“Shoplifters,” directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a poignant film that explores the complexities of family and survival on the margins of Japanese society. The movie follows a makeshift family living in poverty who resort to shoplifting to make ends meet, raising questions about morality, love, and societal norms.
Metaphor
Movie Scene Example Opening shoplifting scene The act of shoplifting itself serves as a metaphor for the family’s struggle to survive in a society that has abandoned them. Final scene at the beach The beach represents freedom and the fleeting nature of happiness in their lives.
Symbolism
Movie Scene Example Yuri’s scar The scar on Yuri’s body symbolizes the trauma and abuse she has suffered, as well as the hidden scars of each family member. The house The dilapidated house symbolizes the fragility and impermanence of their family unit.
Irony
Movie Scene Example Shoplifting Christmas presents The irony of stealing gifts to celebrate a holiday traditionally associated with generosity and family. Shota’s arrest Shota’s capture ironically leads to the revelation of their true identities and the dismantling of the family.
Foreshadowing
Movie Scene Example Early discussion about family ties Conversations hint at the non-biological nature of the family, foreshadowing later revelations. Shota’s reluctance to shoplift Shota’s hesitation signals his growing moral awareness and foreshadows his eventual decision to get caught.
Flashback
Movie Scene Example Osamu and Nobuyo’s past Flashbacks reveal their reasons for forming the unconventional family. Yuri’s past Flashbacks to Yuri’s abusive household provide context for her integration into the new family.
Motif
Movie Scene Example Food sharing Repeated scenes of sharing food highlight the theme of familial bonds and care. Whispering secrets Characters often whisper secrets to each other, emphasizing trust and intimacy within the family.
Allegory
Movie Scene Example Family outings The family’s outings can be seen as an allegory for their quest for happiness and normalcy. Yuri’s adoption Represents society’s neglect and the hidden kindness in marginalized communities.
Juxtaposition
Movie Scene Example Their cramped home vs. cityscape The contrast between their small, cluttered home and the expansive city highlights their marginalization. The warm family moments vs. their crimes The warmth of their family life juxtaposed with their criminal activities underscores their complex morality.
Allusion
Movie Scene Example References to fairy tales The story of Yuri being taken in parallels classic tales of lost children finding new families. Cultural allusions to Japanese society The film references societal issues in Japan, such as poverty and child neglect.
Paradox
Movie Scene Example Loving thievesThe paradox of the family being loving and caring yet engaging in theft. Yuri’s new life Yuri is safer in an environment that society deems criminal, highlighting the paradox of societal norms.
Osamu
Literary Device Explanation Irony Osamu is portrayed as a loving father figure despite his criminal activities, highlighting the irony of his character. Symbolism His injuries and struggles symbolize the sacrifices he makes for his makeshift family.
Nobuyo
Literary Device Explanation Metaphor Nobuyo’s actions and decisions serve as metaphors for the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. Flashback Her backstory, revealed through flashbacks, explains her motivations and deepens her character.
Shota
Literary Device Explanation Foreshadowing Shota’s moral dilemmas foreshadow his eventual decision to break away from the family. Juxtaposition Shota’s innocence is contrasted with his involvement in crime, highlighting his inner conflict .
Aki
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism Aki’s work in a peep show symbolizes her quest for identity and connection. Allegory Her relationship with the family allegorizes the search for belonging in a disconnected society.
Yuri
Literary Device Explanation Allegory Yuri’s integration into the family represents the search for safety and acceptance. Symbolism Her scars and silence symbolize her past trauma and the healing process.
Character Dynamics
The relationships between characters in “Shoplifters” drive the narrative and underscore its themes. Osamu and Nobuyo’s partnership shows a united front in the face of adversity, while Shota’s evolving moral compass creates tension and ultimately leads to his pivotal decision to expose their reality. Aki and Yuri’s bond highlights themes of care and protection against societal neglect.
Family and Belonging
Literary Device Explanation Symbolism The house symbolizes the fragile nature of their constructed family. Motif Repeated scenes of shared meals emphasize the theme of chosen family.
Poverty and Survival
Literary Device Explanation Metaphor Shoplifting as a metaphor for the family’s struggle to survive. Irony The loving environment of the family juxtaposed with their criminal activities.
Morality and Ethics
Visual and Sound Techniques
Literary Device Technique Explanation Symbolism Lighting The use of dim lighting in their home symbolizes their hidden lives. Irony Music The cheerful music during shoplifting scenes highlights the ironic contrast between their actions and the festive mood .
Opening Shoplifting Scene
YouTube Link: Shoplifters Opening Scene (verify link before using)
Scene Breakdown: The opening scene where Osamu and Shota shoplift sets the tone for the movie. The act of shoplifting is depicted with almost a routine casualness, introducing the audience to their way of life and the film’s central metaphor of survival.
Beach Scene
YouTube Link: Shoplifters Beach Scene (verify link before using)
Scene Breakdown: The beach scene at the end symbolizes freedom and a brief moment of happiness, contrasting with their difficult reality. The natural sound of waves and open space visually and aurally emphasizes the theme of fleeting joy.
Interactive Quiz
What literary device is used when Shota hesitates to shoplift?
Which theme is highlighted through the motif of food sharing?
A) Poverty and Survival
B) Family and Belonging
C) Morality and Ethics
D) Social Critique
What does the dilapidated house symbolize?
A) Wealth
B) Power
C) Fragility of the family unit
D) Isolation
How is irony depicted in the shoplifting of Christmas presents?
A) Through the use of lighting
B) By contrasting the act with the holiday’s traditional values
C) Through sound design
D) By the characters’ dialogue
