10 Movies and Shows Similar to Shoplifters (2018)

Description: This film shares with 'Shoplifters' the theme of children left to fend for themselves in a neglectful society. Both movies portray the resilience of children in the face of adult failure, and both are deeply emotional, focusing on the bonds formed in unconventional family units. The naturalistic acting and understated direction are also similar.

Fact: 'Nobody Knows' is based on a true story known as the 'Sugamo child abandonment case'. The lead actor, Yuya Yagira, won the Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival at the age of 14, making him the youngest winner in that category. Director Hirokazu Kore-eda shot the film in chronological order to capture the children's natural development.

Description: Like 'Shoplifters', 'Tokyo Sonata' examines a family unraveling under economic pressures. Both films portray the breakdown of traditional family roles and the resilience of the human spirit. The directors share a similar approach to blending social commentary with deeply personal stories.

Fact: Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa is best known for his horror films, making this a departure from his usual genre. The film won the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize at Cannes. The climactic piano scene was performed live by the actor without CGI.

Description: Both 'Still Walking' and 'Shoplifters' are intimate family dramas that explore the complexities of familial relationships. Kore-eda's signature style of quiet, observational storytelling is evident in both films. They share a focus on everyday moments that reveal deep emotional truths and the tensions that lie beneath the surface of family life.

Fact: The film was inspired by Kore-eda's memories of his own mother. It was shot in the director's childhood home. The movie's title comes from a line in the Beatles' song 'Blue Jay Way'.

Description: This film shares with 'Shoplifters' a focus on children's perspectives and their imaginative ways of coping with difficult family situations. Both movies capture the innocence and wisdom of childhood with warmth and authenticity. The naturalistic child performances are a highlight in both.

Fact: The film's Japanese title translates to 'Miracle'. The child actors were encouraged to improvise much of their dialogue. The bullet train scenes were shot with actual passing trains, requiring precise timing.

Description: This film, like 'Shoplifters', questions what makes a family and explores the bonds between parents and children. Both movies deal with the theme of nature versus nurture and present morally complex situations without easy answers. Kore-eda's gentle yet incisive direction is a common thread.

Fact: The film won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. The child actors were not given full scripts to keep their reactions natural. The story was inspired by a real-life case of babies switched at birth in Japan.

Description: Sharing 'Shoplifters'' focus on non-traditional family structures, 'Our Little Sister' portrays the lives of three sisters who take in their half-sister after their father's death. Both films celebrate small, everyday moments and the quiet strength of familial love. The visual aesthetics are similarly warm and naturalistic.

Fact: The film is based on the manga 'Umimachi Diary' by Akimi Yoshida. It was shot in Kamakura, a coastal town near Tokyo known for its temples. The actresses playing the sisters lived together during filming to build chemistry.

Description: While not about family, 'Sweet Bean' shares with 'Shoplifters' a focus on marginalized characters forming meaningful connections. Both films find beauty in simple moments and ordinary people. The pacing and visual style are similarly contemplative and life-affirming.

Fact: The film's original title 'An' refers to the sweet red bean paste used in Japanese confections. Director Naomi Kawase is known for her documentary-like approach to fiction films. The elderly lead actress Kirin Kiki learned to make dorayaki (Japanese pancakes) for her role.

Description: While more of a legal drama than 'Shoplifters', this film shares Kore-eda's preoccupation with moral ambiguity and the search for truth. Both movies challenge the audience's perceptions of guilt and innocence. The restrained performances and deliberate pacing are characteristic of Kore-eda's style.

Fact: This marked Kore-eda's first venture into the crime genre. The film's courtroom scenes were shot in an actual courthouse. The script went through over 30 drafts as Kore-eda researched Japan's legal system.

Description: Like 'Shoplifters', 'Parasite' explores themes of class disparity and the struggles of a makeshift family trying to survive in a harsh society. Both films delve into the moral ambiguities of their characters and present a poignant critique of social inequality. The storytelling in both movies is subtle yet powerful, with a mix of humor and tragedy.

Fact: 'Parasite' is the first South Korean film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. The film also made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Director Bong Joon-ho drew inspiration from his own experiences tutoring children from wealthy families.

Description: This film, like 'Shoplifters', deals with flawed characters trying to do their best in difficult circumstances. Both movies explore themes of regret, redemption, and the complexities of parent-child relationships. The rainy, atmospheric settings in both films serve as metaphors for emotional states.

Fact: The film's title refers to both a literal typhoon and the emotional storms in the characters' lives. Kore-eda wrote the script with actor Hiroshi Abe specifically in mind. Many scenes were improvised to create a more natural feel.