It Doesn't Matter If You Can't See the Fireworks, What Matters Is Who You Watch Them With
Shoplifters tells the joys and sorrows of a strange and warm reconstituted family, reflecting the problems of Japanese society where the elderly have no one to rely on, mid-life crisis, problem girls, and stray children. This film can resonate globally because the problems it reflects are not only Japan’s problems, but also common problems in every country, which are situations that every one of us has to face.
Everyone in the Shoplifters family is not morally perfect, and cheating, abducting, and stealing are part of daily life. Moral flaws and poverty are not the main factors hindering happiness. Family indifference, gender discrimination, and domestic violence are the original sins that force everyone to flee their original families. The reason why Shoplifters family members can get together is not money as Aki said, but “I understand you” as Osamu said. Everyone has found belonging in the family.
Although the Shoplifters family is poor, the family is happy and harmonious, and the world inside the hut is always full of laughter. Grandma Hatsue mends clothes for little granddaughter Yuri while answering questions for eldest granddaughter Aki, Dad performs magic tricks for Shota and Yuri, and Mom Nobuyo prepares dinner for the family, and the picture is warm and harmonious. The area of the hut may be small, the food may not be rich, the principles Grandma talks about may have been heard for a long time, and Dad’s magic may not be very clever, but none of these matter, what matters is that we are a family. Sitting together under the porch after dinner to watch fireworks, although the surrounding high-rise buildings block the view and only the sound of fireworks blooming can be heard, but this does not matter, what matters is who you watch it with.
Everyone will have growing pains, beautiful clothes, sexual ignorance, love, workplace pressure, and aging appearance. The troubles themselves are not important, and it does not matter whether the troubles are solved or not. What matters is that someone is willing to listen to your troubles.
When external forces invade the family, when the internal balance is broken, and when the weakest part of the heart is eroded, people may doubt family affection. But when the outside noise dissipates, the inner voice will tell you what is most worth cherishing. The strong heart cultivated by feelings is enough to withstand all external blows. A person with a strong heart can be defeated, but never knocked down.
Published at: Sep 26, 2025 · Modified at: Dec 11, 2025
