Capsule reviews for Nov. 23

Becoming Astrid

Pippi Longstocking is never mentioned in this biopic about her creator, Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. But the influences behind the beloved children’s book character are apparent throughout this chronicle of Astrid (Alba August) during her younger years. She grows up in a devoutly religious small-town family and interns for a married publisher (Henrik Rafaelsen) who becomes her lover. Their affair causes Astrid to flee and contemplate motherhood on her own. Astrid’s feminist sensibilities provide a compelling perspective on gender politics during the 1930s, while her resilience adds a layer of poignancy. The heartfelt performances outshine the dull direction, although the film avoids cheap sentimentality. (Not rated, 123 minutes).

Of Fathers and Sons

By now, multiple movies have examined the military conflict in Syria from ground level, but this documentary offers a fresh angle through the lens of a filmmaker feigning sympathy to embed with jihadis, where he watches their efforts to indoctrinate young children for the cause. In the process, director Talal Derki returns to his homeland yet manages to maintain an even-handed observational tone amid the harrowing subject matter. The film doesn’t exactly cover new ground when it comes to the beliefs of radical Islamic extremists, but watching them pass down such nonchalant attitudes about violence and murder is appropriately unsettling without providing much hope for peace. (Not rated, 98 minutes).

Shoplifters

This quietly powerful drama from acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda (Our Little Sister) explores surrogate families and socioeconomic disparity in Tokyo through the story of a makeshift family of grifters hiding out from authorities. When they take in a young girl from an abusive household off the streets, they risk potential scrutiny for their good deed. The gritty and evocative film shows compassion for the disenfranchised without passing judgment on the unscrupulous methods of its characters. However, boosted by strong performances, it maintains a firm grasp on the moral complexity of its subject matter with a portrayal that feels both socially conscious and humanely authentic. (Rated R, 121 minutes).