Kino Kuutamo: Shoplifters – Free Mondays

The heartbreaking film, which won the Grand Prize at the Cannes Festival, tells the story of a family of petty criminals who adopt an abandoned little girl.

Film history expert, PhD Harri Kilpi will introduce the film of the evening at 5-5:45 pm. After the introduction, the free screening of the film begins at 6 pm. The autumn 2024 Kino Kuutamo film series explores family dynamics.

Osamu is on one of his usual shoplifting rounds with his son when, by chance, they meet an abandoned girl, who’s shivering in the cold. They adopt her and make her part of their family. Even though they are poor with nothing to spare, things are still all right – the warm affection is palpable. Until an unexpected event exposes the family's secrets and puts their life together to the test.

Hirokazu Kore-eda is one of Japan's most respected contemporary directors, whose films include Our Little Sister, Broker and most recently, Monster. Shoplifters is his international breakthrough. The film was awarded the Golden Palm at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and was Japan's official Oscar nominee.

"How is a family born? Great, sparse and realistic – Shoplifters will change how you think.“★★★★★Leena Virtanen / Helsingin Sanomat

Release year: 2018
Age limit: 12, includes sex scenes
Length: 121 mins.
Subtitles: Finnish
Director: Kore-eda Hirokazu
Cast: Lily Franky, Ando Sakura, Matsuoka Mayu, Kiki Kilin, Jyo Kairi, Sasaki Miyu
Genre: Drama
Free of charge

In co-operation with Helsinki Finnish Adult Education Centre.