'Shoplifters' set to steal Chinese hearts
By Xu Fan | China Daily | Updated: 2018-06-28 07:38
![](http://img2.chinadaily.com.cn/images/201806/28/5b3441d7a31033495a576df7.jpeg)
Quite a surprise to domestic fans, Kore-eda revealed he has been influenced by renowned Chinese filmmakers such as Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige, and made friends with art house directors Hou Hsiao-hsien and Jia Zhangke.
"These directors helped me think of the type of film I wanted to make, and how to present the stories about my country and society through films," Kore-eda recounted during a post-screening meeting in Shanghai.
Hailed as one of the best Japanese directors to shoot children or teen actors, Kore-eda reveals that he selected 11-year-old Kairi from more than 200 candidates, and encouraged him to perform as naturally as possible.
The movie, also written by Koreeda was purchased by the Beijing-based film company Road Pictures for its Chinese mainland screening in May, and will be distributed by Huayi Brothers.