: The core of the film questions whether family is defined by biological ties or by the choice to care for one another.
: Kore-eda highlights an "invisible" class in Japan—those falling through the cracks of the welfare system. Critics often describe the film as a critique of how the modern state fails its neediest individuals. Manbiki kazoku
Critics from Variety and The Hollywood Reporter highly praised the naturalistic performances: : The core of the film questions whether
“What a beautiful film. Not a real family, but in some ways nicer and more caring than blood relatives.” Godalming Film Society Manbiki kazoku