs, but if there's a will, there's a way.
Illegally download them, you big goof.
I'd say, yes this is a good place to start on Koreeda, it is like synthesis of what his films are about, themes, style, characters, well, maybe he's looking at the concep of what constitute a family from a different point that what he has done before and for that I'd suggest to watch Still Walking (to me, his absolute best), Nobody Knows and Our Little Sister after Shoplifters, to see different angles of what's a family, and in a way is like Mike Leigh, he uses the same actors most of the time. His earlier work is more "experimental" so to speak, they're not so intimate, same themes but a broader approach . I think some of them were released under Curzon or Artificial Eye labels, if don't, download them
I'd only seen one of his other films and I loved this one so I'd say so yeah. I don't know if they have MUBI where you are but they've got a few on there and I'm pretty sure they do a free trial so that could be a way to do it.
It's a phenomenal film thank you for reviewing
I finished watching this today. I thought it was lovely!
Can't wait to see this! Kore-Eda is brilliant
Which is the best movie of the year, "Roma" or "Shoplifters"?
I liked shoplifters a lot more.
BURNING is also a great film
@@JLamstudio I've heard a lot of good things about "Burning".
Roma’s a bit more simple narratively and obviously technically more impressive but I find Shoplifters a lot more moving. Cold War’s about as good as either of them to me
@@GiantSandles Thanks for your opinion.
Absolutely loved it.
Are you all ever gonna upload full shows here again? I find the podcasts a little baggy with the incessant listener anecdotes unrelated to film.
excited to see this!
This sounds very interesting indeed.
As Asian dysfunctional family films go, forget that vastly over-rated Parasite, 'Shoplifters' is far superior. In Parasite you have no feelings for the characters at all, unlike 'Shoplifters', where the characters make you emotionally involved! A spot on review by Mark Kermode!
(gloriously praises the film for 5 minutes)
and I thought it was really good...
This movie is a masterpiece
I love it
Hey Mark, there's a bunch of young dudes trying to drop some shade about you on their channel, I think you should head over there and let them know what's what!
They're called Special Moves, video game reviews, discussions and stuff.
KORE EDA CORAZON
I just walked out of it 1 hour in. I've never walked out of a movie. Absolute rubbish and waste of money. They could have cut filming time by up to 45 minutes. Still rubbish though. I don't understand why people are raving about it!?!
Green Ladybug probably because it’s a very real piece of art that people relate to. Sorry you didn’t get the same experience out of it
@@chachi9257 Lol. Sorry, I thought art was subjective. I didn't realise I had to follow popular opinion. Oh, it was delightful and so arty!
its quite a subtle film and as Kermode said, its as much what they don't say as what they do say and there is a lot of, not vagueness exactly, but it's a movie that doesn't tell you what's going on, it shows you. You have to be drawn into it to be able to care enough about the characters to pay close attention and enjoy the great acting and dialog. Also, it's essentially a movie that has murder, family breakups, child abuse and neglect and child kidnapping and petty crime, so you can't exactly say it doesn't have any heavy themes. All of these themes are looked at in a realistic way but not dwelt on or done over the top or in your face. You're probably more of an explosions, superheros, meaningless plot and 2D character kid of girl. Nothing too taxing on the old brain cell and there's nothing wrong with that. To each his own. You should probably stay away from foreign movies and film festival winners in the future. You'll likely find them all to be "absolute rubbish" and a waste of money.
@@BreezyE-d3n Awww... it's just that I prefer Ozu and Zhang Yimou. Hahaha... but I'll take that as a compliment that you think I'm that young 😘
@@lbe your lack of constructive criticism made me think you were young. All u really specified was that it was too long which I didn't feel at all. If u cut 45 mins off it would be 1:15 minutes which would have made it impossible to fit in all the themes and character development as well as the denumon