The premise of the film Shoplifters is a group of petty thieves (and as it turns out sex workers, murderers and kidnappers) form a family. Yet, can there be trust or honor among thieves? They are, after all, using each other (maybe exploiting each other) to make their lives better. Gramma scams her ex-husband's family and hides the fact that their daughter is a sex worker. Her housemates are willing to hide Gramma's death and bury her so they can continue to collect her pension. They are willing to run away and abandon Shota when he is captured by the police. Is the movie trying to justify their crimes or indict them? Is it telling us that crime doesn't pay? What is the film telling us about crime and community, about morality and family?
In Hirokazu Kore-eda's film "Shoplifters," the portrayal of a group of individuals forming a family raises thought-provoking questions about trust, honor, and the ethical boundaries within this unconventional family dynamic. While the characters engage in criminal activities like theft, sex work, murder, and kidnapping, the film does not simply justify their actions. Instead, it challenges viewers to ponder the intricate interplay between crime, morality, and the essence of family. The group's relationships are based on mutual exploitation, where each member leverages the others for personal gain, blurring the lines between genuine care and self-interest. For instance, the grandmother deceives her ex-husband's family for financial gain, while the housemates manipulate circumstances to continue receiving her pension after her death. Additionally, the family is quick to abandon one another when faced with the law, as seen when they flee and leave Shota behind upon his capture. Kore-eda's film doesn't explicitly condemn or condone the characters' actions. Instead, it skillfully navigates the complexities of their moral choices, prompting viewers to question societal norms surrounding crime, ethics, and familial bonds. The movie doesn't simplify the concept that "crime doesn't pay," but rather delves into the intertwined nature of criminality and community, highlighting the blurry morality behind their actions. It challenges the audience to reconsider conventional perceptions of right and wrong, urging a deeper exploration of the moral gray areas within familial connections and societal ethics. Ultimately, the film invites contemplation on the intricate relationships between crime, morality, and the concept of family itself.
ReplyDeleteThe movie does not explicitly justify or condemn the characters' crimes, but instead, invites viewers to question societal norms and conventional definitions of family and morality. The film showcases how the characters rely on each other to survive and improve their lives. For example, the “mother” tells Lin what it means to be truly loved. It also shows how one mistake can ruin the family and how they prioritize the whole over the individual. This is shown especially when Shota is caught and the family tries to abandon him. It is also shown by the basic fact of how the family makes the children shoplift in the first place. The characters' immoral actions, such as theft, deception, and even murder, are not presented as glamorous or heroic. Instead, they are depicted as desperate measures taken by individuals who face economic hardships and societal marginalization. The movie neither glorifies nor romanticizes these crimes but rather shows the consequences and emotional toll they have on the characters' lives. Especially when they get caught and the audience realizes just how deep they are. It also leaves the audience to decide how they feel about the crimes; if they can be justified or not. The film challenges the notion that crime always leads to punishment or that justice is always served. This is shown when Lin goes back to her abusive parents. It emphasizes the importance of human connection, compassion, and understanding within a family or community, even if it is formed by unconventional means. The movie seems to seek understanding of the characters from the audience possibly. "Shoplifters" questions the traditional notions of morality, family, and the boundaries of loyalty. The film's intention seems to be more focused on provoking thought and discussion rather than providing easy answers
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