A year before “Parasites” won an Academy Award for its depiction of the suffering of the underclass, “Shoplifting Families” delivered an emotional film about family trauma and the horrors of poverty. If you like family movies and poignant films that stick with you long after the credits roll, you'll want to check this one out. This month, it landed on Tubi, one of the best free streaming services, making it easier than ever to watch.

Directed, written, and edited by Hirokazu Kore-eda (Monster), “Shoplifting Family” was inspired by a simple question: what is family? Critics appreciated Kore-eda's answer, giving the film a near perfect score of 99% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film also won the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best International Film that year.

But awards and scores are only part of the story. What makes “Shoplifting Families” a must-see is the painfully tender story that follows a family that, like many of us, is simply trying to do right by their loved ones and survive under the painful weight of capitalism. This is a film that will have you smiling from ear to ear one minute and tearing your heart out the next, and here's why Tubi's “Shoplifting Family” should be on your viewing list.

Like the impoverished Kim family in “Parasite,” the Shibata family in “Shoplifting Family” are a tight-knit, poor lot, ostensibly unrelated but barely living under one roof. They live on their grandmother's pension, a few chores, and, after the patriarch Osamu (Lily Franky) loses his job due to injury, shoplifting whatever they need or can sell.

He and his son Shota (Jôhiro Jôhiro) devise a clever system of hand signals to communicate their marks. Despite their criminal lifestyle, they keep a strict code, taking only what they need and keeping a low profile without making waves or causing a scene. In defiance of their code, the Shibatas decide to take in a young girl, Yuri (Miyu Sasaki), who appears to be a victim of abuse.

Unfortunately, this sets off a dangerous chain of events that threatens to tear the family apart. After learning Yuri's true identity and Shota is caught red-handed, the family is put in danger and forced to face the consequences of their actions.

While some dramas can capture the audience's attention with powerful emotions and performances, “Shoplifting Family” takes a low-key approach. Through glimpses into the family's daily life, casual moments at the dinner table, and provocative yet reassuring moments of togetherness, we come to understand Mr. and Mrs. Shibata. It is all a quietly moving masterpiece, made all the more poignant for its subtlety.

If you enjoyed “Parasite,” “Shoplifters” is a more contemplative film, but one that should certainly be on your viewing list nonetheless. Don't be afraid to watch “Shoplifters' Family” without fear of subtitles. It is one of the most heartfelt and memorable films of all time.

Watch “Shoplifting Family” on Tubi now for free