Palme d'Or-winning Japanese film screened in Shanghai

Palme d'Or-winning Japanese film “Shoplifters” held a grand screening at the 21st Shanghai International Film Festival on June 23. It won acclaims from local audience and film critics.

The cast of the Japanese drama film, including director Hirokazu Koreeda, actors Jyo Kairi and Matsuoka Mayu, talked with movie fans after the screening.

The heartwarming movie revolves around the life of a poor family whose members have no blood relationship, but there is a close bond of love among all of them. 

Chinese filmmaker Huang Jianxin came from Beijing to Shanghai to attend the screening.

Huang said that Japanese movies have had a strong impact on Chinese cinema since 1980s. In his eyes, director Koreeda is adept at portraying impressive and touching scenes in a natural and simple way.

Director Koreeda said that he likes the movies of Chinese filmmakers Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang.

“Jia Zhangke is also a good friend of mine,” he added. “We talked a lot about what kind of movies we should make. It’s a rewarding experience for me to exchange with Chinese directors.”

It is also the hottest movie screened at this year’s film fest. All of its tickets were sold out online within 30 seconds.